Who are we?
In 2003, DRC became one of the first organisations to provide humanitarian assistance in the country. Today, DRC continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable displacement-affected families, including IDPs, returnees, and host communities in Basra, Baqubah, Jalawla, Gatoon, Baghdad, Muqdadiya, Balad, Aziz Balad, Samarra, Duhok, Tel Afar, Baaโj, Sinjar, and Erbil.
Find more about DRC operations in Iraq here: Iraq | DRC Danish Refugee Council
Danish Refugee Council, one of the worldโs leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Consultant to facilitate Countering Disinformation and Misinformation in Baghdad.
Overall purpose of the role:
As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Head of Programme drives the overall country strategy, in line with DRCโs global and regional strategies as well as needs and contextual developments on the ground. The HoP oversees the conceptualization and development of programmes, supports the CD in fundraising and donor engagement, and is responsible for ensuring programmatic quality in addition to the effective management of grants. The position manages a team of technical programme staff at the CO level and is responsible for ensuring programmatic quality standards are met across the board, including through robust MEAL processes, capitalization of learning and cross-cutting issues (protection and age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming). The HoP actively engages with partners, civil society and the donor community to ensure DRCโs views and priorities are represented. S/he plays a key role in ensuring adherence to policies and systems.
Responsibilities:
Programme Strategy & Development
Program Quality & Coordination
Provide oversight, guidance, and leadership on all aspects of program design, development and quality assurance. Ensure programming is principled and in line with Core Humanitarian Standards, Sphere Standards and other relevant legal frameworks. Ensure there are systems and tools in place for conflict sensitive programming including do-no harm approaches to programming. Develop a close and productive working relationship with Area Offices (implementation teams) to ensure by-in of quality standards and processes, and that designs and course corrections are evidence based and informed by learning. Ensure the implementation of effective and participatory Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning strategies at all levels of the country program. Facilitate collaboration and the utilization of global and regional technical support in areas of new programmatic initiatives (localization, greening, innovation etc.). Ensure Information Management is embedded in DRCโs programme and that data management adheres to GDPR and other data protection protocols including PIM. Adopt an evidence-based approach that sees the dissemination of lessons learned and best practices within DRC country and regional teams, to donors and to other stakeholders when relevant in order ensure synergetic programming and cross-program collaboration in Iraq and in the whole region. Supervise monitoring and evaluation of the operations to ensure the overall implementation is in accordance with agreed work plans, donor agreements and humanitarian accountability frameworks.Fundraising, and Grants Management
Ensure proposals are in line with the Strategic Plan and Sector Strategies, and that they are submitted in a timely manner and with quality. Ensure effective and transparent budgeting, planning and follow-up in compliance with DRC policies and priorities as well as donor rules and regulations. Ensure grants opening, review, and closure meetings take place systematically. Ensure quality control of donor reports and authorize the submissions of these and proposals to HQ/donors.Donor liaison, Partnerships and Representation
Support the Country Director in representing DRC Iraq to current and potential donors. Cultivate key relationships that enhance DRCโs visibility and credibility, and position DRC as a key displacement focused organization in Iraq. Review and oversee implementation of the CSO partnership strategy and promote DRCโs localization agenda within DRC Iraq. Identify local NGOs/partners and develop partnerships with relevant and complementary partners.Direct staff management:
Ensure that technical managers, coordinators, and specialists under HoP line management have clear and realistic performance-based management goals. Provide on-going support and coaching and ensure that line managed staff have the required capacities to fulfil their responsibilities. When needed, work with the SMT to adapt the programโs structure according to budget availability and needs.Other
In close collaboration with the broader Senior Management Team, lead by example to ensure continual progress towards DRCโs Age, Gender, and Diversity policy and AGD programmatic minimum standards, and promote compliance with DRCโs commitment to zero-tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy. Other duties as requested by the Country Director.
Experience and technical competencies:
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, leadership, and design in conflict affected countries and post-conflict contexts. Demonstrated experience and skill in proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Proven experience in effectively coordinating with National Governments, International and National NGO partners and a variety of donors. Preferably previous successful experience with DRC. Proven experience in managing integrated programs as well as capacity building. Full professional proficiency in English is required. Kurdish and Arabic languages are desirable.
Education:
University degree in International Development and/or Humanitarian Assistance, Project Management, or any other related field.
Languages:
Fluent in English. Arabic/Kurdish Desirable.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRCโs 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRCโs values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.We offer
Contract length: 12 Months Position Band: E Management Level 1 Suggested start date: 7 December 2025 Duty station: Erbil (frequent travel to field) Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Councilโs Terms of Employment for Nationals.
Application process
Interested to apply? All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing date for applications: 18 October 2025
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.