Country Director – Greece

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is looking for a highly experienced Country Director with a well-developed understanding of displacement issues and ability to understand and operate in a politically sensitive environment to ensure the rightsizing, continuation and development of DRC’s role as a key actor in the refugee response in Greece. It is challenging, complex but also rewarding position in a dynamic and complex work environment within the setting of the broader EU refugee response.

DRC has been operating in Greece since November 2015, supporting the relevant Greek authorities through an integrated programming within reception facilities and access to rights for asylum-seekers and refugees. DRC initially established its operation on Lesbos Island and while since March 2016 expanded its presence in the mainland of Greece, in response to the changing context and the build-up of refugee population in the country. DRC has its Country Office in Athens, an Area Office in North Greece (Thessaloniki and Larissa) and 1 Sub-Office in Athens (Attica).

DRC Greece is country operation with 150 staff, the Country Director has direct line management responsibility for the Senior Management Team (SMT) composed by 4 staff, including a Head of Programme and Head of Support Services, Area Manager, and Sub Office Manager. The position is based in Athens. The Country Director will report to Operations Director for Europe.

About the job

The Country Director will have the overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, strategy, programming, implementation, compliance, fundraising and continued development of DRC’s operation in Greece, as part of the DRC Europe region.Your main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Represent DRC in Greece in relation to partners, donors, governmental duty-bearers in Greece and the EU, and media, and promote an optimal operational space for pursuing DRC’s strategic priorities in coordination with all relevant entities – in Greece and within the EU system
• Set and ensure the strategic direction of DRC’s operation in Greece in line with the corporate strategic direction and interests.
• Ensure that the programme is organized and effectively managed in order to both pursue new opportunities and ensure successful implementation of current operations
• Lead the process of rightsizing of the country office
• Lead the process of securing funding and maintaining a viable donor base
• Responsible for the timely and efficient implementation, management and reporting on the resources entrusted DRC in Greece by donors and partners
• Overall accountable for compliance in both programmes and support functions, including DRC and donor policies, local regulations and local labour law
• Ensure the professional management of staff in line with DRC Human Resource policies and the Greek Labour Law. This includes direct management of line employees (including development, performance and recruitment) and overall people planning, staff performance and well-being in DRC Greece
• Responsible for the identification, prevention, mitigation and management of risks, including and not limited to financial, legal, reputational, operational and programmatic risks.
• Overall duty bearer for on the job safety and duty of care for DRC’s workforce in Greece

In order to be successful in this role, you must have the following:

• 5-7 years of senior management experience in complex contexts, experience in refugee and migration contexts is preferred, experience in emergency and/or post-conflict settings is desirable. Prior experience in an INGO management position is an asset
• Relevant educational background e.g. political science, international development, management, economics
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
• Keen eye on advocacy issues and rights-based discourse, with an understanding of European contexts is an asset
• Proven experience in operations management with experience in organizational development/re/structuring is an asset
• Proven experience of strategic programming and planning, field implementation, monitoring and evaluation
• Understanding of legal frameworks and structures at a country and European level are an asset.
• A strong ability to collaborate, network and negotiate with local partners; government officials, EU,UN, donors and other NGOs including proven experience in developing fundraising strategies
• Proven leadership skills and competencies in people management, including ability to motivate and guide staff working in a complex environment
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Knowledge of Greek language is an asset but not essential

It is desirable that you can demonstrate:

• Experience from working with DRC and familiarity with DRC processes and procedures
• Experience in adjusting and downsizing of the operations and programmes
• Experience working in highly politicised and changing environments
• Experience and understanding of the refugee settings in Europe and the EU Policies and political context on migration

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.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

We Offer

Contract length: 12 months, with possibility of extension

Start date: as soon as possible, preferably in January 2023

Duty Station: Athens, Greece, with frequent travel throughout the country.

Employment salary band: D
Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC΄s National Staff salary scale.