Head of Programme Support Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote human dignity and provide effective humanitarian aid, while also advocating for the rights of those affected by crises. The organization values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a workplace that reflects the communities it serves and fosters a culture of respect and empowerment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme Support Unit is a strategic leadership role focused on enhancing programme quality and support within the Norwegian Refugee Council's Human Mobility Hub (HMH). This position requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems, as well as partnerships. The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding the development and continuous evolution of the HMH grant portfolio, ensuring effective Project Cycle Management (PCM), and overseeing the coordination of learning efforts across multiple Core Competency programmes. The role also involves managing relationships with national partners and local actors, ensuring compliance with internal NRC processes related to partnerships and MEAL. The Head of Programme Support Unit will play a crucial role in developing a multi-year funding strategy, identifying funding opportunities, and ensuring that all programme staff are trained in NRC's project cycle management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Programme Support Unit will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the development of a multi-year funding strategy and programme forecasts while identifying funding opportunities that align with changing donor priorities.
• Ensuring compliance with grant management and project cycle management processes as delegated by the HMH Director.
• Managing the development of submissions to donors, including project proposals, and coordinating input for donor reporting, ensuring quality control of all applications and reports.
• Overseeing partnership contract management and developing partnership strategies under the HMH framework.
• Managing consortia where NRC is the lead agency, including the line management of consortia managers as delegated by the Director.
• Establishing a robust learning agenda for 2026, ensuring that learning is integrated within the HMH team and shared across the wider organization alongside global MEAL colleagues.
• Implementing a robust MEAL system, including community feedback mechanisms, and ensuring that regular monitoring and data collection inform future programme design and development.
• Leading team building and staff development within the Programme Support Unit, while fostering strong linkages with other programmes, operations, and support colleagues.
• Deputizing for the HMH Director as needed, ensuring continuity of leadership and support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a minimum of 6 years of experience working with complex grants and partner-based project portfolios within humanitarian or recovery contexts. They should have experience coordinating or leading consortia or other forms of partnership implementation, as well as programming alongside local actors and partners, with a focus on shifting power dynamics to a more local level. Additionally, candidates should have experience with start-up operations and innovative business models of aid, as well as expertise in MEAL systems and approaches, programme evaluation, learning exercises, and systems change. Leadership experience with a strong capacity for people development is essential, along with a deep understanding of the context in North Africa and/or West Asia and knowledge of donor landscapes in the region, including fluency in ECHO, NMFA, FCDO, SDC, and GFFO.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, ideally including a degree in international development, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in MEAL systems, project management, or partnership development would be advantageous and demonstrate a commitment to professional growth in the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience, typically at least 6 years, in managing complex grants and leading partnerships in humanitarian or recovery contexts. This includes experience in coordinating consortia and working closely with local actors to implement programmes effectively. Candidates should also have a proven track record in MEAL systems and approaches, as well as experience in programme evaluation and learning exercises that contribute to systems change.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic and/or French would be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the diverse contexts in which NRC operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Amman, Jordan, which is designated as a family duty station. The contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The role may require travel of up to 30% to areas of operation. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC's grading structure, specifically Grade 1

• NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and empowers employees at all levels to take responsibility and share their ideas.