Programme Delegate

Danish Red Cross is looking for a Programme Delegate in Syria to lead the strategic and accountable management of programmes funded by donors in Denmark to ensure strategic objectives, programme deliverables, and donor commitments are met, in support of the work of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), in their support to communities in Syria.Danish Red Cross (DRC) has been present in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region since 2002. In Syria, DRC has worked with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) since 2006.DRC and SARC are committed to the Geneva Conventions and the International Movement’s seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.DRC aims to continue enhancing its effective partnership with the Host National Society (HNS), i.e. SARC through targeted national society development (NSD) efforts and in support of the delivery of programming to the Syrian population. DRC also maintains a programme supporting the Palestine Red Crescent Society branch in Syria (PRCS/S) in their support to the Palestinian community in Syria.Organisation: Danish Red Cross (DRC)Duty Station: Damascus, Syria (with regular travel to project site locations in consultation with and support from SARC)Reports to: Country Manager, Avril ElliottSupervises: N/APurpose of the RoleThe Programme Delegate (PD) will ensure the overall strategic direction, coordination, management and accountability for the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), DRC, and Novo Nordisk (NN A/S) supported projects. Projects cut across the humanitarian – development – peacebuilding nexus, ranging from supporting SARC and PRCS/S’s work in emergency to early recovery programming.They will act as the primary liaison between the Danish Red Cross country/regional/HQ team, donors, the Host National Societies and key stakeholders. The role covers project cycle management (PCM), project management, capacity sharing, strategic direction, humanitarian diplomacy and fundraising.In case of emergency interventions, the Programme Delegate is overall responsible for the proposal development of an emergency response, preparing project documents (including partner agreements), and following the DRC Emergency Intervention protocols.The role requires flexibility to undertake tasks assigned by the Country Manager in line with contextual developments and needs.ResponsibilitiesProject Cycle Management (PCM)* Oversee and ensure the effective, efficient, timely, quality and accountable implementation of all stages of the project cycle, recognising and supporting the Host National Societies’ role as implementing partner, and in support of the strategic priorities of the HNS. * Directly responsible to ensure all compliance and contractual commitments are met. * In support of the HNS, ensure regular Quality Assurance is undertaken, with any necessary adaptations implemented, in accordance with principles and standards. * Enhance the focus on learning and evidence generation. * Facilitate regular coordination, planning, and review meetings and workshops and actively support the convening of technical discussions. Prepare and oversee relevant action points and recommendations. * Coordinate and compile all narrative reports, budget oversight and management. * Close coordination with the DRC Finance Delegate on financial management and reporting. * Facilitate mid-term / interim review and final evaluation missions, including preparation of Terms of Reference (TORs) and Quality Assurance (QA) of reports.Project Management* Accountable for the delivery of actions under Danish Red Cross (DRC) portfolio. * Close engagement and support to the HNS to ensure timely and quality project delivery, within budget, and in line with Accountability to Affected populations (AAP). * Liaise with all relevant stakeholders on their respective tasks and accountabilities to actively find solutions to challenges, elevating issues for support, as necessary. * Engage with and seek support from sectoral technical capacities within DRC and the RCRC Movement, as standard. * Ensure synergy between the projects and other DRC-funded activities in Syria through effective communication, sharing of experiences and lessons learned. * Actively and regularly share information and updates with stakeholders, as relevant. * In support of the Country Manager, ensure close engagement with SARC leadership on strategic priorities and work with and support SARC in cross-departmental coordination, communication, and planning.Capacity Sharing* Facilitate, promote, and oversee multi-way capacity sharing with the HNS. * Ensure support to the HNS in the roll-out of accountability mechanisms. * Work with relevant HNS staff to attend relevant trainings and facilitate mentorship in relation to the portfolio. * Support the HNS the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as relevant to the portfolio. * In line with HNS priorities, within the parameters of donor regulations and in complement of and complemented by other aligned programmes, support the emphasis on area-based interventions.Strategic Direction* Stay abreast of the broader humanitarian and recovery context in the country, the region and sector (globally) to ensure continued and enhanced relevance of the work. * Lead in reviewing and enhancing the strategic direction of the Danish funded interventions in Syria, including opportunities for greater coordination, efficiencies, quality, reach, and impact, and complementarity with other actors and actions, inside and outside the RCRC movement. * Develop recommendations for the enhancement of the strategic partnership with the HNS vis-à-vis Danish funding, in line with HNS strategic priorities, and DRC’s technical capacities. * Inform the strategic priorities for the potential upcoming Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), strategic funding cycle, in Syria. * Inform the strategic engagement with Novo Nordisk (NN A/S) on current and potential future programming.Humanitarian Diplomacy and Fundraising* In support of HNS, ensure informed and regular key messages, aligned with HNS strategic priorities and evidence of impact, are shared with relevant stakeholders, including donors in Denmark. * When requested, represent DRC and associated strategic priorities internally within the movement and externally with complementary stakeholders in the humanitarian and recovery sector and with donors. * Actively seek out complementary funding opportunities and lead the development of bids. * Develop and maintain communications products on the unique added value of the programming, in close collaboration with the HNS and DRC team.Experience and QualificationsEssential* A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian and/or recovery and/or development project management and programming. * Demonstrated capacities and experience of working with local and/or national humanitarian or development actors and commitment to the Localisation agenda. * Strategy development and implementation experience within a humanitarian or recovery context * Significant Project Cycle Management (PCM), Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), project and budget management experience. * Diplomacy, communication, coordination, negotiation, networking and facilitation skills. * Ability to think and operate strategically while maintaining attention to detail. * A degree in a relevant field such as social and/or political science, international and/or community development, or similar. * Fluent in English, spoken and written (C1 level)Desirable* Knowledge of Arabic. * Experience working within and outside the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement. * Experience working in Southwest Asia or Syria context is highly desirable. * Sectoral expertise in Health, including Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and/or MHPSS programming.Employment conditionsThis is a 12-month position, with possibility for an extension inclusive of a 3-month probationary period. The duty station is Damascus in Syria, which is currently a non-family duty station with a paid 7-day Rest & Recuperation (R&R) break (inclusive of 2 travel days) for every 10 weeks. The R&R cycle is reviewed in a yearly basis or in response to a significant change in the context. Regular travel to programme areas within Syria is obligatory to the extent that the security situation permits.The contract will be administered in accordance with the Danish Red Cross Terms & Conditions for Delegates. Attractive salary package, depending on qualifications and experience.Further informationFor any specific and highly urgent questions regarding the position, Avril Elliott [email protected] can be contacted.Your application and CV should be uploaded at DRC web page www.rodekors.dk/job. Applications made by email will not be accepted. The deadline for applications is 01/04/2026 22:59. Interviews and tests are expected to take place immediately thereafter i.e. the week beginning Sunday, April 5th.Expected start date: 1 May 2026We look forward hearing from you!HOW TO APPLYApply through the following link: Programme Delegate I Røde Kors