Head of Operations

Head of Operations

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 – whenever possible – 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.

Overall purpose of the role
Overall responsibility for the operational set up and programmatic direction of DRC’s emergency response in Gaza. The role will oversee the technical design including modalities, quality control, the recruitment and technical supervision and management of DRC’s emergency team and portfolio within the country including partnership establishment and support services to enable the response. The role will be responsible for the management, coordination, and representation of the newly established country operation to engage with stakeholders to foster partnerships and effective information flow.

Duties and Responsibilities
Country Operation establishment

• Lead on the establishment of DRC’s operations and emergency response in Gaza whether remote or in-country and with support from DRC’s regional office (Support Services and Programmes).
• Drive DRC’s efforts in the mapping and selection of Palestinian partners for service delivery and position DRC as a ‘partner of choice’.
• Build strategic partnerships with local actors to enable a DRC presence and response in the oPt
• Identify and drive fundraising efforts for DRC in Gaza/oPt.
• Manage and set the direction of a potential response team.

Project Delivery

• Ensure timely and quality delivery of all DRC Emergency Response activities, including immediate needs component and capacity building component.
• Provide timely and methodical updates regarding needs and trends specific to the response to relevant regional and HQ focal point.
• Develop and monitor detailed operational plans for all Emergency project activities in accordance with the overall Emergency Response Logframe.
• Track and monitor expenditure of emergency programming monthly and ensure burn-rates remain on track and that expenditure is compliant with relevant SOPs and DRC and donor regulations and requirements.
• Oversee the planning, coordination and implementation of a multi-sector assessment of conflict affected communities to inform humanitarian actors of key needs.
• Coordinator with the regional sector leads to ensure linkages with Protection and Economic Recovery programming are leveraged.
• Ensure delivery of all project outputs while identifying potential barriers to implementation and find solutions to ensure project continuance.
• Ensure informative sessions are conducted in a timely manner and ensure the project team is recording feedback (comments, suggestions) and report back on issues of concern with recommended areas of intervention.

Representation

• Represent DRC in national coordination fora and to donors.
• Establish strategic relationships with local actors and coordinate efforts in close cooperation with the other team members.
• Ensure DRC’s principles and approaches to emergencies are integrated into the response.
• Follow the humanitarian principles, standards and guidelines that DRC is committed to, and ensure these are adhered to by DRC staff, partner staff and volunteers.

Preparedness

• Lead in preparedness planning, including establishing and maintaining the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, and strategies.
• Develop and maintain tools, guidance, and training materials on all aspects of emergency response activities.

MEAL

• Ensure transparency and accountability tools, processes, and mechanisms for affected communities are in place.
• Ensure equal participation by all segments of the community, taking into consideration issues regarding gender, age, ethnicity, and religious affiliations.
• Regularly monitor project activities and provide timely input and feedback.
• Ensure results frameworks indicators are tracked and that timely monitoring, evaluation, learning, and accountability mechanisms are in place.

Supervision

• Provide support and technical second-line supervision to DRC response team members and partners as and when they are identified.
• Work cross departmentally to ensure project staff and activities comply with DRC policy and procedures, Sphere standards and best-practice.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Required Experience and Technical Competencies:
• Minimum 6 years of practical experience in sector area working for an INGO or similar organisation
• Experience in establishing a new geographical area or country operation in a humanitarian context.
• Documented skills in project planning and design, drafting, calculation and technical writing.
• Experience delivering large-scale Cash and Voucher and in-kind Food and NFI programming
• Experience working with national partners, local/government authorities, and UN organisations
• Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Advanced English proficiency

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Fluency or strong working knowledge of Arabic desirable

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:

• Master's degree in political science, international development, economics or other relevant field

We offer
Contract length: (12) Months, with possibility of extension depending on funding availability

Position Band: This position will be placed at Management (E1) band

Start date: December 2024

Duty station: Ramallah / Amman

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals or Expatriates. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]

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: October 06, 2024

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.

Department: , Amman

Location: Ramallah / Amman

Application deadline: 06 Oct 2024