Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Programme Coordinator to lead the implementation of its start-up programming in Italy and support the strategy of the organization across partnerships and sectors priorities in 2021.

Introduction

DRC has been operating in Italy since June 2019, first through local civil society actors then with a DRC set-up in 2020. DRC approach in Italy is based on localisation, developing meaningful and efficient partnerships with local actors, mantaining a core structure with limited staff in the country. Through joint implementation, DRC and partners support refugees, asylum seekers and people on the move specifically in the Norther part of the country, through legal aid and integration projects in border areas and urban areas. DRC Italy mantains a strong affiliation to DRC Europe Region and contributes to European programming and partnerships. Specific ties also exist with DRC Greece and DRC Bosnia and Herzegovina offices.

About the job

DRC Italy is looking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic professional to lead its programme implementation strategy in Italy. The Programme Coordinator (PC) has a country focus and ensures quality implementation of its multisector programme within Italy and in line with the broader strategies of DRC in Europe. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. It provides programme leadership and has a technical management role towards Grants Management Assistant and the Fundraising Trainee. The PC may represent DRC on behalf of the Country Director to authorities, IOs, other NGOs and Partners.

As Programme Coordinator, and under the direct supervision of the Country Director, you will:

Management of DRC portfolio:

• Coordinate the implementation of DRC activities across all projects.
• Ensure compliance of current & proposed projects with donors’ contracts and within the scope of DRC’s programme.
• Ensure narrative and financial reporting is timely and act as key focal point on programme.
• Support the Country Director in laying out the programme strategy for DRC Italy and initiate strategic processes and initiatives to advance the mission of DRC and partners in Italy.

• Support the development of good lines of communication between project staff and partners.

Strategy and funding development and resource mobilization:

• Lead the resource mobilization strategy including monitoring and selection of open calls, development of proposals, coordination with internal and external co-applicants, submission.
• Lead and coordinate partnership relationships for DRC’s local partners.
• Support the development and maintenance of a DRC programme strategy based on the evolving context, protection trends and needs analysis.

Advocacy, coordination and representation:

• Represent DRC and articulate the key advocacy and programme points vis-à-vis partners, other humanitarian and civil society organisations, local authorities and other local stakeholders when requested and in close coordination with the Country Director.
• Coordinate DRC’s programme activities with the relevant local response.
• Ensure a coordinated approach to the humanitarian response, geographically and by sector.

Supervisor responsibilities:

• Coordinate the daily activities of DRC and partners’ teams, often comprised of subordinates and/or employees carrying out similar tasks.
• The role does not have direct line management responsibility for staff, but contributes to recruitment, technical supervision and/or performance appraisal of members of the team when requested. The PC has a technical line management towards the Grants Management Assistant and the Fundraising Trainee.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to be an exceptional coordinator and a supportive and collaborative colleague. You have worked in the displacement sector in Italy and potentially abroad, you have an analytical mindset and you are able to make decisions based on critical analysis at the same time considered the potential risks.  Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in programme coordinator roles involving increasing responsibility for developing programme strategies, developing new and successful proposals, coordinate the implementation on the ground;
• University degree in international development, international relations, human rights, business administration, management, or another relevant field is required;
• Solid project management experience, including proven experience in budget management and donor reporting/ accountability/ compliance;
• Significant experience and understanding of fundraising (institutional and private);
• Strong experience in representation, and networking;
• Excellent analytical and strategic skills;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills;
• Understanding of the current displacement context in Italy. Knowledge of mixed migration flows to and within Europe is a strong asset;
• Experience in working within the Italian asylum and reception system and its relevant stakeholders.
• Full professional fluency in English and Italian;
• Ability to work in a demanding environment;
• Excellent Computer Skills (MS Office, Internet) and an advanced proficiency in Excel are required.

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

Contract length: 9 months (maternity cover). This is a national position. We can accept international candidates under the condition of having the right to live and work in Italy during the contract period and having full Italian proficiency.

Designation of Duty Station: Turin

Start date: April 2021

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for DRC Italy and with Italian labour law; Expected salary is approx. at 2500 EUR gross / month, depending on individual assessment of the candidate experience.

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact the Country Director, Giulia Spagna at giulia.spagna@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. DRC might start with the interview process before an application deadline should we find a suitable candidate.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.