Administration Team Leader

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities 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. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC Syria

DRC has been operating in Syria since 2008, initially responding to the Iraqi refugee crisis before pivoting to a full-scale response to the Syria crisis from 2011 onwards. Our work encompasses the full cycle of displacement—responding to life-saving humanitarian needs and supporting community recovery until durable solutions can be achieved. DRC Syria takes an area-based approach to supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across our key sectors: Economic Recovery and Resilience, Protection, WASH, Shelter and Infrastructure, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (including Humanitarian Mine Action).

With an established rapid response mechanism, DRC can rapidly respond to emerging crises and shocks to meet acute emergency needs. Recognizing the significant need for early recovery and resilience programming to ensure dignified, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for fragile communities, DRC’s programmes foster resilience for individuals and communities in situations of protracted displacement and during the initial stages of post-conflict recovery, towards a durable solution of their choice. With active portfolios in the neighboring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye and Iraq, DRC offers a cross-border, regional response to the Syria crisis, through cross-border protection monitoring, advocacy, and trends analysis.

 

About the job:

Responsible for ensuring efficient management and planning of admin support functions. He/she will ensure effective management of DRC facilities such as offices and guesthouses, and, management of visitor support services and guest assistance. He/she is also responsible for maintaining and increasing the performance quality of the admin team and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction by exercising service-oriented practices.

Responsibilities:

Administration & Office Management:

• Ensure the office environment is well‑maintained, clean, safe, and fully functional at all times.
• Oversee daily office supply inventory, ensure adequate stock levels, and maintain updated records of usage.
• Manage office space allocation for staff, visitors, consultants, and short-term guests based on organizational needs.
• Coordinate timely repairs and maintenance for office facilities, kitchens, restrooms, and common areas in collaboration with the Logistics team.
• Supervise the General Support - Maintenance to ensure DRC guesthouses are fully equipped, well‑maintained, and compliant with standards (furniture, laundry, utilities, safety).
• Oversee the Maintenance Assistant to ensure routine checks and repairs are effectively carried out in guesthouses and related facilities.

Travel, Logistics & Movement Support:

• Coordinate and manage travel arrangements for DRC staff.
• Ensure all travel is processed efficiently and in line with organizational procedures and internal approvals.

Property, Lease & Asset Administration:

• Manage all leases related to offices, guesthouses, and housing, including drafting, renewals, tracking expiry dates, and ensuring timely rental payments for Damascus premises. 
• Maintain a central database for lease agreements and monitor contract compliance.
• Identify and evaluate suitable locations for new offices or guesthouses in coordination with security focal points.
• Lead negotiations, prepare required documentation, and ensure contracts meet organizational requirements.

Events, Meetings & Coordination:

• Assist Heads of Units in planning and organizing events, meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Coordinate logistics, venues, catering, materials, and administrative support for internal and external events

Team Leadership & People Management:

• Lead and supervise administrative team members (Administration Assistant, Cleaners, Maintenance, etc.).
• Ensure team performance aligns with workplans and tasks assigned by senior management.
• Responsible for recruitment and offboarding processes related to the administration team—with oversight from next-level management.
• Conduct performance appraisals, provide continuous coaching, and ensure staff development.
• Maintain a supportive, productive, and professional team environment.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in administration, operations, or general management within an INGO.
• Demonstrated experience managing office operations, staff travel arrangements, logistics coordination, and administrative systems in complex or high‑risk operating environments.
• Proven ability to coordinate with multiple departments (HR, Logistics, Safety, Finance) and work effectively with diverse, multicultural teams.
• Experience supervising Administration staff and overseeing service providers, contractors, or administrative workflows.
• Strong background in managing documentation, compliance workflows, and internal control procedures according to organizational policies.
• Prior experience working in emergency, conflict‑affected, or fast‑paced humanitarian settings is a strong asset.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Prior experience can substitute for the degree requirement.

Languages

• English (Fluent)
• Arabic (Fluent)

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 act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: up to 31 December 2026 (Extension based on performance and funds)

Level: Management G

Location: Syria - Damascus

Expected Start date: 15 April 2026

 

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position here: Talentech - Administration Team Leader - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

Applications close 26 March 2026

Need further information?

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org

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