Head of Programmes – Myanmar and Bangladesh

About the Position

Head of Programmes – Myanmar and Bangladesh

Location: Yangon with travels to Cox’s Bazar

Report to: Country Director

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading NGOs with a focus on responding to displacement, has been working in Myanmar since 2008 and in Bangladesh since 2013. The Head of Programme (Myanmar and Bangladesh) is responsible for programme strategy and oversight in both countries. The HoP will promote synergy and joint positioning on displacement, in and from Myanmar. The position will be based in Yangon with travels to both country operational areas.

As part of the Senior Management Team and working closely with the Country Director, this role guides the overall programme strategy, technical guidance, fundraising, and quality assurances.

Responsibilities

Programme Strategy, Management & Development

• Lead on developing programme strategy aligned with contextual changes at area level
• Roll out country strategy and support area level programme strategy development
• Oversee effective, efficient, and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets, policies, and in accordance with specific donor requirements
• Foster synergies between programme areas and supporting integrated approaches where applicable
• Support the Country Director to ensure effective coordination and visibility of the implementation of the projects with all humanitarian and development actors and in advocacy at all levels

Fundraising, Grant and External Relations

• Along with Grants and Programme Quality Manager, ensure a clear fundraising strategy and plan are in place
• Manage delivery of all concept notes, proposals, modifications, and donor reports in coordination with other departments and in line with DRC HQ/Region and donor requirements
• Lead strategic direction of proposals, and quality assure deliverables ahead of timely submission
• Facilitate accurate and detailed budgeting to ensure timely and coherent budget preparation for all new proposals and budget revisions
• Ensure appropriate, compliant, and targeted external communications to raise the profile of DRC and ensure strong visibility of programming, assuring reputation and supporting fundraising

Programme Implementation & Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Area Managers and ensure supporting programmatic technical needs
• Support the technical teams to provide strategic, timely, proactive, and appropriate technical support to programme implementation and ensuring consistent and standard quality across all projects

Programme Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning

• Support the MEAL team to institutionalize strong monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems that generate meaningful lessons, learning, evidence of impact, and provide data for effective programmatic decision making
• Ensure that all projects have sound monitoring frameworks, they contribute to measuring impact, and are in line with DRC’s country strategic plan
• Ensure quality programming by contributing to the development of M&E tools and indicators and other quality improvement initiatives
• Promote learning and knowledge management within the country programme

Programme Staff Management & Capacity Building

• Continue the development of a technically excellent team in accordance with programmatic and country-level strategies. Develop overall staff competence through leadership, training, and coaching of key technical and management programme staff
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Support Services to ensure a holistic approach to staff support, budget development, internal process and policy development, and a one-team approach to programme implementation

Donor Liaison, Partnerships & Representation

• Along with the Country Director and Area Manager, ensure DRC is well represented to existing and potential donors, partners, UN agencies, and all other relevant stakeholders
• Cultivate key relationships that enhance DRC’s visibility and credibility as an implementing and strategic partner amongst all agencies
• Drive forward DRC’s nationalization strategy, ensuring due diligence is carried out to identify appropriate future partners and consortium members
• Ensure Localization strategy is in place and action plan is followed through

Requirements

• Degree in relevant subject e.g. Social Sciences, International Development, or equivalent work experience
• At least 5 years’ experience in managing complex programme operations in humanitarian or development contexts, including 3 years in senior management
• Experience working in complex operating environments, including in conflict-affected environments
• Demonstrated experience and skills in proposal development, budget development, programme implementation, monitoring, and evaluation
• Ability to think and work strategically and creatively, with attention to detail and experience in troubleshooting and problem solving in complex settings
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management and leading by example
• Proven experience in effectively coordinating with national governments, and international, and national NGO partners
• Proven experience in managing a diverse programme portfolio and comprehensive budget oversight
• Full professional proficiency in English is required

Nice to Have

• Strategic thinking
• Creative problem solving
• People management
• Coordination
• Budget development
• Monitoring frameworks
• M&E tools
• Knowledge management
• English proficiency

We Offer

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

About the Company

Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council 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 & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s, and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

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. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.

Conditions

• Contract: DRC will offer the successful applicant a DRC’s Regular contract including a 3-month probation period and the start date as Jan 2027 onward. Renewable depends on both funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment. The position is in Employment Band E management.

Application and CV

Interested? Click here to apply. Please send your application, in English, no later than 30 Sep 2026.

CV only applications will not be considered.

(Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interview/an offer made before the advertised closing date)