Danish Refugee Council, one of the worldโs leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Project Manager Djibouti
About the job
The project manager/ engineer is responsible for the implementation, management and quality assurance of the German Development Bank (KFW)-funded and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)-implemented community markets construction project in Ali Sabieh and Ali Addeh, Djibouti. The construction project is due to be completed in Q1 2026. Civil works are very advanced. The project manager/ engineer will focus on the finishing work, the external landscaping and the solar panel installation. The project manager will also be responsible for coordinating the handover of the markets with the Regional Council.
Reporting to the Operations Director EAGL, this specialist role is responsible for managing internal resources and third parties/vendors to ensure that the IGAD-specified Measures delivered are technically fit for purpose and meet the contractual and regulatory requirements. Lastly, the project manager is responsible for compliance with KFW and IGAD terms and conditions.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Construction Management (mostly in French, and limited English):
Focal point for the Construction Company, D&S Consultant, IGAD, NIRAS, Regional Council and DRC Regional Office. Ensure timely completion of the construction activities by closely collaborating with the Construction Company and the DS&S Consultant. Manage construction follow-up, reporting, change management (as required), invoicing, testing & commissioning, construction close-out documentation incl. as-builts. Develop an Operations Manual for the two market in collaboration with IGAD and the Regional Council. Train the appointed O&M (operations and maintenance team and the Market Management Committee) to take over the markets. Plan and implement a smooth and complete handover of the two markets from the construction company to the user. Ensure the two markets are ready to use and comply with the requirements of the Regional Council. Ensure the solar panel installation(s) are implemented, procurement and installed successfully. Proactive coordination between the D&C Consultant and the construction Company, while respecting the contractual set-up and communication lines.
Project Management:
Responsible for the implementation, management and quality assurance of the project, project staff and project partners to ensure project is completed on time, on budget and compliant with KFW, IGAD and DRC requirements. Responsible for the oversight of the project environmental and social (E&S) monitoring plan (mainly done by the construction contractor) ensuring robust monitoring, timely reporting and effective controls are in place. This includes proactive engagement with the construction contractor KFW, IGAD and DRC to ensure that monitoring, results, and issues are documented and reported in a timely fashion. Develop and maintain the project workplan and sub-project budgets. Support coordination and communication between the project team and the Djibouti Area Office, EAGL Regional Office and DRC HQ to ensure optimal cooperation and collaboration so that the project is supported, integrated, and follows all applicable DRC policies and processes. Oversee the implementation of the accompanying measures by the livelihoods officer โ limited. Oversee the data collection for the monitoring and manage evaluation โ limited. Oversee the implementation and follow-up of the grievance mechanism โ limited.
Contract Compliance and Financial Management:
Lead the development and submission of compliant financial reporting to IGAD and KFW. This includes: Working with the Djibouti, Regional Office, and HQ Finance teams, to ensure the financial report is supported by all required evidence and documentation of output achievements; and, Working with DRC Area Office, RO, and HQ as necessary for approvals, documentation, submissions, and payments. Manage the IGAD bi-annual financial audit. Ensure the project is compliant with terms and conditions of the contract as set out by KFW and IGAD, including procurement, financial reporting, code of conduct, security and reporting, and E&S reporting. Review the administrative compliance of the Contractorโs and D&S Consultantโs monthly disbursement requests. Develop, roll out and maintain the project financial management system, prioritising best practices for construction contracts. This includes: Leading DRC and subcontractors/partners in regular financial tracking and forecasting; and, With the oversight and support of the Global Commercial Advisor, managing the development and submission of any budget amendment requests, including coordinating requested changes from all project subcontractors/partners, DRC Area Office, DRC RO, DRC HQ, and other stakeholders. Support and facilitate the invoicing processes of the D&S Consultant and the Construction Company.
Subcontract Management:
Serve as the operational/compliance focal point for all DRC subcontracts, local partners and independent consultants. Conduct the formal review and approval of subcontractor invoices, including communicating feedback on behalf of DRC regarding any, issues. Develop and negotiate compliant subcontracts and subcontract amendments when required based on approved budget amendments. Coordinate with partners to ensure IGAD and KFW compliance requirements are understood and cascaded down through the delivery chain. Oversee subcontract performance and, where required, escalate issues to the responsible DRC role, per signed subcontract agreement protocols; and, Where necessary, provide guidance to subcontractor staff on contract requirements, especially where partnersโ existing management systems are deemed incompatible with project requirements.
Construction management:
Monitor the construction contractorโs implementation, including progress against the original time schedule, ensuring the construction contractor requests required testing and certificates on time. Monitor the construction contractorโs risk management and grievance mechanism, including implementation of the E&S requirements. Monitor the D&Sโs consultantโs supervision activities, reporting, and payment certificates. Obtain any required permits for the construction and related activities.
Risk Management:
Lead on maintaining and updating the project risk matrix, including the external and internal versions; and, When assigned, take responsibility for implementing specific risk mitigation measures outlined in the project risk matrix.
Programme Leadership and Governance:
Working with the Djibouti Area Office and EAGL Regional Office, prepare and submit financial and programmatic (external and internal) reports for IGAD, KFW and DRC as required (monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, annual) โ in English. Maintain good working relationships with officials, government ministries, subcontractors/partners, implementing partners and the international and local NGO community, where necessary โ in French.
Field trips:
Weekly field trips to Ali Sabieh and Ali Addeh: To monitor the implementation of the accompanying measure To monitor the construction and supervision activities To liaise with the local coordination committee. Participate in the biweekly joint site visits with the Contractor and the D&S Consultant.
Local market coordination committee:
Support IGAD and the local government to set up market coordination committees and their terms of reference (ToR) Train the committee members technically in operating and maintaining the markets. Set up initial operation and maintenance (O&M) schedules for the committees. Ensure the development of the committeesโ โsoft skillsโ: set-up of a grievance mechanism, peace and conflict management, social cohesion, and focus on
About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to
Required
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRCโ 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
Contract length: 6 months
Band: Management F2
Designation of Duty Station: Djibouti Ville, Djibouti with regular (weekly) field visits to Ali Sabieh and Ali Addeh
Reporting to: Djibouti Country Director
Direct Reportees: Livelihood Officer, Support Services Team Leader, Construction companies, Local partners & Design & Supervision consultant.
Technical line manager: contracts (Project) Manager, Global Commercial Contract Advisor
Start date: 14th September 2025
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Councilโs Terms of Employment for employees on national/expatriate contracts; please refer to our website for more details.
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: 31st August 2025
Early Applications highly recommended , 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.