Head of Programme 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 and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is committed to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC is recognized for its high-quality aid and innovative approaches to humanitarian challenges, fostering a culture of professional growth and inclusivity among its staff.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme Support role at NRC is a pivotal position that requires a highly qualified and resilient individual to lead the Country Programme Unit in Ethiopia. This role is particularly critical as NRC is in the process of defining its program and strategic priorities for 2026, with an eye towards the upcoming 2027-2030 strategy. The successful candidate will be expected to build and expand the program portfolio in Ethiopia, which is considered one of the most challenging environments for humanitarian work. The role demands a leader who is adept in donor relations and capable of innovative thinking to adapt to the evolving needs of the organization and the communities it serves. The Head of Programme Support will also play a key role in ensuring compliance with NRC policies and procedures while developing integrated and needs-based programs that align with regional and global priorities.

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

• Line management of the Country Programme Unit, ensuring effective leadership and support for the team.
• Technical supervision of Core Competency Programme Development Managers, guiding them in their roles and responsibilities.
• Active participation as a member of the Country Management Group (CMG), contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and procedures across all program activities.
• Development of Core Competency strategies that are aligned with regional and global priorities.
• Designing and implementing integrated and needs-based programs, including cash-based interventions and market-based programs.
• Identifying funding opportunities and developing comprehensive funding strategies to support program initiatives.
• Overseeing specific advances in NRC’s Innovation, Protection, Markets, and Digital programming, promoting a localized and networked approach.
• Strengthening accountability to beneficiaries by improving monitoring and evaluation systems and establishing feedback mechanisms. 1
• Facilitating integrated program analysis and response analysis, ensuring that cross-cutting issues such as protection and safe programming are addressed. 1
• Overseeing Project Cycle Management (PCM) and providing field support missions as needed. 1
• Liaising with Area Managers to create synergies and ensure effective communication between the Country Office and Area Offices. 1
• Providing contextual program analysis to inform the country strategy and reporting processes. 1
• Managing performance and staff development within the Programme department. 1
• Maintaining and managing current donor relations while exploring potential new donor opportunities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of Programme Support position must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Proven experience in program management within the humanitarian sector, particularly in complex and challenging environments.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on building relationships with donors, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans and programs.
• Experience in managing donor relations and securing funding for humanitarian initiatives.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices and the ability to implement effective accountability mechanisms.
• Familiarity with cross-cutting issues such as protection, gender, and inclusion in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Head of Programme Support role includes:

• A relevant advanced degree in international development, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related field.
• Additional certifications or training in program management, monitoring and evaluation, or related areas will be considered an asset.
• Continuous professional development in humanitarian response and program management is encouraged and valued.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically:

• A minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in program management within the humanitarian sector.
• Experience working in complex emergency settings, particularly in Africa, is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale programs and leading diverse teams.
• Experience in developing and maintaining relationships with donors and stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Ethiopia is considered an asset and will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively. Additional languages relevant to the region may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The Head of Programme 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 requires approximately 40% travel within the country to support field operations and program implementation. NRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with its international/national salary scale. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. NRC fosters a supportive work environment that encourages innovation and professional growth.