GEF Projects Sub-Regional Coordinator
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Dakar
Senegal
April 16, 2026
Full-timeApril 16, 2026
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that focuses on protecting the rights of displaced and affected individuals during crises. Established to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, NRC aims to prevent further displacement and contribute to durable solutions for those in need. The organization operates in 40 countries, delivering high-quality programs that support people forced to flee their homes. In June 2025, NRC underwent a significant restructuring to streamline its operations, transitioning from a three-level structure to a two-level structure, which has resulted in a more efficient Head Office and Representation Offices. This restructuring has also led to the establishment of Global Resource Pools that provide technical and operational support to Country Offices and Regional Teams. NRC is committed to fostering a culture of learning and collaboration within its teams, ensuring that they can effectively respond to the needs of displaced populations. More information about NRC can be found on their official website and through their promotional video.
Job Overview:
The Regional Head of Programme will play a crucial role in ensuring the programmatic quality and relevance of NRC's humanitarian response in the region. This position is responsible for prioritizing technical support to country responses and funding proposals, aligning them with a strategic vision for program and business development. The Regional Head will collaborate closely with Global Resource Pools, including thematic advisers, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), and Grants Management, to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to meet programmatic support needs. Additionally, the role involves maintaining strong relationships with regional donors and programmatic partners, which is essential for securing the necessary resources for NRC's operations. The Regional Head of Programme will also contribute to fostering a culture of learning within the organization and will work alongside the Head of Operational Support to explore synergies between country offices related to programmatic support and development.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Head of Programme include leading the development and implementation of Regional Response Plans for large-scale crises, representing NRC in regional forums, and supporting the Regional Director in assessing and responding to new emergencies. The role also involves ensuring a cost-efficient organizational setup in the region and countries, facilitating collaboration and coordination between the regional team and the global programmes team, and actively participating in the regional management group. The Regional Head will support the development of multi-country programmes and engage with donors accordingly, represent the region in GPAG (Global Programme Advisory Group) discussions, and ensure the dissemination and implementation of agreed global programme decisions across country offices. Additionally, the Regional Head may act on behalf of the Regional Director, including leading relevant Crisis Management Teams, and will undertake any other tasks as delegated by the line manager.
Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant leadership and management experience within the humanitarian field. Candidates should possess a university degree in a relevant field, preferably at the master’s degree level. Experience in resource mobilization and programme development is essential, along with a strong understanding of and commitment to collaborative work with technical and operational colleagues within a matrix structure. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile contexts, documented results related to the position’s responsibilities, and knowledge of their own leadership skills and profile. Fluency in both English and French, both written and verbal, is mandatory, while proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset. Knowledge of the regional context and experience with start-up or exit strategies are also advantageous, as well as proven skills in representation and network building.
Educational Background:
Candidates for the Regional Head of Programme position should have a university degree in a relevant field, with a preference for those holding a master’s degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and for effectively leading programs that address the needs of displaced populations.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant leadership and management experience in the humanitarian sector. This extensive experience is necessary to navigate the challenges of humanitarian response and to effectively lead programmatic initiatives in complex and volatile contexts. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of success in resource mobilization, program development, and collaboration with various stakeholders.
Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as both languages are essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations and stakeholders in the region.
Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Dakar, Senegal, and the contract is for a fixed duration of 24 months. The salary and benefits are classified as Grade 11 on NRC’s salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides opportunities for employees at all levels to take initiative and be heard. NRC also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to a safe environment, and report any incidents of exploitation or harassment. The organization has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against such issues.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that focuses on protecting the rights of displaced and affected individuals during crises. Established to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, NRC aims to prevent further displacement and contribute to durable solutions for those in need. The organization operates in 40 countries, delivering high-quality programs that support people forced to flee their homes. In June 2025, NRC underwent a significant restructuring to streamline its operations, transitioning from a three-level structure to a two-level structure, which has resulted in a more efficient Head Office and Representation Offices. This restructuring has also led to the establishment of Global Resource Pools that provide technical and operational support to Country Offices and Regional Teams. NRC is committed to fostering a culture of learning and collaboration within its teams, ensuring that they can effectively respond to the needs of displaced populations. More information about NRC can be found on their official website and through their promotional video.
Job Overview:
The Regional Head of Programme will play a crucial role in ensuring the programmatic quality and relevance of NRC's humanitarian response in the region. This position is responsible for prioritizing technical support to country responses and funding proposals, aligning them with a strategic vision for program and business development. The Regional Head will collaborate closely with Global Resource Pools, including thematic advisers, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), and Grants Management, to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to meet programmatic support needs. Additionally, the role involves maintaining strong relationships with regional donors and programmatic partners, which is essential for securing the necessary resources for NRC's operations. The Regional Head of Programme will also contribute to fostering a culture of learning within the organization and will work alongside the Head of Operational Support to explore synergies between country offices related to programmatic support and development.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Head of Programme include leading the development and implementation of Regional Response Plans for large-scale crises, representing NRC in regional forums, and supporting the Regional Director in assessing and responding to new emergencies. The role also involves ensuring a cost-efficient organizational setup in the region and countries, facilitating collaboration and coordination between the regional team and the global programmes team, and actively participating in the regional management group. The Regional Head will support the development of multi-country programmes and engage with donors accordingly, represent the region in GPAG (Global Programme Advisory Group) discussions, and ensure the dissemination and implementation of agreed global programme decisions across country offices. Additionally, the Regional Head may act on behalf of the Regional Director, including leading relevant Crisis Management Teams, and will undertake any other tasks as delegated by the line manager.
Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant leadership and management experience within the humanitarian field. Candidates should possess a university degree in a relevant field, preferably at the master’s degree level. Experience in resource mobilization and programme development is essential, along with a strong understanding of and commitment to collaborative work with technical and operational colleagues within a matrix structure. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile contexts, documented results related to the position’s responsibilities, and knowledge of their own leadership skills and profile. Fluency in both English and French, both written and verbal, is mandatory, while proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset. Knowledge of the regional context and experience with start-up or exit strategies are also advantageous, as well as proven skills in representation and network building.
Educational Background:
Candidates for the Regional Head of Programme position should have a university degree in a relevant field, with a preference for those holding a master’s degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and for effectively leading programs that address the needs of displaced populations.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant leadership and management experience in the humanitarian sector. This extensive experience is necessary to navigate the challenges of humanitarian response and to effectively lead programmatic initiatives in complex and volatile contexts. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of success in resource mobilization, program development, and collaboration with various stakeholders.
Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as both languages are essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations and stakeholders in the region.
Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Dakar, Senegal, and the contract is for a fixed duration of 24 months. The salary and benefits are classified as Grade 11 on NRC’s salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides opportunities for employees at all levels to take initiative and be heard. NRC also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to a safe environment, and report any incidents of exploitation or harassment. The organization has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against such issues.
Info
Job Posting Disclaimer
This job posting is provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy of the job description, qualifications, and other details mentioned is the sole responsibility of the employer or the organization listing the job. We do not guarantee the validity or legitimacy of this job posting. Candidates are advised to conduct their own due diligence and verify the details directly with the employer before applying.
We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
