The Danish Refugee Council is one of the world's leading humanitarian NGOs, working in over 30 countries to provide adequate assistance and protection to refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs, returnees, people on the move, and vulnerable local populations/host communities. Currently, DRC is seeking a highly qualified SWI Coordinator based in Caracas, Venezuela.
About the job: DRC is managing its operations in Venezuela under the direction of the country office in Caracas and four field offices located in the states of Sucre, Apure, and Zulia (Maracaibo and Santa Barbara de Zulia). DRC Venezuela is implementing an integrated Action encompassing the Protection, Food Security & Livelihood, WASH and Disaster Preparedness sectors.
Overall purpose of the role:
The SWI Coordinator provides country-level technical leadership and coordination for DRC Venezuela’s water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and infrastructure programming. Reporting to the Head of Programme, the role leads sector strategy and programme quality, supports field teams and partners, and represents DRC in relevant technical forums. The Coordinator works closely with base and area management, other technical sectors and support functions to ensure safe, accountable and integrated programming.
Responsabilities:
Duties and Responsibilities
Programme strategy and development
- Lead the development, implementation and periodic review of the country SWI strategy, aligned with the country strategy, assessed needs and DRC technical guidance.
- Analyse needs, risks and sector developments with field teams, communities and partners to inform priorities, programme design and advocacy.
- Lead sector inputs to concept notes, proposals, budgets, logframes and work plans; ensure technical feasibility, integration and realistic resourcing.
- Coordinate SWI interventions across projects and locations, supporting coherent planning with base and area managers and other technical leads.
Technical quality and programme oversight
- Develop, review and maintain technical guidelines, standard operating procedures, tools and designs for water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and infrastructure activities.
- Review bills of quantities, drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates; support procurement and technical evaluation in coordination with supply chain and relevant teams.
- Provide technical oversight throughout implementation, including site visits, quality checks and follow-up of corrective actions with responsible teams.
- Ensure activities meet applicable national requirements, Sphere standards and other relevant humanitarian and technical standards, adapted to context.
- ntegrate protection, inclusion, safeguarding, accountability to affected people, environmental considerations and risk mitigation throughout the project cycle.
- Work with MEAL and field teams to define indicators, monitor outcomes, use community feedback and document learning; review sector inputs to donor and internal reports.
Team leadership and capacity building
- Provide technical leadership and regular guidance to SWI staff across locations, in coordination with their line managers; manage the SWI technical team where assigned.
- Identify capacity gaps and develop and deliver training, coaching and practical support for DRC staff and partners.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, objective setting and performance reviews for relevant technical staff, in line with agreed management arrangements.
- Plan and prioritise technical support and field visits, and facilitate regular sector coordination and information sharing.
Coordination, representation and partnerships
- Represent DRC in the WASH Cluster, Shelter and Settlements coordination mechanisms and other relevant forums, as agreed with the Head of Programme.
- Build and maintain relationships with communities, partners, authorities and relevant stakeholders; support collaborative and equitable partnerships.
- Coordinate with DRC regional and global technical counterparts and share relevant learning, technical guidance and advocacy priorities
- Promote integration with protection, economic recovery and other programmes, including emergency preparedness and anticipatory action where relevant.
Experience and technical competencies
- At least five years of relevant experience in WASH, shelter or infrastructure programming, including humanitarian or early recovery contexts.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating technical teams or providing technical supervision and capacity building across multiple locations.
- Experience designing, implementing and monitoring relevant projects, including proposal development, budgets and reporting.
- Strong ability to review technical designs, bills of quantities and specifications, and to oversee quality and safety of works.
- Knowledge of Sphere and relevant technical standards, protection mainstreaming, inclusion and community accountability.
- Experience working with partners, authorities and sector coordination mechanisms; strong communication, planning and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a changing operational environment and travel regularly to field locations.
Desirable
- Experience in Venezuela or Latin America and in displacement or mixed-crisis contexts.
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD, GIS/GPS or EPANET, as relevant to the programme.
- Experience integrating climate, environmental and disaster-risk considerations into programming.
Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)
- University degree in civil, water, sanitation, hydraulic, environmental or related engineering, or another relevant technical field.
Languages: (indicate fluency level)
- English (fluent)
- Spanish (fluent)
We offer:
- The opportunity to be part of one of the best NGOs worldwide.
- Access to over 1,000 free online trainings and certifications.
- Contract duration: subject to budget availability.
- Salary: Band G / N.management.
- HCM insurance fully covered by the organization.
DRC Core Competencies:
- Achieving Excellence: Focus on achieving results and ensuring efficient processes.
- Collaboration: Engage relevant parties and encourage feedback.
- Taking the Initiative: Take ownership and initiative while seeking innovation.
- Communicating: Listen and speak effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating Integrity: Act in accordance with DRC's vision and values.
Application Process: All applicants must upload a cover letter (max. 1 page) and an updated CV (max. 2 pages, without attachments) in English or Spanish, on the DRC employment platform. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, November 10 at 11:59 pm Local Time. Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously, and interviews will be scheduled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. DRC reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
Start Date: November 2026
