Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Programme Specialist - Liaison and Partnership Specialist.
About the job
The Liaison and Partnership Coordinator will play a critical role in facilitating DRC’s access, operations, and partnerships across East (and South Libya when needed). This includes strengthening relationships with local authorities, civil society actors, humanitarian partners, and community leaders to support current and future programming.
The position requires a strategic communicator who can navigate complex administrative systems and foster collaboration to support humanitarian goals. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Liaison and Representation:
- Serve as the primary focal point with local authorities including ministries municipalities levels, and relevant governmental and non-governmental entities in East and South Libya.
- Facilitate approvals, permits, and coordination required for operations, staff movement, and program implementation.
- Represent DRC in relevant coordination meetings and stakeholder forums to promote organizational interests and ensure alignment with local frameworks.
- Monitor and interpret local administrative and context developments that may impact operations.
- Jointly with DRC’s partnership unit, liaise with sub-grants partners to ensure the process is clear and all documents are received and updated on the system.
- Demonstrate competencies in drafting official letters in both languages (Arabic and English)
Operational and Program Support:
- Support field teams in obtaining timely approvals for program activities, site access, and logistical facilitation.
- Assist in resolving access challenges, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and operational impediments.
- Coordinate with logistics, security, and program teams to ensure smooth field operations and staff deployments.
Strategic Engagement and Entry Point Analysis:
- Identify and assess opportunities for expanding or initiating programming in under-served or priority areas.
- Provide contextual analysis, local dynamics, and potential partners or entry points.
- Support needs assessments, field visits, and donor missions by organizing meetings and access arrangements with local actors.
Reporting and Documentation:
- Maintain records of key meetings, communications, and agreements with stakeholders.
- Experience in drafting MoUs.
- Provide regular updates and analysis on access, coordination, and liaison matters to senior management.
- Contribute to reporting requirements for donors, clusters, and internal management as needed.
About you
To be successful in this role, we expect you to have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development sectors, with at least 2 years in a liaison, coordination, or external relations role. Moreover, we also expect the following:
Required
- Strong understanding of the context and humanitarian landscape in East and South Libya.
- Proven experience in engaging with local authorities, community leaders, and civil society actors.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, Cultural sensitivity, and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to travel frequently and work in dynamic field environments.
- University degree in Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Fluency in written and spoken Arabic
- Fluency in written and spoken English
Desirable
- Experience working with both government and INGOs /or UN agencies in liaison role.
- Prior work experience in access negotiation or humanitarian coordination.
- Knowledge of humanitarian principles and operational standards.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
We offer
Contract length: 6 months contract
Band: G non-management level 2
Start date: 31/08/2025
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national please refer to our website. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Rym Cherif, [email protected].
Application process
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: 31/07/2025.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
Working at DRC
Help applying
DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.