Senior Expert-Lake Tanganyika Full Time

Founded in 1956, The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental, non-profit organization providing direct assistance to conflict-affected populations – refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and host communities – in more than 40 countries around the world.

The EAGL Regional Office covers the following country operations: Burundi, Djibouti, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Overall purpose of the role:

This is a senior technical role under an anticipated EU-funded TA programme addressing the complex impacts of climate change, displacement, and environmental degradation in the Lake Tanganyika Basin (Burundi, DRC, Tanzania). The programme supports climate-resilient solutions for Displacement-Affected Communities (DACs), including refugees, IDPs, and host populations.

You will work closely with the Team Leader, IOM, and EU Delegations to:

⁻ Strengthen early warning systems

⁻ Improve natural resource governance

⁻ Facilitate community-led resilience building

⁻ Contribute to regional coordination, technical inputs, and learning

Responsibilities :

The Senior Expert-Lake Tanganyika will

• Provide thematic leadership on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and resilience in the Tanganyika region
• Coordinate with stakeholders across national and local governments
• Guide M&E, learning, and reporting efforts
• Facilitate collaboration between EU Delegations and IOM-led interventions

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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 act in line with our vision and values.

Experience and Technical competencies (included year of experience)

• Master’s degree (or equivalent diploma) in a discipline related to those areas of work prioritized by the Technical Assistance plus at least 10 years of professional experience in the same relevant areas of work. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent diploma) plus at least 12 years of professional experience in the same relevant areas of work;
• Proven knowledge of humanitarian and development aid delivery methods, demonstrated through past professional experience;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills evidenced by experience drafting analytical reports, preparing visibility and information products, and public speaking engagements;
• Proficiency in computer skills, with supporting evidence provided in the CV;
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the implementation and monitoring of development cooperation programmes or projects in areas relevant to the assignment;
• Strong leadership and coordination skills, with at least 5 years of experience in team management (e.g., as a team leader or equivalent role).
• At least 5 years of experience working in developing countries in the field of disaster management, including disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness and response, and/or climate adaptation and resilience building;
• Professional experience in human mobility, resilience building and with related sectoral policies, demonstrated by at least one assignment of at least one year in duration;
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in Sub-Saharan Africa;
• Proven experience working with local and national governments and civil society organizations (CSOs – directly or subcontracting/partnering) – to be clearly referenced in the CV;
• Proven experience working with national/regional institutions in areas relevant to the assignment is a strong asset;
• Experience working in conflict-affected areas, climate change-impacted regions, or areas with high levels of internal displacement is considered a strong asset;
• Experience working in the Great Lakes region is an advantage;
• Knowledge of the links between emergency and development programs is an advantage.
• Fluency in both English and French, with demonstrated work experience in both languages

What we offer

NB: This position is contingent upon successful EU contract award.

Contract length: 3 years

Duty station: Bujumbura, Burundi with travel to Lake Tanganyika Basin (DRC, Burundi, Tanzania)

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

DRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff within its programs. As such, we strongly encourage national and diaspora candidates to apply for this position.

Promoting high standards : 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.

Tagged as: Burundi, Danish Refugee Council