Country Director, occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) - Middle East & North Africa Region

InfoMiddle EastMiddle East & North Africa RegionRamallah/Jerusalem/AmmanExpatriate or national contract25 Sep 202510 Oct 2025174473Who are we?The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency pursuing our mandate to protect and promote durable solutions to displacement-affected populations based on humanitarian principles. Our response in the occupied Palestinian territory is centred on empowering conflict affected communities to meet their basic needs and promoting safety and dignity by addressing protection risks. Operating from two hubs in Deir al Balah and Gaza City, and with a coordination office in Ramallah and a representation office in East Jerusalem, the DRC maintains an active presence with over 30 national and international staff and four civil society partners. DRC now aims to grow our operation into a Country Office, as part of the Middle East Hub, which also comprises Türkiye, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan.About the roleThe Country Director for occupied Palestinian Territory will drive the scale-up and sustainability of operations. The CD plays a strong leadership role in DRC’s comprehensive and solutions-based approach to displacement through a high level of strategic leadership, innovation and effective advocacy. He/she is ultimately accountable in country for all aspects of DRC’s work, leading the consolidation and at the same time development of the programme, continuing the process of developing solid impact measurement mechanisms, strengthening accountability initiatives and ensuring that the financial management and organizational setup is adapted to the operational context. The Country Director sets direction, leads, maintains team morale, safety and welfare, and manages resources. He/she delegates specific duties as necessary, while maintaining oversight and accountability. This is an excellent opportunity for a principled, experienced leader who has an appropriate risk appetite, experience in high-insecurity environment and can manage adaptively in very fluid contexts.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.RepresentationRepresent the programme to authorities, donors, partners, and in various co-ordination fora;Strengthen DRC’s position nationally and regionallyEnsure that DRC maintains excellent and productive relations with all key stakeholders, especially beneficiaries, local authorities, the humanitarian community and donorsDirect managerial oversight and supportConduct overall management of the country operation and provide direct line management to senior staff members. Ensure systems are in place for performance management and career development of staff.Ensure that the senior management team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in decision makingConduct frequent travel to the field offices for direct operational support and representation;Ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirementsFundraising and AdvocacyBe responsible for all donor engagement and fundraising efforts to ensure solid growth of the country portfolio in size and reputationLead on implementation of DRC’s advocacy strategy and lead on advocacy efforts at all relevant coordination forumsSafetyProvide overall accountability for security, including development of and ensuring adherence to security procedures, monitoring of the security situation, analysing and provision of recommendationsBe accountable for ensuring that DRC country programme is delivered in a safe and secure mannerSupport ServicesBe responsible for the financial health of the organization, working with the Head of Support Services to ensure that requisite systems are implemented to provide overall budget monitoring and financial management, ensuring compliance with minimum DRC and donor requirementsManage the resources allocated effectively and transparently by respecting and meeting all legal requirements in countryEnsure coaching and counselling advice to staff when necessary and lead initiatives to develop staff capacityProgramme developmentBe responsible for ensuring an enabling environment for development and implementation of a robust programme strategy that is within DRC’s overall regional and global strategic frameworksAccountability and QualityEnsure that DRC standard regulations and operational procedures (Code of Conduct, DRC Management handbooks, CHS standards, etc) are followedUtilize the Program Cycle Management tool to ensure sound, quality, accountable programmingExperience and technical competencies:To be successful in this role we expect you to have minimum eight years’ management experience in emergency/development contexts as country director/senior manager of a humanitarian or development organization or similar, moreover, we also expect the following:(8) years of relevant senior management experience at an international development organization;(3) years of experience as a Country DirectorStrong experience in leadership in conflict contextExperience representing a large and leading organization to donors, external partners and authorities;Experience with networking, advocacy and coordination;Experience in managing staff in insecure/stressful locations;Experience with conflict related displacement issues;Experience of managing budgets and multiple donor contracts;Experience in donor contact, fundraising and networking;Experience working in the Middle East region and Syria (preferred);Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management;Proven communicator with all types of stakeholders; andProven commitment to accountable practices and knowledge of quality assurance systemsLanguagesFull proficiency in written and spoken EnglishArabic language skills are considered an asset.In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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 DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.Education:Bachelors degree in human rights, social sciences, media, or related discipline is compulsory. Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous.We offerContract length: 12 MonthsPosition Band: This position will be placed at Management band (D)Start date: January 01, 2026Duty station: Ramallah/Jerusalem/AmmanSalary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or Nationals. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]Application processInterested 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.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, DRC reserves the right of conducting tests and interviews before the closing date, and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.Closing date for applications: October 10, 2025For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.