The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) hosts the Middle East Durable Solutions Platform (ME DSP), a membership-based NGO platform established by DRC, NRC and IRC and later joined by Oxfam, ACF and Save the Children, to strengthen evidence, programming and advocacy on solutions to displacement in and from Syria, Iraq and Yemen. After a period of hibernation since 2023, ME DSP has secured core donor funding and is re-establishing its membership, reviewing its governance and operating model, and diversifying its partnerships. It sits within the DRC Middle East, Asia and Europe Hub alongside sister platforms ReDSS and ADSP.
The Head of ME DSP provides overall leadership, strategic direction and management of the Platform. As principal convener, the postholder leads engagement with members and governance structures, builds consensus around shared priorities, leads the evidence, learning and policy agenda, represents the Platform at senior level with governments, donors, UN agencies and policy makers, and manages ME DSP grants, staff and consultants.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic leadership, governance and management: implement the ME DSP Strategy 2026-2028, lead annual planning and budgeting, re-establish membership and review governance with the Steering Committee, manage direct reports and consultants.
- Membership convening and coordination: design and facilitate member meetings, working groups and consultations; build consensus; lead the membership engagement strategy and onboard new members.
- Research, evidence and learning: define and oversee the research and knowledge management agenda, commission studies, analyse displacement and solutions data and policy, produce policy briefs, and run learning events.
- Policy engagement and external representation: represent the Platform with governments, donors, UN agencies and international financial institutions; oversee the policy and advocacy strategy.
- Business development and project management: manage grants, budgets and donor reporting, and develop a fundraising strategy for financial sustainability.
Requirements:
- Advanced university degree in political science, international relations, humanitarian law, migration, Middle East studies or a related field.
- At least 8 years' relevant experience, including 5 in people management and experience leading a membership-based, consensus-driven consortium, network, NGO forum or inter-agency platform.
- Expert knowledge of durable solutions to displacement and relevant international frameworks; in-depth knowledge of displacement in the Middle East, particularly Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
- Strategic leadership, grant management, budget oversight and resource mobilisation experience.
- Experience leading or commissioning research and translating evidence into programming and policy guidance.
- Excellent convening, facilitation, networking, diplomatic, analytical and writing skills.
Location: Amman, Jordan, with potential regional travel. Contract: 1 year, starting 1 January 2027.
Closing date for applications: 16-11-2026.
HOW TO APPLY:
Upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English via the online application portal. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged. DRC reserves the right to close the vacancy before the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is identified.