SRF Deputy Director

Job Title and Organisation

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and - whenever possible - for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

Job Title

The Sahel Regional Fund (SRF) is seeking a dynamic Deputy Director to help steer one of the most innovative multi‑country localisation mechanisms in the region.

Location

Based in Dakar with regular engagement across Burkina Faso, Chad, Niger, and Mali

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Coordination
  • Support the SRF Director and the SRF Head of Finance and Operations in implementing the SRF strategy and its localisation agenda, ensuring alignment with DRC global policies and donor requirements.
  • Contribute to the development and operationalisation of the SRF's Localisation Framework, including partner selection, due diligence standards, and capacity strengthening pathways.
  • Support periodic reviews of SRF strategies, frameworks, operational tools, and policies based on evidence and field learning.
  • Coordinate closely with the country offices to ensure coherent fund management operations and information sharing mechanisms.
  • Contribute to the preparation of Board updates, strategic briefs, and knowledge products.
  • Strengthen coordination between Finance, Grants, and Operations teams at FMU Dakar and country level.
• Line Management and Oversight of Fund Manager(s)
  • Directly line manage the SRF Fund Manager(s) assigned at country level.
  • Provide managerial guidance, performance management, and coaching to ensure effective delivery of localisation grants.
  • Ensure Fund Managers implement partner organisational development plans, grant follow-up, monitoring systems, and risk mitigation actions.
  • Supporting the professional development of team members through coaching, capacity building, and development planning.
  • Addressing poor performance and disciplinary issues, including handling Code of Conduct cases referred to management, in line with DRC policies and procedures.
• Operational Oversight of the Localisation Portfolio
  • Oversee all operational aspects of the localisation grant portfolio, including: partner onboarding, due diligence and compliance checks, contractual processes, budget review and expenditure monitoring, programmatic and financial reporting.
  • In collaboration with the SRF Head of Finance and Operations, support the progressive handover to Fund Manager(s) of budget oversight and decision-making authority where assigned.
  • Ensure that localisation partners receive timely technical support and escalate challenges to the SRF Director when needed.
  • Lead troubleshooting on operational bottlenecks, compliance issues, and delivery constraints.
  • Ensure consistency and harmonisation of fund management practices across countries.
• Risk Management and Compliance
  • Maintain the localisation portfolio risk register, ensuring compliance with SRF's risk appetite and escalation procedures.
  • Work with the SRF Director and FMU team in Dakar to strengthen internal controls.
  • Oversee implementation of risk mitigation measures and follow-up to partner-level audits, spot checks, and capacity assessments.
  • Ensure full adherence to DRC's Code of Conduct, anti-corruption standards, and safeguarding policies in partner management.
  • Oversee legal compliance of partners with local laws (registration, taxation, labour laws, NGO regulations).
• Grant Cycle Management
  • Support the design and implementation of grant cycles for localisation windows, including calls for proposals, partner selection, contracting, and monitoring.
  • Ensure timely and quality submissions of country-level and portfolio-level programmatic information contributing to consolidated donor reports.
  • Support the Fund Manager(s) and partners in ensuring adaptive management processes based on emerging risks and learning.
• Representation and Partner Engagement
  • Represent the SRF in localisation-related coordination platforms, donor meetings, and peer exchanges as delegated by the SRF Director.
  • Strengthen SRF visibility on localisation priorities and promote good practices and learning.
  • Build strong relationships with local civil society, networks, and partners to reinforce SRF's commitment to localisation.

Requirements/Qualifications

Mandatory Qualifications

• Minimum 7years' experience in humanitarian or development programming, including at least 4 years at senior management level.
• Minimum 5 years in people Management
• Proven experience in fund management, localisation programming, partnership management, or grant portfolio oversight.
• Strong experience working with local organizations, due diligence processes, and capacity strengthening approaches.
• Strong grasp of risk management, compliance standards, and operational systems.
• Previous experience living and working in complex, insecure, or conflict-affected contexts. Experience in the Sahel region is an asset.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and leadership skills.
• Fluency in English and Frenchrequired.

Education:

• Master's degree in international development, political science, economics, humanitarian affairs, or related field.

Languages:

• English (fluent required)
• French (fluent required)

Desirable qualifications

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented mindset.

Skills

• 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.
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills are necessary
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented and good sense of humor

How to Apply

All applicants must send a Cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) on DRC website. Both must be in English

Applications close on the 17th of April 2026 at 11:59 pm (GMT). Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.