Localisation & Partnerships Specialist

Localisation & Partnerships Specialist
 

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Leading protection agency pursuing our mandate to protect and promote durable solutions to displacement-affected populations based on humanitarian principles. Our response in the occupied Palestinian territory is centered on empowering conflict affected communities to meet their basic needs and promoting safety and dignity by addressing protection risks. Operating from two offices in Deir al Balah and Gaza City, and with a coordination office in Ramallah, the DRC maintains an active presence with over 30 national and international staff and four civil society partners. DRC now aims to grow our operation as part of the Middle East Hub, which also comprises Türkiye, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan.

About the job

The Localisation & Partnerships Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting the implementation of DRC oPt’s localisation and partnership portfolio in Gaza, ensuring effective engagement with a diverse range of local actors, including NGOs, CBOs, academia, and private sector partners, in line with DRC policies, donor requirements, and mission strategy. The role operates under the line management of the Area Manager and technical supervision of the Programme Development and Quality Manager (PDQM). The role oversees partner mapping, partnership processes and compliance, and supports partner engagement throughout the project cycle, working closely with Programme, Grants, MEAL, and Finance teams.

Reporting lines:

• The position reports to the Area Manager for line management and operational oversight.
• Technical supervision is provided by the Programme Development and Quality Manager (PDQM).
• The role collaborates closely with both Country Office and Area Office programme, grants, MEAL, and support services teams on partnership and localisation matters.

About you

Responsibilities

1. Partnership & Localisation Management

• Act as technical focal point supporting the operationalisation of DRC oPt’s localisation and partnership approach under the guidance of the PDQM, in line with DRC global frameworks, donor requirements, and mission strategy.
• Ensure partnership and localisation activities are aligned with area-level operational priorities and context, in coordination with the Area Manager and under technical guidance from the PDQM
• Act as the mission focal point for partnerships and localisation, ensuring structured engagement with diverse local actors including national NGOs, CBOs, academia, private sector actors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative professional relationships with partners based on mutual respect, transparency, and a clear understanding of complementary roles and added value, in line with localisation and equitable partnership principles.
• Coordinate daily communication and collaboration with partners, ensuring clear expectations, timely follow-up, and effective problem solving.
• Conduct partner mapping and maintain updated internal partnership documentation and tracking systems.
• Lead partnership processes across the project cycle, including partner identification, selection, vetting, due diligence, and onboarding in line with DRC SOPs.
• Draft and coordinate Sub-Grant Agreements (SGAs), MoUs and relevant partnership documentation in coordination with Grants, Programme, Finance, and MEAL teams.
• Facilitate internal and external partnership coordination meetings (kick-off, review, and close-out meetings) and monitor follow-up on agreed actions.
• Provide technical guidance to programme teams on partnership management and localisation practices.
• Support onboarding and induction of staff on partnership and localisation approaches where relevant.

2. Partner Support, Capacity Strengthening & Coordination

• Under the guidance of the PDQM, coordinate and oversee partner capacity strengthening initiatives aligned with identified needs and localisation priorities.
• Facilitate effective cross-departmental collaboration between Programme, Grants, MEAL, and Finance functions on partnership-related matters.
• Support joint project design and development with partners in coordination with the Grants and Programme teams.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and localisation progress to support institutional learning.

3. Compliance, Quality Assurance & Partnership Processes

• Ensure partnership processes comply with DRC policies, donor regulations, and implementing partner SOPs
• Escalate partnership-related risks or operational challenges to the Area Manager and PDQM, proposing mitigation measures where required
• Coordinate partner due diligence, risk assessments, and compliance checks with relevant departments.
• Coordinate with Finance and relevant teams to support timely partner payments and address process bottlenecks.
• Ensure partners understand contractual obligations, reporting requirements, and applicable compliance standards.
• Support quality control of partnership documentation prior to signature in coordination with PDQM and relevant technical functions.

4. Reporting, Strategy & External Engagement

• Review partner reports and maintain partner (reporting) trackers to ensure timely submission and follow-up.
• Provide technical inputs to proposals and reports related to partnerships and localisation in coordination with the Grants team.
• Under the guidance of the PDQM, contribute to internal learning processes, after-action reviews, and strategic discussions on localisation.

5. Other

• Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and demonstrate respect, care, and professionalism in all interactions.

Perform other relevant tasks as assigned by the Programme Development and Quality Manager (PDQM).

 Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in partnerships, localisation, programme development, grants management, or related roles, preferably within an NGO or donor-funded context.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders including local NGOs, CBOs, academia, private sector actors, and internal teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing partnership processes across the project cycle, including partner mapping, selection, vetting, due diligence, drafting sub-agreements or MoUs, and coordinating partner reporting.
• Experience supporting partner capacity strengthening initiatives and working collaboratively with partners to improve programme quality and compliance.
• Knowledge of localisation principles, partnership best practices, and equitable partnership approaches within the humanitarian/development sector.
• Familiarity with donor rules and regulations related to partnerships and sub-grant management.
• Experience contributing to proposal development and donor reporting processes in coordination with programme and grants teams.
• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain tracking systems, and meet deadlines in a complex operational environment.
• Ability to coordinate effectively across functions (Programme, Grants, MEAL, Finance, and Operations).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks and propose practical solutions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working in multi-cultural and diverse teams and environments.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and DRC values.

Education:

University Degree in Social Sciences, International Development or relevant fields.

Languages:

Fluency in Arabic and excellent command of English (speaking, writing, reading) is essential.

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• PDQM, HoP, Grants Coordinator, Area Manager
• DRC Program Managers
• DRC Partner Organisations
• Finance Department
• DRC Global Partnerships and Localisation unit

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

National contract in Bang G Non-Management

Designation of Duty Station: Deir El Balah, Gaza, Palestine

Start date: expected 1 April 2026.

Contract Length: 6 months renewable depending on funding and performance.

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: 18 March 2026,  Please note that the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.