Head of Programme

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 assistance and long-term support 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 necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC emphasizes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where all employees can contribute ideas and take responsibility for their work.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme position is a strategic leadership role focused on developing and implementing high-quality, holistic programs within the humanitarian and recovery contexts of the Middle East, particularly in Palestine. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing programmatic input to the Country Strategy and Plan of Action, ensuring alignment with regional and global priorities. This role requires a deep understanding of the Palestinian humanitarian crisis and the ability to engage with various stakeholders, including donors and other NGOs. The Head of Programme will lead the development of funding strategies, oversee grants management, and ensure adherence to NRC policies and best practices. Additionally, the position involves promoting the rights of internally displaced persons and returnees, ensuring that advocacy efforts are evidence-based and aligned with programmatic goals. The role also includes line management responsibilities and the need for effective collaboration with other actors in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide programmatic input to the Country Management Group (CMG) and contribute to the Country Strategy and Plan of Action.
• Develop Core Competency strategies that align with regional and global priorities.
• Create holistic, needs-based programs, including cash-based and market-based initiatives.
• Identify funding opportunities and develop comprehensive funding strategies and forecasts.
• Lead the development of NRC’s fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Programme Unit.
• Ensure sound and timely grants management through NRC’s Project Cycle Management (PCM) framework.
• Drive quality control, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) initiatives, and coordinate the implementation of Safe and Inclusive Programming Minimum Standards.
• Manage Core Competency Specialists and ensure capacity building for all technical staff.
• Strengthen collaboration with other actors through networking and partnership implementation. 1
• Advocate for the rights of IDPs and returnees, working closely with the Advocacy Manager. 1
• Ensure consistency and synergy between program operations in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. 1
• Act as the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director when delegated.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as administration, business, or social sciences; an advanced academic qualification is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management position within humanitarian, recovery, or complex contexts, ideally as Head of Programme or in a similar role.
• Experience with NRC Core Competency programming and familiarity with MEL systems and accountability frameworks.
• Proven experience in coordinating or leading consortia and engaging with donors and other NGOs.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff development capabilities, with effective team-building and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience in remote management is mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as administration, business, or social sciences. An advanced academic qualification will be considered an added advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for this strategic leadership role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management role within humanitarian, recovery, or complex contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of program and project management, ideally in a Head of Programme capacity or similar position. Experience in NRC Core Competency programming and familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in engaging with donors and other NGOs, as well as demonstrated leadership and staff development capabilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position, along with excellent drafting skills. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and engagement within the local context.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is either Jerusalem, Palestine, or Amman, Jordan, with a contract duration of 24 months, renewable based on funding and performance. The role involves approximately 30% travel to NRC areas of operations. The salary and benefits are classified as Grade 11 on NRC's grading structure. 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 ideas and responsibility at all levels, fostering a supportive work culture.