Head of Operational Support and Grants (HOSG)

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 employees, 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.

Job Overview:
The Head of Operational Support and Grants (HOSG) plays a crucial role within the Nabni Facility Management Unit (FMU). This position is responsible for overseeing the systems and processes related to grant cycle management, partner performance, and risk management. The HOSG provides essential support and guidance to Country Grant Managers in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, who are responsible for the day-to-day management of grants. Additionally, the HOSG supervises the Finance and Procurement teams, ensuring that operational support functions are robust and effective. The role also involves significant contributions to risk management and compliance functions, ensuring that all activities align with donor requirements and operational needs. The HOSG is tasked with overseeing grant management and reporting functions, ensuring timely donor reporting and effective management of donor grants, while also managing consultant pools for additional support to partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HOSG will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Management oversight of Finance and Procurement functions that support both the FMU and the grant management cycle of partner grants.
• Development and maintenance of the Nabni grant cycle management system, ensuring successful implementation in collaboration with Country Grant Managers and the Nabni Director.
• Liaising with partners on grant cycle management and providing technical assistance and capacity strengthening.
• Developing, monitoring, and managing Nabni’s risk and compliance systems and processes, ensuring that all operational tools and manuals are up to date and compliant with donor requirements.
• Fostering a positive team environment within the Operational Support and Grant Management Unit, ensuring adequate backstopping and cross-training opportunities.
• Supporting the development of the Nabni strategic plan and master budget.
• Line management responsibilities for directly reporting staff, including performance management, workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development.
• Performing any other tasks as delegated by line managers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess relevant higher education in fields such as business administration, management, finance, or other related areas. A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management position within a humanitarian or development organization is required, including experience in team management. Demonstrated experience in managing operational support functions, particularly in Finance and Procurement, is essential. Experience in IT and HR is considered an added advantage. Candidates must have prior experience developing or managing partnerships with local and national non-governmental/civil society organizations, particularly in the MENA region. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. Experience managing non-governmental/civil society grant facilities is strongly preferred, as is experience working in complex and volatile contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant higher education degree in business administration, management, finance, or a related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of operational support and grant management within a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management role, such as Head of Support or Deputy Chief of Party, within a humanitarian or development organization. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing teams and operational support functions, particularly in Finance and Procurement. Experience in the MENA region is mandatory, and prior experience working with KfW-funded projects or knowledge of KfW requirements is considered a strong advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an advantage, as it facilitates communication and collaboration with local partners and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Amman, Jordan, with a contract duration until December 2027, subject to renewal based on performance and funding availability. The role may require travel of up to 30%. 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 provides employees at all levels with the responsibility to contribute to the mission.