Humanitarian Fund Director

Introduction

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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

DRC has been operating in West Africa since 1998 and in Latin America and the Caribbean since 2011. The DRC West-North Africa & Latin America (WANALAC) Regional Office is based in Dakar, Senegal, and covers several countries. Led by the Regional Executive Director, the DRC WANALAC oversees, supports, and provides strategic directions for DRC’s Country Offices within the above-mentioned regions. From May 2022, it will include Algeria*, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Colombia, Libya*, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Tunisia*, Venezuela.

Purpose

The DRC WANALAC is looking to recruit an experienced, highly qualified, and enthusiastic professional. The DRC WANALAC is in discussion to be the Fund Managing Director for the Sahel Regional Fund (hereafter: SRF), which will be a strategic regional fund.

The Fund Managing Director will be based in Dakar with frequent travel to the field (25%). This position is a senior one, requiring a strong previous experience in senior management positions. This position also requires a full professional proficiency in French language.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the authority of the Regional Executive Director who is the line manager, and under the functional management of the appointed Chair of the Board who is ensuring the SRF Fund Managing Director work to meet functional objectives for the management of the Fund, and in close coordination with the DRC Regional team and Headquarters, the Fund Managing Director will

The main responsibilities and tasks of the Fund Managing Director are the following:

Strategic Leadership and management

• • Exercising strategic leadership i.e. leading the development, management and implementation of SRF regional strategy and MEAL framework, as well as the Operation Frameworks which will include chapter on grant management, compliance, vetting and due diligence process, risk management and financial management – Ensuring that the SRF is organised, managed in order to pursue new funding opportunities while at the same time operating in compliance with DRC minimum requirements, DRC Operations Handbook, the donor and local legislation requirements and ensuring that proper risk management systems are in place in order to provide appropriate levels of security and controls over the organization’s resources. – Actively contribute to joint fundraising efforts and explore the setting-up of a separate SRF legal entity in the long term. – Lead and manage direct reports (including people planning, performance, well-being and development).

Fund management

• • Lead call for proposals for the catalytic window and based on new funding opportunities – S/he will ensure that an independent evaluation committee is established and endorsed by the Board, and that it evaluates project proposals and submit evaluations – according to the guidelines approved by the Governance Board – for review, discussion and decision-making of the board. – Based on the proposed risk management framework, he/she ensure the review of the aggregated project risks in a consolidated risk matrix and present it to DRC and the donor to ensure this remain in the overall risk appetite for the fund. He/she will ensure it is implemented, monitor progress on implementing mitigations measures and escalate risks to the Board according to the risk appetite statement. – S/he will organise Board meetings on quarterly basis to update the board members on progress of actions and projects, outcomes of project’s monitoring (both financially and programmatically), most serious risks, contextual analysis on emerging crisis and major trends. – Lead the revision of the SRF strategy and frameworks based on learning.

Grant management system and strategic planning

• S/he will be responsible for the entire grant management cycle and for SRF strategic planning processes.
• S/he will be responsible for establishing grant management systems in coordination with the SRF MEAL and the finance department.
• Ensure quality and timely submission of consolidated donor narrative and financial reports.
• Liaise with donor(s) relating to specific grant programmatic issues.

Risk and compliance

• Strengthen, further develop, and ensure implementation of the SRF Risk and Compliance strategy and action plan.

Representation

• • Increase the visibility and credibility of SRF in the area and maintain close relations with all relevant stakeholders including donors. – Lead communication and joint advocacy initiatives to the Board for review and endorsement and rolls them out.

In addition to the above, the Fund Managing Director may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Regional Executive Director or the Chair of the Governance Board.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics or other relevant field.
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience (including 5 years at senior management level) in international emergency and/or post-conflict settings, preferably working with displaced populations
• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management
• At least 8 years’ experience in effective people management, including implementation of code of conduct and anti-corruption measures
• Highly developed skills and demonstrated capacity in developing and driving regional program strategy, organizational process and mechanisms that ensures compliance to internal procedures and guidelines in large scale and complex humanitarian operations
• Experience in writing high quality proposals for large donors, such as DFID, EU, ECHO, USAID, OFDA, UNHCR, and other UN agencies
• Knowledge of donor rules and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize large workloads, to consistently meet deadlines and adapt in a complex and challenging work environment
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with INGOs and international organizations with the following sectors in their portfolio – protection, food security and nutrition, WASH, shelter, NFIs and health
• Proficiency in common computer packages i.e. Word, Excel, Power point etc
• Experience living and working in a cross-cultural, multi-sector, team environment
• Ability to work well under pressure and in adverse conditions
• Demonstrated commitment and strict adherence to confidentiality
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and French