Global Investigations Specialist

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 fulfillment 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. 

Background 

Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and its safety unit, has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015. DRC Nigeria is the largest DRC country mission in the West Africa region and one of the largest DRC country missions globally. Currently, DRC delivers life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities in the areas of armed violence reduction, humanitarian mine action, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 30+ Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in northeast Nigeria.  

Purpose/objective of the position: 

The Global Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist will join as a team member of the Global Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Team and primarily support with the conduct of internal investigations under the monitoring of an Authorizing Officer/Global Investigations Lead. The Global Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Specialist will contribute to the development, promotion and roll out of policy to promote a culture which has a zero tolerance to fraud, corruption and SEAH. They will ensure complainants/survivors are listened to, supported and protected from further harm, and ensure all code of conduct cases are investigated timely in line with DRC agreed practice. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Plan and lead investigations into allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse and of fraud and corruption in compliance with DRC’s principle and due process and under the monitoring of an HQ based Authorizing Officer (the AO).   

• Act as Authorizing Officer for internal investigations if need be.  

• Update the team on a weekly basis regarding the portfolio of cases assigned.  

• Assess and report to the AO the risks identified in the course of administrative investigation, recommend and implement mitigation measures.  

• Produce high-quality reports on investigation for the review of the AO.   

• Coordinate, in SEAH allegations, with the Survivor and/or the Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Focal Point in charge of the purpose of implementing DRC’s Survivor Centred Approach.  

• Be available for staff members, provide advice, guidance regarding DRC’s CoCRM structure, accessibility and processus.   

• Be ambassador of the CoCRM, disseminate awareness and contribute to facilitating investigation training.  

Education and professional experience: 

• Master’s Degree  

• Fluency in English is required 

• At least 3-4 years as an internal investigator 

• Demonstrate experience with Ethics or similar in a large or local organization, influencing senior-level management and key stakeholders effectively across the organization and within complex contexts. 

• Demonstrate experience with developing and delivering successful training sessions, facilitating meetings. 

• Demonstrate experience with Safeguarding and PSEA standards, including an ability to apply a survivor-centered approach in relating with survivors of SH and SEA and in handling SEA and SH allegations, and an understanding of the international context in which this issue impacts DRC. 

Competencies: (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities) 

• Prior experience in Risk & Compliance, Finance, Grants preferred. 

• Investigations Certificates (e.g. DRC, CHS) is a plus. 

• Prior experience delivering high-level Investigations Trainings.  

• Prior experience working on audits preferred.  

General Regulations 

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework. 

• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization. 

• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period. 

• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization. 

• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request. 

We offer. 

Contract length: One (01) Year, with a possibility of extension depending on funding availability.  

Workplace: Abuja, Nigeria 

Start date: When the right candidate is identified.  

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the DRC National salary structure.  This position is open to both national and international candidates. The relevant terms and conditions of employment will apply.  

General Regulations: 

Application Process 

Are you interested? Then apply for this position online: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. 

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. 

DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not discriminate in any recruitment process.  

Deadline: Applications close on the 5th of February 2026 at midnight (GMT)