Head of Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that has been operational in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 200

• NRC was established to provide humanitarian assistance to populations affected by one of the most complex and prolonged humanitarian crises in the world. The organization has expanded its reach with two Area Offices in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, supported by field offices that enable staff to access remote and hard-to-reach areas. NRC's programs encompass various sectors, including Rapid Response assistance, Shelter, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), and Humanitarian Mediation and Protection. In 2024, NRC aims to significantly increase its portfolio, which is projected to total USD 24 million. Additionally, NRC co-leads the Protection Cluster with UNHCR and provides technical support to the Shelter Cluster, leading the Housing, Land, and Property sub-cluster. More information about NRC can be found on their official website and through their promotional video.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme is a pivotal role within NRC, responsible for the overall programmatic strategy across the entire country operation. This position ensures that NRC's projects effectively address immediate humanitarian needs while also establishing programmatic strategies that facilitate durable solutions for individuals affected by displacement. The Head of Programme is tasked with providing timely and adequate technical inputs, contributing to quality assurance throughout the project cycle management (PCM). This senior position requires the individual to oversee assessments, monitoring, and evaluation processes, ensuring that collected information is utilized to enhance ongoing projects and is consistently integrated into high-quality grant proposals and reports. The role also involves significant responsibilities in strategy development, ensuring that policies, systems, and personnel work in a coordinated manner to design and implement a coherent and comprehensive program. Furthermore, the Head of Programme will engage in fundraising activities and represent NRC externally alongside the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Programme will lead and manage NRC programming in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on fundraising, resource allocation, program quality, accountability, and performance management. Key responsibilities include: participating in country program management and strategy meetings with senior management; providing effective leadership to program teams; ensuring programming aligns with community input and technical best practices; fostering collaboration across sectors for greater impact; ensuring adherence to NRC's Project Cycle Management (PCM) framework; supporting the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Unit in developing and implementing monitoring systems; leading efforts to consider cross-cutting issues throughout the program cycle; identifying funding opportunities and developing proposals; coordinating with finance colleagues for budget management; managing consortiums and providing technical support; staying informed about contextual and funding trends; compiling cross-sectoral data; supporting the Country Director in representation efforts; and monitoring the strategic objectives of the Country Office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management position within a humanitarian or recovery context. Experience in complex and volatile environments is essential. Expertise in NRC's core competencies is a significant advantage. Applicants should have documented success in program design and fundraising, particularly with NRC's key donors, and experience representing organizations at a senior level. Proven ability to lead cross-departmental teams to achieve humanitarian results is required. A commitment to NRC's values and ensuring safe, inclusive programming is crucial. Fluency in both French and English, written and verbal, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant educational background, typically at the graduate level, in fields related to humanitarian assistance, international development, or a similar discipline. Specific qualifications may vary, but a strong academic foundation in these areas is essential for effective program management and strategic oversight.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience, specifically a minimum of 5 years in a senior management role within humanitarian or recovery contexts. This experience should include working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating the ability to navigate challenges and lead teams effectively in such settings.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, both written and verbal, as it is essential for communication within the context of the DRC. Proficiency in English is also required, ensuring effective communication with international stakeholders and donors. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Goma, DR Congo, with a contract duration of 12 months. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC's grade 11 on their salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and provides employees at all levels with opportunities to contribute ideas and take initiative. NRC emphasizes a supportive culture and open dialogue with management, fostering professional growth and development. The organization also prioritizes safeguarding, expecting all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to a safe environment, and report any incidents of exploitation or harassment.