Who are we?
Strategy, Programming & Results (SPR) is a DRC headquarters department responsible for global coordination of DRC's strategy, global overview and standard setting for DRC's programming and global measurement of and learning from DRC's results. SPR’s core functions are to provide:
1) Strategic direction (shaping DRC’s identity, adapting to trends, and leading strategy development),
2) Programmatic direction (ensuring strong frameworks, protection focus, innovation, data use, and impact measurement),
3) Operational direction (aligning processes, quality assurance and overview, and operationalizing localization).
About the job
Responsible for standardizing DRCs approach to business development, specifically proposal development coordination. The role will be tasked with standardizing the proposal development processes, tools and approaches, and will lead the coordination and development of high quality applications for multi-country, multi-region (MCMR); multi-country, single-region (MCSR); global/HQ managed grants and strategic country office applications.
The Senior Proposal Development Advisor will be supported by a proposal development coordinator, and will work closely with internal DRC colleagues, such as global foundations and institutional donor advisors and the business development donor engagement advisors in HQ hubs on translating donor engagement and pipeline/positioning of DRC into fund raising opportunities. The role will coordinate closely with programme technical/sector leads and country colleagues in the coordination and development of proposals. Additionally, the role will provide support and technical advice to DRCs country office, HQ hubs and HQ technical colleagues on planning for, and translating business development opportunities into successful proposal development processes.
Overall areas of responsibilities include:
- Establish the Proposal Development Framework for DRC globally and associated tools & approaches.
- Lead proposal coordination and development for Global, MCMR, MCSR and strategic country funding opportunities.
- Preemptive internal stakeholder engagement to facilitate prepositioning of resources to support business development.
- Facilitate HQ Hubs’ programmatic coherence with relevant HQ departments in line with Strategy 2030.
Key responsibilities
Proposal Coordination and Development
- Establish the proposal development framework on how DRC approaches business development vis a vis proposal development, in addition to the associated tools.
- Lead the development of Global, MCMR and MCSR, including coordinating the Go/No-Go, convening relevant programmatic, grants and support colleagues in the HQ Hubs and at HQ and managing processes to deliver quality and timely submissions.
- When relevant, lead in writing high quality proposal, concept paper, or parts thereof, including all relevant annexes, i.e. ensuring the full proposal package is ready for submission.
- Upon request, provide proposal development support to country programmes for high value/complex single grants, including support and advice around narrative proposal development.
- Review donor guidelines and instructions to ensure proposals and/or concept papers are developed in full alignment with donor expectations and strategy, formats and regulations.
- Source (to the extent possible) and review all key secondary data and documents, reports, and assessments in preparation for proposal development.
- Self-manage and coordinate with DRC country teams to produce high quality proposals and/or concept notes.
- As required, closely coordinate and collaborate with partners and/or consortium members to ensure the co-creation of proposal and programme design.
Business Development Support
- Where relevant, coordinate input from relevant global and HQ Hub functions on to facilitate programmatic coherence for donor engagement.
- Support donor engagement colleagues on proposal-specific donor engagement and the development and maintenance of strategic donor partnerships from HQ.
About you
All employees should master DRC's core competencies: Communicating, Taking the lead, Collaborating, Striving for excellence and Demonstrating integrity.
Moreover, we also expect the following:
- At least 7 years of experience working in the humanitarian and/or development sector.
- Experience in grants management and proposal development processes.
- Demonstrated experience leading the development of high-value and complex proposals to humanitarian or development donors.
- Strong ability to facilitate stakeholder engagement effectively and inclusively on complex programme/proposal design, in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated communication skills, including networking and the ability to influence. You are comfortable navigating internal stakeholders horizontally and vertically, and representing DRC externally with donors, peer organisations and in other forums.
- Good relationship building skills and proactive approach to partnership building and nurturing.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to identify, address and communicate the core of an issue even if very complex.
- You are both a “thinker” and a “doer” and can work on strategic-level analyses while being detailed, as well as result and service-oriented.
- Experience in working in an international, multicultural work environment, experience at country or regional level will be considered an asset.
- Experience with humanitarian and development programme development and programming modalities.
Desirable
- Professional proficiency in languages other than English is an asset e.g. French, Spanish, Arabic
We offer
Contract length: Permanent
Workplace: Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, just by Ryparken station
Start date: 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC. This is a national position for which local terms and conditions apply.
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter, an updated CV in English in addition to supporting documentation such as degree certificates.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 11 January 2026. We expect to conduct interviews shortly after the deadline in our office in Copenhagen or online.
Further information
For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
Working at DRC
Help applying
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.