Head of Support

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 assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC is recognized for its high-quality aid delivery and its dedication to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Head of Support (HoS) position at NRC is a pivotal role aimed at ensuring that all support functions—such as Finance, Human Resources, Administration, Logistics, and ICT—are effectively structured and maintained to provide high-quality and efficient support for program implementation. The HoS will be responsible for line management of support managers and will play a crucial role in the Country Management Group (CMG). This position requires a strategic mindset to facilitate the integration of support functions into the overall Country Strategy and Plan of Action, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and donor requirements. The HoS will also be accountable for the quality of support provided to project implementation, overseeing budget management, resource allocation, and operational support in proposal development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Support include:

• Line management of support managers across Finance, HR, Administration, Logistics, and ICT.
• Participation in the Country Management Group (CMG) to contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and donor/auditor requirements.
• Facilitating the strategic input of support functions into the development of the Country Strategy and Plan of Action.
• Providing operational support input during proposal development and aligning operational support with program plans.
• Accountable for the quality of support to project implementation, including the facilitation of the Master Support Budget and country-level budgets.
• Assessing and monitoring costs and resource allocation needs.
• Leading the development and review of NRC internal policies and procedures.
• Ensuring quality implementation of procurement and recruitment plans. 1
• Monitoring and ensuring effective supply chain management. 1
• Promoting organizational learning related to program support and technical capacity building. 1
• Conducting regular follow-ups with support departments and staff across all geographical areas.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of Support position should possess a strong background in management and support functions, with a proven track record in budget management, logistics, and human resources. The ideal candidate will have experience in leading teams and managing complex operations in a humanitarian context. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to NRC's values and principles, particularly in relation to safeguarding and ethical conduct.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Head of Support position, typically including a degree in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in these areas may be advantageous and demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment to the field.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in a similar role within the humanitarian sector, ideally with at least 5-7 years of experience in support functions such as finance, HR, logistics, or administration. Experience working in challenging environments and managing diverse teams is highly valued. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of compliance and donor requirements, as well as experience in strategic planning and operational support.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly local languages spoken in Ethiopia, would be considered an asset and beneficial for effective communication within the local context.

Additional Notes:
The Head of Support position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a fixed-term contract of 24 months, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The role involves approximately 30% travel within the country. NRC offers a competitive salary based on its national pay scale, along with benefits that promote employee well-being and professional development. The organization is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups.