Introduction
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income-generating activities, and a wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable, and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries.
Background
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015 and has experience working in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the BAY states and Northwest Nigeria (Sokoto and Zamfara). DRC provides life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including IDPs, returnees, and host communities in the sectors of armed violence reduction, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter, and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
The operational contexts in northeastern and northwestern Nigeria remain challenging, as the ongoing conflict impedes conflict-affected communities’ access to what limited basic services are available, as well as DRC and other humanitarians’ access to persons of concern.
Purpose
To provide effective and quality technical strategic direction and technical advisory to the implementation team and Country Office team, to spearhead fundraising for WASH and Shelter sector and to represent DRC in technical coordination bodies and working groups.
Duties and Responsibilities
The role is dedicated to technical coordination, advisory, fundraising and representing DRC in relevant technical forums and working groups. The WASH and Shelter Coordinator is responsible for formulating technical strategy for DRC Nigeria bringing innovative modalities to the sector with emphasis on Value for Money and Going Green. The Coordinator will provide technical advisory to the implementation team and to the Technical Unit in line with the technical and country strategy. The role will be responsible for representing DRC in relevant technical forums and working groups on country level and area level, should that be necessary, and supporting the Head of Programme in fundraising efforts for their sector through well-designed strategy, timely updates, advisory and sector engagement.
The main responsibilities and tasks of the WASH and Shelter Coordinator:
Technical Coordination and Advisory
- Provide technical advisory to the implementation teams on any stage of programme implementation.
- Lead on creation and roll out of the technical strategy with emphasis on needs of the affected communities, innovation, and environment.
- Support the Head of Programmes on creating the Country Programme Strategy.
- Provide technical inputs and review to proposals, reports, assessments and evaluations in line with the technical strategy.
- Provide technical capacity building to implementation teams and partners.
- Prepare learning/knowledge products, SoPs and guidelines covering innovative approaches and good practices.
- Initiate and contribute to sector capacity gap analysis and design capacity strengthening initiatives.
- Analyze Nigeria WASH and Shelter sector challenges, trends, and outcomes using available frameworks and tools.
Representation, Fundraising and Advocacy
- Lead DRC’s WASH and Shelter representation at national and area-level coordination forums.
- Engage stakeholders (NGOs, donors, government) to promote DRC’s programmes and support fundraising efforts.
- Seek out new viable partnerships and funding opportunities aligned with sector strategy.
- Produce advocacy materials for awareness, partnership building, and fundraising support.
- Participate in global and regional initiatives relevant to WASH and Shelter sectors.
- Undertake other duties as assigned by the Head of Programme, within the job description scope.
Experience and Technical Competencies
Required
- At least 5 years’ experience in technical management and advisory in WASH and Shelter sectors.
- Proven experience with proposal and report writing.
- Experience drafting technical SoPs, papers, and analysis with focus on innovation and environment.
- Experience representing in clusters, working groups, and technical bodies.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and coordination skills.
- Experience in emergency response with INGOs, preferably humanitarian contexts.
- Proficient in English, capable of producing quality formal reports and communications.
- Master’s degree in Civil/Water Engineering, Architecture, or Construction.
Desirable
- Experience with capacity building for national partners.
- Knowledge of the Nigeria context.
Knowledge and Skills
- Able to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Resilient and able to work under stress and heavy workloads.
- Strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.
- Impactful communication tailored to diverse audiences.
- Adaptable to hardship environments and multicultural teams.
Note: This job description is not an exhaustive list of skills, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
We Offer
- Contract length: One (01) Year, with possibility of extension based on funding.
- Workplace: Maiduguri, with frequent travel to NW Nigeria.
- Start date: When the right candidate is identified.
- Salary and conditions: As per DRC National salary structure (Nigerian terms).
General Regulations
Application Process
- Submit a cover letter (max 1 page) outlining motivation and suitability.
- Submit an updated CV (max 4 pages).
- Deadline: Rolling review. Submissions after 16th July 2025 will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for written tests and interviews.
For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit:
www.drc.dk
DRC is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.