The Danish DW has three different roles to fulfill:

• An operational role, based on the objectives and activities of the partnership.

• A political role, in contributing to the development of the MS country programme through representation in the Policy Advisory Board (PAB).

• An informative role, in taking part in information work related to the Danish public and solidarity work between South and North.

The operational role

The role and task of the DW must be based on the objectives and plans of the partnership she is placed within and considering the specific qualifications of the DW in question.
A job description must state and define the tasks as well as the position of the DW in the organisational structure of the partner organisation.

The Danish DW is accountable to the partner organisation. She is a team member in the organisation contributing knowledge, experience and skills not already available in the organisation.
The DW facilitates a process that promotes a successful implementation of the partnership. This implies advising on technical and other relevant issues and assisting in sustaining the democratic foundation of the partner organisation.

In accordance with the participatory approach, development of partnerships requires exchange of ideas and experiences.

The DW is expected to enter into an open dialogue with the people involved in the partnership, i.e. staff and other members of the partner organisation and the MS country office staff.

In this day-to-day dialogue, the DW must pay attention to the difference between her/his social and cultural background and the context in which the partner is operating. This implies meeting people in the partner organisation on their own terms.
To co-operate with partners in an open and sensitive manner, the DW must be aware of her/his own cultural heritage and be able to deal with differences of human and social behaviour.

Besides mastering the official language in the country of service, the Danish DW should also strive to learn the appropriate local language.

The DW has no obligations concerning control of financial resources provided by MS, unless this is clearly outlined in her job description. The financial supervision in this regard usually lies with the MS country office.

The introduction to the partnership must be carefully arranged and the partner should be prepared for the arrival of the DW. The MS programme officers must ensure proper communication between the DW, the partner and the country office. Such communication will build on transparency regarding aims, methods and identity.

Conflicts should be settled in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in the partnership agreement.

The political role

The Danish DW plays an important role in implementing the MS policies as reflected in the partnership agreement.

The DW also participates in the MS programme development through representation in the local Policy Advisory Board (PAB) and the MS Annual Meeting in the country of operation.

Finally, she can influence the MS General Assembly by participating in electing representatives both from the country programme through the liaison committee (KG) and through the election of personal members.

The informative role

The Danish DW is a part of the MS information and solidarity work in her country of operation. MS works to strengthen information between South and North for the benefit of its partners, as well as for the purpose of informing the Danish public about critical issues of concern to MS partners.

The information activities should be planned and professionally supported by information officers attached to the MS programme.