Head of Programme Coordination

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is a part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), an organization dedicated to improving aid for people affected by crises and climate change. Established to enhance humanitarian efforts, NORCAP collaborates with local, national, and international partners to find solutions that meet the needs of vulnerable populations. The organization operates globally, focusing on humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding sectors, and aims to strengthen the global system through leadership, coordination, and policy development. NORCAP is committed to values such as dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability, fostering a safe and empowering work culture for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme Coordination will play a crucial role in leading the transformation of the Programme Management Team into a fully functional Programme Coordination Unit within the African Union’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (PAPS). This position involves overseeing annual programming and budgeting processes, ensuring they align with departmental priorities and the frameworks of the African Union. The successful candidate will coordinate with AU strategic planning and resource mobilization teams to develop and implement cooperation agreements, oversee initiatives under the AU Peace Fund, and guide risk management activities. The role also includes mentoring and supervising PCU staff to ensure high-quality delivery and institutional strengthening, acting as a focal point for change management and development partner engagement on programming issues. This position is integral to enhancing programme coordination and delivery across the continent, contributing to transformative change in peace, security, and governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the transformation of the Programme Management Team into a fully functional Programme Coordination Unit supporting PAPS.
• Oversee annual programming and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and AU frameworks.
• Coordinate with AU strategic planning and resource mobilization teams to develop and implement cooperation agreements.
• Provide oversight for initiatives under the AU Peace Fund, including the Crisis Reserve Facility.
• Guide risk management activities and advise leadership on strategic threats to performance.
• Facilitate joint programming with regional and sub-regional organizations aligned with APSA and AGA.
• Mentor and supervise PCU staff, ensuring high-quality delivery and institutional strengthening.
• Act as focal point for change management and development partner engagement on programming issues.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in economics, statistics, project management, public policy, development studies, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and partnership development is required, with at least 7 years at a managerial level. Proven experience in governance, peace, and security programming is essential, along with strong leadership and change management capabilities. Excellent communication and coordination skills across diverse stakeholders are also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as economics, statistics, project management, public policy, or development studies is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of programme coordination and the strategic planning necessary for effective governance and peace initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and partnership development. Out of these, at least 7 years must be at a managerial level, demonstrating a strong track record in governance, peace, and security programming. Candidates should have experience leading teams and managing complex projects, showcasing their ability to drive change and deliver results in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the African Union member states, would be considered an asset and beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders across the continent.

Additional Notes:
This position is restricted to valid passport-holding nationals of AU member states. The application process requires candidates to register their full employment history and education in English, including their full name as written in their passport. NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or disability. The organization reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates, and an approved health certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment. Feedback will be provided to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of the advertisement.