Head of Unit for African Multilateral Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is an organization dedicated to improving aid to better protect and empower individuals affected by crises and climate change. Established with the mission to provide expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding partners, NORCAP believes that collaboration is essential to reduce needs, risks, and vulnerabilities over time. The organization operates globally, focusing on effective ways of working both at the global level and in the field. NORCAP aims not only to alleviate needs but also to create opportunities for vulnerable populations. The organization works with partners to enhance aid through targeted expertise and collaborative solutions to unmet challenges.

Job Overview:
As the Head of Unit for African Multilateral Partnerships, you will be responsible for leading NORCAP’s strategic engagement with African multilateral organizations, with a primary focus on the African Union Commission. This role involves driving collaboration to strengthen governance, peace, resilience, and inclusive development. You will oversee the strategic direction, program and policy development, operational delivery, and the establishment of high-quality partnerships. Additionally, you will manage a team that is responsible for deploying expertise and implementing thematic initiatives. The position is based in Oslo and requires approximately 10% travel, reporting directly to the Climate Action, Peace and Democracy Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:
In this role, you will be tasked with translating NORCAP’s strategic objectives into clear priorities, plans, and targets for the African Multilateral Partnerships Unit. You will lead, manage, and develop unit staff, ensuring strong performance management, workforce planning, recruitment, and duty of care for staff both in Oslo and in the field. You will provide strategic and operational leadership for programs, ensuring quality delivery within agreed time, cost, scope, and risk parameters, including robust financial and results reporting. Strengthening institutional collaboration by building and maintaining effective partnerships with African multilateral institutions is crucial, ensuring alignment with regional goals and NORCAP’s strategic priorities. You will also lead the development and implementation of thematic strategies, initiate new projects, and ensure systematic learning, risk assessment, and mitigation in accordance with NORCAP’s frameworks. Enhancing donor engagement and fundraising efforts by identifying opportunities, contributing to proposals, and ensuring high-quality reporting and relationship management will be part of your responsibilities. Additionally, you will oversee unit operations, including daily workflow management, decision-making, team setup and closure, and resource allocation to achieve agreed results.

Required Qualifications:
To excel in this role, candidates should possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field and at least 10 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a managerial role. Demonstrated experience in program management, business development, fundraising, and donor engagement is essential. Candidates should have experience in African-led policy processes and integration priorities, as well as in multilateral diplomacy and institutional cooperation. Familiarity with regional peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security architectures and African political and developmental frameworks is also required. Strong credibility and experience representing an organization to high-level regional and international stakeholders are necessary, along with knowledge and expertise across both humanitarian and development sectors, particularly in international contexts. Proven planning, coordination, networking, diplomacy, and relationship-building skills are crucial, as is the ability to work effectively with multilateral partners. Strong leadership ability, including managing and inspiring staff, guiding change processes, and delivering high-quality results, is expected.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field, which is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the environment in which NORCAP operates. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in areas pertinent to humanitarian aid, development, and international relations, equipping candidates with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to succeed in this position.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a managerial role. This experience should encompass program management, business development, and donor engagement, particularly within the context of African multilateral partnerships. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in international settings and should be familiar with the dynamics of African-led policy processes and institutional cooperation.

Languages:
While the job does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication and reporting purposes. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the African context may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners across the continent.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Oslo, with approximately 10% travel required. NORCAP offers flexible working hours and a hybrid working model. The organization is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace, valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion. All offers are subject to reference and background checks in line with safeguarding standards. The deadline for applications is set for 7th April 2026, at 11.55 PM Oslo time, and feedback will be provided to all applicants within four weeks after the closing date.