Who are we?
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and โ whenever possible โ for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.
The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.
All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
DRC Syria
DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our six Community Centers.
About the job
The role of the Head of Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (HDP) is to provide the overall people and programme management, programmatic direction, oversight, and leadership to DRCโs nascent but growing HDP portfolio in Syria. This portfolio currently constitutes humanitarian mine action but has the potential of expanding into peacebuilding programming if determined at the strategy development stage. Reporting to the Country Director and with Technical Line Supervision from the HDP Unit in Copenhagen, the Head of HDP is part of the overall DRC senior management team (SMT) and provides strategic input to the overall DRC country operation, including the development and implementation of DRC Syriaโs response strategy. S/he is responsible for programme management and quality, programme strategy, and people management as relevant to the HDP sector in the country and in line with DRC organizational structure.
Duties and Responsibilities
STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND QUALITY:
Develop and update the DRC HDP strategy for Syria linked with the overall strategy development process Define and roll-out of HDP localization processes, including identifying and facilitating capacity-sharing and strengthening support to local and national humanitarian mine actors, including the NMAC or equivalent Define and oversee DRC support to national institutions and authorities to promote national ownership and enhance their capacity to effectively lead and manage mine action functions and responsibilities, including oversight of technical advisors or consultants as relevant. Coordination with other DRC Syria sectors on cross-sector programme planning and implementation (Economic Recovery, Protection, WASH-Shelter and Infrastructure), in close collaboration with the Head of Programmes and other Sector Leads, to integrate (when relevant) Humanitarian Mine Action with other activities to achieve more impact for affected communities. Team guidance and oversight with respect to HDP programme development and leading on roll out of programming focused on conflict sensitive programme adaptation. Guidance and input to development of HDP country-level sector strategies In close collaboration with the MEAL Manager and the Head of Programme, provide technical inputs and support to the development of outcome monitoring, baseline, and endline tools to enhance understanding of the impact of HDP programmingPROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
The Head of HDP will report to the DRC Syria Country Director and have the overall responsibility of DRCโs HDP portfolio in Syria, including planning, implementation, financial management and monitoring. Oversight of project management functions for HMA, including budget follow up, procurement planning and tracking Oversight and coordination of HDP related project deliverables, and project management Input into donor and internal reporting relevant to HDP grants and projectsFUNDRAISING & GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Development of concept notes and project proposals relevant to HDP, including contribution to multi-sector project proposals Internal focal point for all fundraising and donor engagement on HDP programming, in close collaboration with the Country Director and the Grants and Partnerships Manager.EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION & ADVOCACY
In close coordination with the DRC Head of Programme, and the HDP unit in Copenhagen, the Head of HDP will support the Country Director in donor liaison and representation on HDP Liaison and representation with national authorities and UN coordinating agencies under the guidance of the Country Director and in coordination with DRC Syria SMT, including the Ministry of Disaster and Emergency Management, and, as relevant, local authorities and sub-national UN coordinating agencies. Represent DRC in policy, advocacy, and coordination forums, including but not limited to the Mine Actor Area of Responsibility (AoR). Includes representation of DRC on issues relating to conflict sensitivity across the humanitarian sector in Syria. Technical input and review of advocacy and communications briefing notes and materials relevant to HDP in close collaboration with the Advocacy Coordinator.OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT
Roles include coordination of HDP teams and with support units of DRC Syria (HR, Supply Chain, Finance) to deliver and implement in line with DRC procedures. Monitoring outputs and guidance to Operations Manager regarding work planning and course correction. With support from the HMA Operations Manager, the Head of HDP will ensure that operational planning for Battle Area Clearance (BAC), Manual Mine Clearance, Technical and Non-Technical Teams, Community Liaison, and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education are carried out and will maintain a Quality Management (QM) structure that includes monitoring the impact of DRC programming as well as productivity (outputs) and adherence to operational Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and National Mine Action Standards in the field. The Head of HDP will ensure that quality reporting is delivered to the National Mine Action Authority and DRCโs Headquarters Office in a timely manner in close collaboration with the HDP Operations Manager, Grants Manager, and the HDP Unit in Copenhagen. Programme lead for ensuring safety and compliance standards across HDP programming in Syria. Support the CD, HoSS, and Area Manager to guide the establishment efficient Area Office structures that define the responsibilities and accountabilities of the Technical Field Manager and the Area ManagerPEOPLE MANAGEMENT
Manage DRCโs HDP programme staff, including people planning, development, capacity building and performance appraisal Team guidance and oversight of HDP team in Syria, including direct management of the Operations Manager and IM Officer, with potential of additional staff as the portfolio grows (including Peacebuilding Coordinator or Manager). Development of national capacity building and nationalization plans for key roles within the HDP programExperience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)
Education:
HMA technical qualifications are desirable Bachelors or Masters degree in conflict management, conflict prevention, development studies, and social sciences or other relevant field from a recognized institutionLanguages:
Fluency in verbal and written English Proficiency in Arabic is a distinct advantage.In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRCโ five core competencies:
Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.We offer
Contract length: 12 months (extension based on performance and funding)
Level: Management - E
Location: Damascus โ Syria
Expected Start date: 15th of October-2025 (subject to confirmed funding)
Application process
Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the below link:
Head of Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding - Application Form
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.
Applications close 09th of August-2025
Need further information?
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org