Head of Programme Support

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ around 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. NRC is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring they receive the support they need in times of crisis. The organization focuses on various core competencies, including education, protection, legal assistance, shelter, and emergency response, adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of affected populations.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme Support will play a crucial role in guiding the development and evolution of NRC's grant portfolio in Afghanistan. This position is pivotal for overseeing project cycle management, ensuring safe and inclusive programming, and establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation system for the program. The role requires an influential and adaptive leader who can foster a collaborative environment, build effective teams, and maintain constructive relationships with various stakeholders. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, managing donor submissions, ensuring compliance with grant management processes, and overseeing partnerships and consortia management. This position is particularly significant given the complex humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where the need for effective programming and support is critical.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop strategies for program forecasting and identify funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with grant management and project cycle management processes.
• Manage donor submissions, including project proposals and reporting.
• Maintain quality control of donor applications and reports.
• Conduct donor monitoring visits to ensure compliance and accountability.
• Identify and develop partnerships, focusing on capacity building and compliance initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Consortium Management Unit for available funding and development of consortia applications.
• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation system to ensure effective program implementation.
• Plan and oversee safe and inclusive programming to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess senior grant management experience, particularly in a humanitarian or recovery context. Experience in consortia coordination or leadership, as well as partnership implementation, is essential. Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation systems, approaches, and accountability mechanisms is required, along with experience in developing these systems. Candidates should be aware of the donor landscape, including priorities and conditions, and have exposure to integrated programming in complex and volatile contexts. Familiarity with the Afghanistan context, particularly regarding displacement and humanitarian needs, is highly advantageous. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in international development, humanitarian assistance, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in grant management, monitoring and evaluation, or humanitarian response will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in grant management, with a proven track record of managing programs in humanitarian or recovery settings. Experience in leading consortia or partnerships, as well as familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks, is essential. Previous work experience in Afghanistan or similar contexts will be highly regarded.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Afghanistan would be an advantage but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, with a contract duration of 24 months. The role may require approximately 20% travel. The position is classified as Grade 10 in NRC’s International Salary Scale, which includes a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply, fostering a work culture that empowers all employees to share ideas and take responsibility. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to contribute to a safe environment, treating everyone with respect and dignity.