Global WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure Lead

Are you committed to improving access to essential services and infrastructure for vulnerable communities worldwide? Do you bring extensive experience in WASH, Shelter, and Infrastructure programming in humanitarian and fragile settings? Are you a strategic thinker who thrives in leading technical teams and promoting integrated, multisector solutions that drive lasting impact?

Who are we?

The Programme and Policy Division is the main ‘engine room’ for programmatic policy and development for the global organization. It houses DRC’s overall Response Framework, which guides how we programme worldwide, our Core Sectors, as well as HQ units related to cross-cutting work on emergency response, localization, and climate & environment.

About the job

The Global Technical Lead for WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure (WASI) is a full-time position within the Programme and Policy Division and serving as the organization’s lead technical expert on WASI. The global WASI lead provides strategic leadership, technical direction, and coordination of global efforts across WASH, Shelter, and Infrastructure programming—with a strong focus on climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and green infrastructure.

The core areas of responsibility include:

1. Strategic Leadership, Team Coordination & Technical Integration
2. Technical Supervision, Guidance and Capacity Strengthening
3. Program Quality, Innovation & Learning
4. Sector Representation and Advocacy

Strategic Leadership, Team Coordination & Technical Integration

• Lead the development and implementation of global technical strategies for WASH, Shelter & Infrastructure, ensuring coherence with DRC’s overall programmatic vision.
• Coordinate a small team of technical advisors.
• Promote integrated approaches that link WASI programming with other sectors, particularly in areas such as sustainable settlement planning, climate-resilient infrastructure, and WASH-related livelihoods.

Technical Supervision, Guidance and Capacity Strengthening

• Provide technical supervision, foster collaboration, learning, and knowledge exchange.
• Provide high-level technical guidance to HQ/HQ hubs and country teams, strengthening internal capacities through tailored support, mentoring, training, and resource development.

Program Quality, Innovation & Learning

• Ensure technical quality and accountability across WASI programming by developing tools, standards, and methodologies in line with global best practices.
• Facilitate evidence-based learning and innovation, supporting research, data analysis, and the documentation of lessons learned.
• Provide strategic input into program design, donor engagement, and policy development.

Sector Representation & Advocacy

• Advocate for integrated, climate-smart approaches in coordination with donors, UN agencies, and sector partners.
• Contribute to global policy dialogue, promote DRC’s technical leadership, and influence sector standards to prioritize sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible programming.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have 10 years of professional experience in the field of Shelter & Settlements, WASH and infrastructure with at least 5 years in senior roles focusing on integrated programming in humanitarian or development settings and preferably with experience integrating climate resilient shelter and infrastructure. This should include team coordination, overseeing or delivering technical support and supervision, as well as training to support complex, multisector adaptation initiatives, including in fragile and conflict-affected locations.

Required:

• Master’s degree in environmental engineering, Public Health, Water Resources Management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated professional expertise in Shelter & Settlements programming at country level as well as strong knowledge of WASH programming.
• Strong understanding of climate resilience, sustainable water management, and the socio-economic impact of WASI interventions.
• Experience in designing and implementing large-scale, multi-sectoral projects with an emphasis on cross-sector integration.
• Strong ability to lead cross-functional teams and provide technical assistance in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, governments, and partner organizations.
• Experience in resource mobilization, including developing successful proposals and concept notes for WASI and cross-sector programs.
• Fluent in English (additional languages, such as French, Spanish, or Arabic, are highly desirable).
• Proven experience with impactfully engaging with stakeholders.
• Experience working in emergency response with INGOs, preferably in a humanitarian context

Desired

• Additional certifications in Shelter & Settlements & WASH, project management, or disaster management are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of regional WASI challenges and solutions, particularly in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
• Experience in designing WASI solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs in emergency and development contexts.
• Familiarity with digital tools for monitoring and reporting in WASI programming, including GIS, mobile data collection, and other software.
• Familiarity with the Sphere Standards, WASH and Shelter cluster coordination, and other relevant humanitarian frameworks and guidelines.

We offer

Contract length: permanent contract.

Workplace: Preferably in DRC’s HQ, Borgergade 10, 1300 Copenhagen. Danish Refugee Council’s headquarters in Copenhagen will move to Lyngbyvej 100, 2100 Østerbro, just by Ryparken station, in the fall of 2025.

Other DRC offices may be considered but will be subject to further discussions.

Start date: 1st September or as soon as possible thereafter

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and AC (if the position is in Denmark). This is a national position for which local terms and conditions apply.

Further information

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Fie Lauritzen, head of sector coordination & thematic areas, fie.lauritzen@drc.ngo. For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.