The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is looking for three Senior Advisors to join the Global Project, Operational Standards & Quality Assurance Unit. We are looking for strategic thinkers and systems builders to help lead the way on operational excellence and global standards at DRC.
Who are we?
The Global Project, Operational Standards & Quality Assurance Unit plays a central role in ensuring that DRCโs operations across Country Offices (COs), HQ, and Regional Offices are efficient, coherent, and aligned with global standards. The unit leads the development, coordination, refinement, and roll-out of core operational and programmatic policies, procedures, guidelines, quality assurance mechanisms, and institutional guidance that shape how DRC implements and monitors its programmes and operations. This includes but is not limited to the Programme Quality Framework, the Project Cycle Management (PCM) Field Guide, PCM companion, Remote Operation Management, Joint Monitoring visits and Opening & Closing of Country Operations.
About the Job
The Senior Advisor on Operational Standards plays a key role in strengthening DRCโs global Operations Framework, PCM Field Guide and Programme Quality Framework by developing, piloting, and refining global standards, procedures, policies, and tools that guide how DRC operates in country contexts. Rather than focusing on direct advisory support to individual Country Offices (COs) or Regional offices, the role is anchored in system-level design and global roll-out. This includes gathering and providing structured feedback to technical areas and governance mechanisms on what is working and what is not, contributing to the ongoing revision and adaptation of frameworks, policies, and tools to ensure coherence across global compliance and quality standards.
Working in close collaboration with the Programme Quality Global Lead, the PCM Global Lead and other technical counterparts, the Senior Advisor helps ensure that new and existing operational policies, procedures and guidance is practical, evidence-based, and aligned with DRCโs strategy and field realities. By contributing to the standardization and continuous improvement of key operational areas, such as Project Cycle Management, Programme Quality, Risk Management, and Master Budgeting, the role supports the organizationโs ability to deliver high-quality, principled, and accountable programming worldwide.
Key responsibilities:
Development and Roll-out of Global Standards
Contribute to the design, testing, and refinement of global standards, tools, and policies under the Operations Framework. Ensure integration with existing systems such as the PCM Field Guide and Programme Quality Framework (PQF). Collaborate closely with global technical leads to ensure coherence and usability. Support phased roll-out and regular updates of institutional guidance (e.g., SMT Guidance).Project Cycle Management (PCM) and Programme Quality Framework (PQF)
Assist in refining the PCM Field Guide, PQF, and Benchmark Tool with input from country teams. Support piloting and roll-out of tools across diverse contexts. Consolidate learning from reports and missions to inform updates. Represent PCM/PQF in working groups to support mainstreaming.Oversight and learning
Lead or support HQ-led oversight missions in line with DRCโs Monitoring Policy. Capture and share learning from missions to strengthen global standards. Track follow-up on recommendations across countries. Escalate recurring issues through governance bodies to inform global decisions.
Organizational alignment and collaboration
Contribute to internal workstreams and task forces to strengthen operational coherence. Promote cross-unit learning between HQ, HQ Hubs, and Country Offices. Increase visibility and uptake of global tools and updates. Foster continuous improvement through structured feedback and learning.About you
To be successful in this role, you will be a strategic thinker with deep operational experience, able to translate field learning into scalable, standardized frameworks. You understand how large humanitarian organizations operate and are comfortable working at the intersection of technical quality, compliance, and global coordination.
Required
Minimum 7 years in the humanitarian or development sector, across multiple operational functions At least 5 years of field experience at country or regional level (national or expatriate) in senior management positions (Ex: Head of Operations, Head of Programme, Country Director) Strong knowledge of Project Cycle Management, programme quality, operational compliance, and risk management Proven ability to translate operational experience into global policy, tools, and frameworks Excellent communication skills in English Ability and willingness to travel up to 30 days/yearDesirable
Familiarity with DRCโs operational systems, PQF, or PCM tools Experience in remote programming or global oversight functions Working knowledge of French or Spanish Experience in Information Management is an added value. Background in organizational learning, quality assurance, or compliance systems
All employees should master DRC's core competencies: Communicating, Taking the lead, Collaborating, Striving for excellence and Demonstrating integrity.
We offer:
We are recruiting 3 Senior Advisor positions.
Contract length:
Two open ended contracts One fixed term contract until the end of the year.Duty Station: Copenhagen, Denmark
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and relevant organisation. This is a national position for which local terms and conditions apply.
For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Raphaรซl Capony, Head of Global Projects & Operational Standards Unit, raphael.capony@drc.ngo
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: Monday July 28th, 2025.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.