Who are we?
The Localization Management Unit (LMU) is a central unit within the Standards and Operational Support (SOS) Division in DRC’s Strategy, Programming & Results (SPR) department. The SOS Division is responsible for:
- Provide operational direction, standardization and coherence for DRC’s country operations, including the development and interpretation of fit-for-purpose, operationally focused global policies, standards and guidance (aligning processes, quality assurance and operational overview).
- Provide operational support to county operations in grant management, localization and partnership management.
- Lead on the coordination and proposal development processes.
The Localization Management Unit (LMU) is overseeing the operationalization of DRC’s localization and Diaspora programming ambitions and leading cross-departmental coordination for the development of and support with the implementation of associated operational tools, policies and processes. The LMU ensures that HQ initiatives and processes related to localization are consolidated and aligned. Additionally, the LMU sets DRC’s strategic and programmatic directions of Diaspora Programming supporting the overarching organizational strategic goals and commitments.
About the job
As the Head of LMU, you are the primary architect of DRC’s localization and diaspora programming. You will bridge the gap between global strategy and operational reality, ensuring that our commitment to equitable partnerships is reflected in our policies, budgets, and field practices. You will serve as a cross-departmental convener, aligning HQ initiatives with the diverse needs of civil society, refugee-led organizations, and the private sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic & Programmatic Direction: In collaboration with the Head of Solutions, you will define the operational priorities for localization. You will oversee the integration of Diaspora programming into core areas like anticipatory action, emergency response, and protection.
- Operationalizing Ambition: You will move localization from theory to practice by developing fit-for-purpose global policies, standards, and guidance. This includes analyzing field-level successes and challenges to improve country-level implementation.
- Organizational Change & Coherence: You will lead change management across DRC to evolve the culture, systems, and capabilities required for localized response. You will ensure a cohesive narrative on localization across all functional areas.
- Team & Resource Management: You will lead a specialized team, providing technical supervision and "thought sparring." You are responsible for the unit’s budget planning and ensuring alignment between programmatic goals and resource investments.
- Technical Support & Quality: You will provide direct technical support to Country Offices to facilitate equitable partnerships. You will also oversee the quality of LMU-led projects and contribute to strategic fundraising.
- Advocacy & Representation: You will work with colleagues to ensure the right represent DRC in high-level global forums (e.g., the Grand Bargain) and lead engagement with donors regarding the operational dimensions of localization and diaspora expertise.
About you
All employees should master DRC's core competencies: Communicating, Taking the lead, Collaborating, Striving for excellence and Demonstrating integrity.
Moreover, we also expect the following:
- 10 years of experience on subject matter in Humanitarian and Development organizations.
- Advanced expertise and updated knowledge of localization agenda at policy and operational level. This entails knowledge of and experience supporting equitable partnerships with all diversity of civil society, the public sector and private sector.
- Familiarity of Diaspora programming, particularly in relation to the role of diaspora in leveraging localization and/or Diaspora engagement.
- Significant management experience and leadership skills, with at least five years leading cross functional teams.
- Some experience managing complex change and organizational development projects.
- Demonstrated skills in coordination, representation and facilitation.
- Organized, articulate and with attention to quality.
- Persuasive communicator.
- Experience with HQ/global functions and/or regional functions an advantage.
- Master’s degree in development or humanitarian studies, sociology, political science, human geography or similar
Desirable
- Professional proficiency in languages other than English is an asset e.g. French, Spanish or Arabic
We offer
Contract length: permanent
Workplace: Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, just by Ryparken station
Start date: 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and Lederaftalen (management agreement) which is available at lederne.dk. This is a national position for which local terms and conditions apply.
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter, an updated CV in English in addition to supporting documentation such as degree certificates.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 8th March 2026. We expect to conduct interviews within two weeks of the closing application dates. Interviews will be conducted online.
Further information
For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]
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.