JOB DESCRIPTION

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 fulfilment 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-profitmaking, 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.

Overall purpose of the role

The Shelter & Settlement Coordinator is responsible for the strategic development, overall quality and impact of DRC’s Shelter and Settlements (S&S) programme, with a strong underlying Disaster Risk Reduction lens. S/He is expected to set up/start up a S&S response for DRC Colombia in designated informal settlements, carrying out the necessary technical assessments, team technical supervision and training, and lead technical implementation of S&S activities. The S&S Coordinator will also contribute to the sector strategy development in line with existing DRC programme strategy and participate and represent DRC in key coordination meetings.

Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Ensure the launch of quality control and standard-compliant S&S-focused DRR projects in designated areas
• Ensure smooth and timely implementation of S&S activities (assessments, planning, BoQs, training, design material, and implementation supervision) according to established workplans and projects’ outcome/outputs
• Overview of project forecast and spending plans of S&S projects/components
• Support MEAL’s unit in developing adequate S&S-specific monitoring and evaluation tools
• Contribute to donor engagement events and external and internal reports as needed
• Participate in/take the lead where necessary in projects’ kick-off, follow-up, and closure meetings, ensuring accountability for project’ commitments.

Technical support

• Provide strategic and technical guidance to programme staff; developing tools/guidance such as SOPs for different modalities for S&S activities in line with the existing at global level and in close collaboration with the Global S&S Sector Lead
• Provide technical support on the recruitment of S&S programme staff, including development of Terms of Reference (ToRs), written test and interview guides
• Ensure technical supervision of S&S programme staff, including participation in performance evaluations
• Facilitate capacity building for team members to develop stronger shelter expertise in-country. This includes coaching, capacity and mentor building for S&S/DRR staff in close collaboration with the Global S&S Sector Lead.

Programme/strategic development

• Analyse existing data/information on S&S in areas of interest; develop and undertake S&S needs assessments in key areas according to DRC programme strategy to inform program design and wider sector strategic direction, in particular exploring how S&S interventions can contribute to DRR in displacement/migration settings
• Support the HoP and programme team in the development of project proposals, design of workplans and budgets for S&S, and S&S focused DRR interventions
• Identify and develop DRR strategic and complementary entry points for DRC S&S programme, including exploring and developing strategic partnerships contributing to quality and scaling up of programmes.
• Play a proactive role in integrating shelter strategy with other sector strategies to ensure maximum impact;
• Working collaboratively with the Global S&S Sector Lead and other technical specialists/coordinators to ensure minimum protection standards are mainstreamed.

Coordination and representation

• Represent DRC in key coordination meetings such as the national Shelter & Settlements Cluster and the Multisector Response Working Group
• Represent DRC towards external stakeholders, including humanitarian partners, donors, authorities, etc. acting as DRC’s focal point for relevant coordination fora.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 5 years’ experience working for international humanitarian organizations in complex conflict settings, 3 years in managerial and/or coordination role
• Previous experience working in the context of urban displacement/migration
• Previous experience working with Shelter and Settlements and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) approaches and concepts
• Solid experience in project development and management, including the ability to lead on assessments, design, including implementation, monitoring, with good skills in proposal writing/reporting and budget
• Excellent technical knowledge of shelter technical standards and principles with demonstrated capacity to develop effective responses/modalities to identified shelter needs
• Commitment to integrate protection and accountability into programming
• Strong coordination capacity with proven representational skills
• Demonstrated ability in thinking creatively and practically to improve the quality of programming and achieve greater impact
• Strong capacity building, facilitation, and presentation skills

Ability to work flexibly in a diverse team, with proven leadership skills

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Civil Engineering

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking 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.

We offer

• The opportunity to join one of the world”s leading NGOs.:
• Contract type: Type of Contract: National or expat contract – contract (Obra o labor)
• Band: F Manager
• Duty Station: Riohacha, Colombia
• Start date: 1st october 2025 ( depending on availability of funds)

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Colombian Laws.

Applications close on September 19, 2025 at 11:59 am (GMT-time). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Note 1: The applicant who applies to this selection process authorizes DRC to validate the personal information provided in the CV. Your identification will be checked in public and private databases for the exclusive use of validating the information, in accordance with our anti-fraud, money laundry and terrorist financing policies.

Note 2: The applicant who freely and voluntarily wishes to take part in the selection process to occupy the position of this publish, must observe strict adherence to the rules that apply to the matter (suitability in the titles presented, execution of tests in a personal and individual and truthfulness in the information) adhering to the manuals and anti-fraud policies of DRC, under penalty of disqualifying the applicant who incurs in any irregularity in the opinion of the organization, even by suspicion, and even in possible criminal conduct under Colombian law.