Business Development Coordinator (Private Sector Partnerships)

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate is to promote and protect durable solutions to conflict and displacement affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 700 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2024 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt it durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Business Development Coordinator (Private Sector Partnerships) to join our team in Kyiv.

About the role:

The Business Development Coordinator is responsible for developing and strengthening partnerships between DRC and the private sector in Ukraine (e.g., Danish and other international companies, local companies). The Business Development Coordinator will identify concrete opportunities and develop joint solution-oriented programme initiatives. The goal is to create shared value through strategic partnerships that leverage the resources, expertise, and innovation of the private sector to support DRC’s humanitarian and development objectives, contributing to the recovery and resilience of Ukraine. Public-private partnerships will also be investigated and developed into relevant program initiatives when possible, and innovative financing modalities will be pursued when relevant.

Your main responsibilities will be:

Defining DRC’s Value Proposition and Developing Private Sector Engagement Strategy in Ukraine

• Articulate DRC’s value proposition to potential private sector partners, emphasizing strengths, expertise, and impact in Ukraine.
• Serve as DRC’s technical lead for shared value private sector partnerships.
• Develop and regularly update the DRC Private Sector Engagement Strategy outlining engagement processes, partnership goals, and shared value framework.
• Create capacity statements and communication materials to convey DRC’s mission and partnership opportunities.
• Conduct presentations and meetings to highlight collaboration potential.

Scoping, Developing, and Managing Private Sector Partner Relations

• Manage existing relations with identified private companies and develop concepts for joint initiatives.
• Map and identify potential private sector partners aligned with DRC’s mission and objectives, in collaboration with CO team and HQ/RO colleagues.
• Identify opportunities for private sector contributions through financial support, in-kind donations, technical expertise, and other resources.
• Foster public-private partnerships that align with DRC’s mandate and country strategy.

Program and Project Development and Management

• Develop, manage, and fundraise for programs and projects, ensuring effective communication.
• Lead program and project development and implementation in priority sectors within private sector engagement, in coordination with the HoP.
• Secure partnerships, develop concept notes/proposals, and fundraise for joint initiatives leveraging the strengths and resources of both DRC and private sector partners.
• Support DRC Ukraine in developing parameters and conducting robust risk assessments for private sector cooperation.
• Develop relationships with traditional and non-traditional donors to support DRC’s private sector partnerships.
• Amplify DRC’s branding as a partner for the private sector, in collaboration with communication and fundraising teams.
• Implement a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact and effectiveness of private sector partnerships.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on partnership activities and outcomes.
• Participate in relevant events, networks, and working groups related to DRC’s private sector partnerships.

Developing and Reviewing Organisational Tools and Guidance

• Lead the development and implementation of business partner assessment tools with support from PIBE and in coordination with DRC Ukraine’s Head of Program.
• Identify and develop necessary technical and operational tools and guidelines for private sector partnerships.

Internal Learning and Capacity Strengthening

• Strengthen DRC’s internal capacity to engage with private sector partners at various levels.
• Provide training and support to DRC staff on engaging with the private sector and building strategic partnerships.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within DRC to encourage staff to pursue partnership opportunities.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 5 years of experience in business engagement, partnership management, or corporate social responsibility. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Demonstrated success in engaging with the private sector, forging multi-sector partnerships and/or driving innovation processes, preferably within the humanitarian or development sector;
• Solid knowledge and experience in the sectors of protection, economic recovery, durable solutions and other displacement-related issues, within humanitarian and development context;
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and facilitate multi-stakeholder engagement effectively and inclusively on complex programme initiatives, in a timely manner;
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, communication and reporting skills;
• High degree of advisory and operational capacity.
• Advanced degree in economics, business administration, finance, social sciences or other relevant specialization, or a combination of other fields of study and practical work experience
• Fluent English, Ukrainian will be considered as an asset

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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 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

• Contract length: One-year contract
• Band: F – non-manager
• Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv
• Start date: September 15th, 2024

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application process

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

Closing date for applications: August 9th, 2024

We reserve the right to conduct further interviews before the deadline for submission of applications.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.