Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.
DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and implements emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.
DRC is currently looking for a highly-qualified Shelter and Settlement Specialist (Localization and Partnerhips) to join our team in Kyiv.
About the role:
As the Shelter and Settlement Specialist, you will lead key localization and capacity development efforts within DRC Ukraine’s Shelter program. The role is designed as a short-term technical position focused on identifying and addressing capacity gaps among current and potential partners, and strengthening DRC’s internal ability to support a locally led shelter response.
Under the line management of the Head of Program, you will work closely with the Shelter Technical Coordinator and with area Shelter teams, Area Programme Managers, and the Partnerships Unit.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Partner mapping and gap analysis
- Together with area program teams, conduct a structured mapping of local and national shelter actors across DRC’s areas of operation, assessing their mandates, coverage, technical capacity, and interest in partnership.
- Identify and analyze capacity gaps in local shelter actors (technical, operational, administrative, compliance-related).
- Update internal partner profile databases, including geographic scope and technical focus.
Capacity Development planning
- Together with the Shelter and Settlements Technical Coordinator, develop dedicated capacity assessment tools to analyse the capacity support needs of shelter partners.
- Design a capacity development plan for partners to address identified capacity gaps
- Develop tools and guidelines to support the implementation of this plan.
- Engage with strategic shelter partners to develop and formalize capacity development plans with partners.
- Work closely with MEAL and Partnership teams to define indicators for tracking partner capacity improvements and milestones outlined in capacity development plans.
Technical support and documentation
- Design and facilitate a tailored Training of Trainers (ToT) for DRC Shelter staff on how to work with local partners, including modules on mentoring approaches, partnership dynamics, risk sharing, and partner-led implementation.
- Develop relevant technical documents (such as tools, SOPs, guidelines, etc.) related to shelter partner management, support, and oversight.
- Provide ongoing technical coaching and mentoring to field teams and partners.
- Conduct monitoring visits and implement training as necessary.
Additional Responsibilities
- Support internal capacity strengthening on shelter localization, including documentation of lessons learned, good practices, and recommendations for longer-term strategies.
- In close coordination with the Shelter Technical Coordinator, support the design, implementation, and monitoring of a phased shelter localization plan
- Contribute to proposal development by providing technical input and reviewing budgets and activity plans, particularly on proposals involving shelter partnerships
- Prepare technical briefs, reports, and success stories showcasing partner collaboration and capacity development outcomes.
- Participate in internal coordination meetings on partnership management.
About you
To succeed in this role, we expect you to have at least 5-7 years of experience in humanitarian shelter or development programming, including at least 3 years of experience in localization, partnership management, or capacity development. Moreover, we also expect the following:
- Proven experience designing and delivering capacity strengthening initiatives, including Training of Trainers (ToT) models.
- Familiarity with humanitarian shelter programming, including technical standards, implementation modalities, and coordination mechanisms, is strongly preferred.
- Experience in conducting organizational capacity assessments, participatory training, and coaching processes.
- Ability to work independently, develop workplans, and manage multiple deliverables with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate across program, technical, and support teams.
- Experience engaging with private sector actors and/or local authorities in shelter or infrastructure programs is desirable.
- Full professional proficiency in English. Ukrainian is an asset.
- University degree in International Development, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, or a related field.
n 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: 6 months contract with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding
- Band: G - non-managerial
- Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv, non-family duty station.
- Start date: ASAP
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on expatriate and national contracts; please refer to our website for more details.
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.
Closing date for applications: 2nd July 2025
We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interviews might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified.
Working at DRC
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DRC as an employer
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 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.