Strategic Initiatives Manager

Overall purpose of the role

The Strategic Initiatives Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Head of Programmes in the strategic and quality management of programmes within Danish Refugee Council. The focus of this role is to expand, manage and technically support programmes that are focused on durable solutions, commercial contracting, and/or multi-country programming in Sudan. This position requires strong strategic skills, a deep understanding of programmatic frameworks, relevant experience running commercial contracts and the ability to navigate complex environments.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Organizational Development

• Contribute to the development of the Country Office’s strategic plan, ensuring programme goals align with local needs and the broader mission. The key strategic areas of this role are: 1) Durable Solutions, 2) Multi-Country Programming, and 3) Commercial Contracting
• Engage in fundraising activities and external engagement, including project design, proposal writing and donor relationships, to secure vital funding for ongoing and new initiatives.
• Stay informed about local trends, challenges, and best practices, integrating this knowledge into programme planning and execution.

Program Development and Management.

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Programmes to design and implement context-specific programme strategies that reflect local needs and align with DRC’s mission.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of multi-country programmes, ensuring they meet the specific challenges and opportunities present in Sudan.
• Adapt programmes in response to evolving contexts, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.
• For Commercial Contracts, serve as Project Director, holding accountability within the CO and to the HQ CC team by overseeing project and contract management according to DRC’s global procedures for contract management. 

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Lead and mentor project managers and staff, fostering a supportive environment that emphasizes local capacity development in key strategic areas.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide guidance to enhance the effectiveness of the team, focusing on local engagement and sustainable solutions.
• Organize training sessions to build the skills of team members in areas relevant to durable solutions and commercial contracting.
• For Commercial Contracts, hold direct line management of both Project Manager/Team Lead/Chief of Party and Contract Manager.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Serve as a key liaison with local and international stakeholders, including government bodies, community organizations, donors, commercial contractors/consultancies, and other NGOs in relation to key strategic areas.
• Represent the organization in key forums and meetings, advocating for the needs of communities and promoting programme objectives.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with local entities to enhance programme reach and sustainability.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks tailored to the Sudanese context to assess programme effectiveness and impact.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports to the Head of Programmes and other stakeholders, detailing achievements, challenges, and insights gained from the field.
• Utilize local data and feedback for continuous programme improvement and adaptation.

Financial Oversight and Compliance

• Assist in the preparation and management of budgets, ensuring responsible use of resources across programmes in compliance with local regulations and donor requirements.
• Ensure adherence to organizational policies and local legal frameworks, conducting regular compliance checks and risk assessments.
• Implement mitigation strategies to address potential operational risks specific to Sudan.
• For Commercial Contracts, take accountability for financial KPIs, by holding decision-making authority over contract amendments, non-billable spend and other key areas of financial management, while managing the Contract Manager to execute delegated responsibility for day-to-day project financial management.
• For Commercial Contracts, own the project-level risk matrix, escalating key risks through DRC’s standard channels for risk management.

Qualifications, Experience and Technical competencies

Experience and technical competencies:

• University degree (bachelor’s) or Advanced University degree (master’s degree) in relevant field.
• Required - Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in INGO Programmes in conflict settings.
• Demonstrated technical skills and knowledge in Durable Solutions and/or Commercial contracting, Program development and partnership.
• Experience in high-level representation with external partners (UN, donors, etc.)
• Proven record of successful fundraising and donor engagement, including multi-million-dollar proposals and multi-year strategies.
• Excellent writing and analysis skills.
• Strong experience in producing high-quality technical materials (training material, program tools, proposals, strategic documents etc.) and delivering trainings face to face and remotely.
• Experience working with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning.
• Proficient IT skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Experience with remote management of programming and line reports.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Arabic is an added advantage

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Conditions

Contract:          One-year contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for International staff.  This position is graded at Band M.E

Start Date:        November 2026

Duty Station:     Port Sudan or Khartoum

Reports to:        Head of Programme

Application and CV

All applicants must submit a cover letter and updated CV in English via our online application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies

Applications close on 30 September 2026.

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