Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Jobs 2026: MMC Project Coordinator – Nairobi, Kenya
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is inviting applications for an experienced MMC Project Coordinator to support its Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) research activities in East and Southern Africa. The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and offers an opportunity to contribute to migration research, quantitative data collection, project coordination and evidence-based humanitarian responses.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Data and Research Manager to coordinate multiple quantitative research projects under MMC’s 4Mi initiative. The role involves overseeing field research activities, supporting enumerator teams, preparing donor reports and ensuring that research projects are implemented effectively and in accordance with established standards.
The initial contract is for three months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding and performance.
Application deadline: 3 November 2026.
About the Danish Refugee Council and Mixed Migration Centre
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organisation working to protect and support refugees, internally displaced people and other vulnerable populations affected by displacement and migration.
The Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) is a global research and knowledge centre that collects data, conducts research and provides analysis on mixed migration movements. Its work covers migration, displacement, refugees, asylum seekers and other people on the move.
Through evidence-based research, MMC seeks to improve migration policies and strengthen protection responses for people affected by mixed migration.
The Project Coordinator will contribute to these objectives by supporting the implementation of quantitative research projects and ensuring the quality, consistency and effective use of collected data.
Position Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Danish Refugee Council (DRC) |
| Unit | Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) |
| Position | MMC Project Coordinator |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Contract Duration | 3 months, with possibility of extension |
| Availability | November 2026 |
| Reports To | MMC Project Manager |
| Application Deadline | 3 November 2026 |
| Application Language | English |
Key Responsibilities
The MMC Project Coordinator will oversee project implementation, research coordination and field-level activities across countries covered by MMC in East and Southern Africa, Egypt and Yemen.
1. Project Coordination
Responsibilities include:
- Contributing to the design of quantitative research projects and assessing their feasibility.
- Developing tools for enumerator supervision and tracking.
- Supporting enumerator training and ensuring training materials meet quality standards.
- Preparing detailed narrative reports for donors.
- Monitoring data collection expenditure and ensuring alignment with approved budgets.
- Supporting project planning, implementation and reporting.
2. Team Coordination and Supervision
The coordinator will provide ongoing technical support to the 4Mi Project Officer and specialists.
This includes supporting the recruitment, training and daily supervision of enumerators, overseeing junior team members, allocating responsibilities and ensuring that activities are completed within agreed timelines.
The role also requires effective communication to ensure that team members understand their responsibilities and project priorities.
3. Country-Level Coordination
The successful candidate will establish and maintain working relationships with DRC colleagues and partners in different data collection locations.
Responsibilities include coordinating project kick-off meetings, overseeing enumerator contracting and payment processes, supervising research partners and consultants, and developing solutions to challenges arising during implementation.
The coordinator will also develop feedback mechanisms to capture experiences from enumerators and field staff and incorporate lessons into research activities and future project designs.
4. Research and Knowledge Management
The position will involve contributing to the development of qualitative and quantitative questionnaires, supporting fieldwork and assisting with data analysis.
The coordinator will also contribute to research outputs, presentations and dissemination activities within DRC and with external stakeholders.
Keeping informed about mixed migration developments across the region will be important for ensuring that research remains relevant and responsive to emerging challenges.
Qualifications and Experience
DRC is seeking a candidate with strong research, project coordination and migration-related experience.
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as research methods, international development, migration studies or business administration.
- At least seven years of experience in data collection, surveys or other research activities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of mixed migration issues in the region.
- Experience working on migration issues in East or Southern Africa.
- Strong organisational and project coordination skills.
- Experience supporting and supervising field research teams.
- Excellent communication skills when working with enumerators from different nationalities and language groups.
- Proficiency in IT systems, including Android-based applications.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Knowledge of procurement best practices and codes of conduct within international non-governmental organisations.
Candidates should also demonstrate sensitivity to issues affecting refugees and migrants.
Core Competencies
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:
- Striving for excellence: Delivering results while maintaining efficient processes and high standards.
- Collaborating: Working with relevant stakeholders and encouraging feedback.
- Taking the lead: Demonstrating initiative, ownership and innovation.
- Communicating: Listening and communicating effectively and honestly.
- Demonstrating integrity: Acting in accordance with DRC’s vision and values.
Contract and Working Conditions
The position is offered on an initial three-month contract, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability and performance.
The successful candidate is expected to be available to start in November 2026.
Salary and other employment conditions will be determined in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit a motivated application and an updated CV in English through the official DRC online recruitment platform.
Applicants should ensure that their applications address the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the vacancy announcement.
Application deadline: 3 November 2026.
DRC is committed to equal opportunities and an inclusive working environment. The organisation conducts background checks as part of its recruitment process and expects all employees to uphold its safeguarding and professional conduct standards.
Final Thoughts
The MMC Project Coordinator position presents an opportunity for an experienced research and migration professional to contribute to evidence-based humanitarian programming across East and Southern Africa.
With responsibilities spanning quantitative research, field coordination, donor reporting, team supervision and migration analysis, the position is particularly relevant to professionals with substantial experience in research management and humanitarian development.
Candidates who meet the academic and seven-year experience requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
