Country Director - Yemen, Sana'a

About the Position

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations, working to protect, advocate for, and promote durable solutions for people affected by displacement, conflict, and crisis. Yemen is one of DRC's largest, most complex, and strategically important operations globally. We are seeking a Country Director for our operations in Sana'a to provide strategic leadership and drive DRC's comprehensive and solutions-oriented approach to displacement in one of the world's most challenging humanitarian contexts.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and management of DRC's country operation.
• Lead, support, and develop the Senior Management Team.
• Establish clear objectives, expectations, and accountability.
• Exercise delegated budget and management authority.
• Ensure effective recruitment, performance management, and staff development.
• Foster staff wellbeing, engagement, and professional development.

Representation

• Represent DRC at national, regional, and international levels.
• Strengthen DRC's strategic positioning, reputation, and influence in Yemen.
• Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including government authorities, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs.

Strategic Leadership and Operational Oversight

• Provide overall management oversight of the country programme.
• Ensure strategic coherence across programme and support functions.
• Maintain regular engagement with field operations.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance, risk management, and reporting requirements.

Fundraising and Advocacy

• Lead donor engagement, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization efforts.
• Ensure strong donor relations and high-quality donor engagement.
• Lead the implementation of DRC's advocacy priorities.

Safety

• Hold overall accountability for safety, security, and duty of care.
• Ensure effective security management systems and procedures.
• Oversee security analysis, risk management, preparedness, and crisis response mechanisms.

Support Services and Financial Management

• Hold overall accountability for the financial health, sustainability, and compliance of the country operation.
• Work closely with the Head of Support Services to ensure effective financial planning and risk management.
• Ensure that all resources are managed effectively and in compliance with DRC policies and donor requirements.

Programme Development and Quality

• Lead the development, implementation, and review of the country strategy.
• Ensure programmes are evidence-based, responsive to context and needs.
• Promote innovation, learning, and adaptive management to maximize programme quality and impact.

Accountability and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to DRC policies, standards, and procedures.
• Promote accountability to affected populations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, compliance, learning, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum five years’ management experience in emergency/development contexts.
• Experience as a people manager.
• Experience representing a large and leading organization.
• Experience with networking, advocacy, and coordination.
• Experience managing staff in insecure/stressful locations.
• Experience with conflict-related displacement issues.
• Experience managing budgets and multiple donor contracts.
• Experience in donor contact, fundraising, and networking.
• Experience of Humanitarian Mine Action (preferred).
• Experience working in the Middle East region and Yemen (preferred).
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management.
• Proven communicator with all types of stakeholders.
• Proven commitment to accountable practices and knowledge of quality assurance systems.

Nice to Have

• Arabic language skills

We Offer

• Contract length: 12 months
• Position Band: Management band (D)
• Suggested Start date: January 01, 2027
• Duty station: Yemen, Sana’a
• Designation of Duty Station: Unaccompanied / Non-family duty station
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or Nationals.

About the Company

Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate, and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, impact, and expertise, humanitarian approach, purpose, meaningfulness, culture, values, strong leadership, fair compensation, and continuous development.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff.

Application Process

Interested to apply? 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: October 08, 2026

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

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