Executive Assistant to the Secretary General (maternity cover)

Are you a strategic thinker, structured and with exceptional execution and communication skills? And do you have experience with executive and strategic support to senior management and knowledge of humanitarian and global affairs? We are looking for an experienced, proactive, extrovert and solutions oriented Executive Assistant to the Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). You will support the Secretary General in her daily work, work closely with the DRC Executive Management Team and engage with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

About the job

The office of the Secretary General is a small dynamic team, supporting the Secretary General, the Executive Management Team, the Board of Directors, and the Council of DRC. The office also supports DRC’s overall organisational processes and its overall strategy, provides management and administrative support to the Secretary General, and organises global staff meetings. The office works and coordinates closely with departments in headquarters as well as DRC offices across the world.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Day-to-day comprehensive executive support and advice to the Secretary General, including on external engagements, positioning and communication, in close coordination with relevant teams. Liaising and communicating clearly and professionally on behalf of the Secretary General internally in DRC and with external stakeholders.
• Support to the Executive Management Team (EMT), including preparation of agendas and presentations, decision-making documents and minutes, follow-up to decisions, and preparation of regular bilateral meetings between the SG and EMT members, including agenda setting.
• Coordinating and advising on processes for preparing the Secretary General’s external engagements, including drafting and proof reading of products (briefs, talking points, presentations etc.) for the Secretary General, and ensure timely and efficient follow-ups and minutes, and feedback to relevant teams.
• Making sure that the Secretary General receives information requiring her attention and action and managing the Secretary General’s calendar.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes and strengthen ways of working through digital tools, automation and AI-enabled solutions.
• Ensuring expense management in Microsoft Dynamics, related to SG travels, events and meetings (primary task of student assistant).
• Ensuring legalisation of documents required across the organisation, including notarisation, apostilles, and coordination with embassies and translation services (primary task of student assistant).

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have:

• A relevant master’s degree in international relations, political science or similar.
• Excellent collaboration, analytical, organisational and communication skills, a flexible and solution-oriented attitude, and a structured and independent way of working with the ability to see the bigger picture while maintaining a strong attention to detail and high-quality deliverables.
• Ability to maintain overview of a broad operational and political portfolio, advise on priorities and ensure timely execution and follow-up.
• Solid knowledge of humanitarian affairs and operations, as well as international relations and developments impacting the work of DRC.
• Experience in interacting with many different stakeholders, including high level, ideally from diplomacy and/or external relations from a global organisation.
• Ability to deliver high-quality analytical inputs, and to draft complex briefing materials, talking points, and political or legal reports in fast-paced, high-pressure environment is required.
• Full professional proficiency in Danish and English. Basic knowledge of French and/or Spanish is desirable.

All employees should master DRC's 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

An interesting workplace with excellent colleagues and plenty of scope for contribution with your own ideas. The possibility of working closely with and supporting the Secretary General and the Executive Management Team, as well as colleagues across our global organisation.

Contract length: 9 months with the possibility of extension (maternity cover)

Work location: Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, just by Ryparken station

Start date: mid-November 2026 or the soonest hereafter

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and AC. This is a national position for which local terms and conditions apply. Salary will be determined based on qualifications.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English (no longer than four pages) as well as degree certificate. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 2 September 2026. We expect to conduct interviews in September.

Further information

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Vibeke Bach Madsen, Corporate Strategic Advisor in the Secretary General’s Office: vibeke.bach.madsen@drc.ngo. We will do our best to respond to as many inquiries as possible.

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.