Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.
DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and implements emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.
DRC is currently looking for a Support Services Specialist (Localization Strategy) in Kyiv. The position is open for international applicants as well as Ukrainian citizens.
About the job
The Support Services Specialist (Localization Strategy) is a new position created to strengthen the implementation of DRC’s localization agenda within the support services functions in Ukraine. The position will play a pivotal role in both internal transformation (ensuring that HR, Finance, and Supply Chain teams internalize and apply the localization strategy) and external engagement (ensuring that support services departments contribute meaningfully to the capacity strengthening of local partners).
The Support Services Specialist (Localization Strategy) will work closely with the different support service departments (HR, Finance, and Supply Chain) at Country Office and Area offices to develop tools, processes, and approaches that enable DRC to provide more effective and structured capacity building to its local partners.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Internal implementation of localization strategy
- Ensure support services (HR, Finance, and Supply Chain) understand and integrate localization priorities into their daily operations, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinate cross-departmental working groups and ensure joint planning and accountability on localization goals.
- Monitor and report on progress, challenges, and opportunities in the implementation of the localization strategy across support services.
Support to capacity strengthening of local partners
- Develop a capacity-building assessment tool for each department and support the support services departments in applying it effectively.
- Design and coordinate capacity building plans for local partners in close collaboration with the focal point from each department.
- Facilitate tools, guidelines, and training sessions adapted to local partner needs, in collaboration with relevant department.
Coordination and change management
- Serve as the focal point between support services and the partnerships teams to ensure that the capacity building assessment of the local partners is on track and to provide feedback on the improvements.
- Identify internal barriers to localization and propose concrete solutions or adjustments in workflows, policies, or attitudes.
- Promote a culture of ownership, learning, and accountability around localization within support services.
Develop budgeting and reporting tools development for local partners
- Lead on the review, development, and rollout of customized budgeting and financial reporting tools for use by local partners.
- Ensure tools are user-friendly, aligned with donor and organizational requirements, and capable of producing timely, accurate financial reports.
- Train DRC Partnership staff (finance) on how to use the tools and ensure consistent application across partner organizations
Partner Capacity Assessment
- Participate in the planning and facilitation of local partner capacity assessments, focusing on finance, accounting, and supply chain management systems.
- Lead and coordinate local partner capacity assessments, focusing on evaluating systems, controls, and financial compliance.
- Analyze assessment results to develop tailored capacity-building plans and tools, and work with partners and internal teams to monitor implementation and measure progress.
- Contribute to the development (review) and adaptation of standardized partner capacity assessment tools (e.g. due diligence forms).
About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 3-5 years of practical experience in Finance, Human Resources and Supply chain in international and/or national NGOs and demonstrating experience with capacity building of local NGOs, including development of tools and processes. Moreover, we also expect the following:
Required
- At least 3 years of experience working in support services (HR, Finance, and/or Supply Chain) in humanitarian or development contexts.
- Experience working with local partners or civil society organizations, especially in capacity strengthening.
- Strong understanding of localization principles, donor compliance, and partnership approaches.
- Excellent communication, representation, and negotiation skills.
Desirable
- Experience in changing management or strategy rollout within support services is an asset.
- Experience as Head of Support Services or Area Support Services Manager is an asset
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: 4 months with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding after successful completion of 3-month probation period.
- Band: G – nm.
- Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv, unaccompanied.
- Start date: September 15th, 2025.
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national and international contracts; please refer to our website for more details.
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: August 10th, 2025.
We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interviews might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.
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.