Global Lead Shelter & Settlements

Global Lead Shelter & Settlements

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

May 16, 2026June 30, 2026OsloNorway
Job Description
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 upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote human dignity and provide assistance in some of the world's most challenging environments, advocating for the rights of those affected by crises.

Job Overview:
The Global Lead Shelter & Settlements position at NRC is a senior role focused on leading and shaping the organization's global Shelter & Settlements core competency. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving strategy, setting standards, and fostering innovation within the Shelter & Settlements sector. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian needs and the ability to influence policy, advance learning, secure funding, and enhance knowledge-sharing across various levels of the organization. The Global Lead will oversee a team of global advisers, provide technical oversight, and ensure robust support to regional and country operations. The position also involves collaboration across global, regional, and country teams to pilot new approaches, scale innovations, and maximize the organization's impact in humanitarian response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Global Lead Shelter & Settlements include:
  • Policy, Strategy, and Programme Development: Develop and coordinate Shelter & Settlements policies and strategies in alignment with NRC's global policies. Contribute to NRC's Global Strategy and Response Policy to address emerging humanitarian trends.
  • Technical Development and Capacity Building: Continuously develop Shelter & Settlements standards and tools, ensuring they are relevant to project participants and the humanitarian landscape. Manage the NRC Shelter & Settlements community of practice and support capacity development initiatives.
  • Data Use and Learning: Ensure that evidence generated is utilized for organizational learning and program development. Lead data interpretation and promote best practices in the development of strategies and policies.
  • Advocacy and Representation: Identify and develop global advocacy issues related to Shelter & Settlements, maintaining relationships with stakeholders such as donors and UN agencies.
  • Administrative Management: Directly manage a team of global advisers and specialists, prioritize support to country and regional offices, and mobilize resources for Shelter & Settlements initiatives.
  • Project Development and Management: Identify project opportunities at the global level and manage these projects, ensuring alignment with NRC's strategies and donor reporting requirements.
  • Risk Management: Identify programmatic risks and elevate issues to senior management as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 8 years of relevant leadership, management, or advisory experience within the humanitarian field, specifically in Shelter & Settlements. Previous experience as a Regional Adviser or Global Adviser in Shelter & Settlements at NRC is a prerequisite. Candidates should demonstrate extensive experience in programming within complex and volatile contexts, proven capabilities in program quality and strategic development, and experience in leading organizational change processes. A high level of understanding of organizational learning and the role of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) in evidencing impact assessment is essential. Candidates should also have experience in drafting policy and strategic guidance, as well as developing practical tools and resources for program implementation.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in humanitarian studies, international development, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in Shelter & Settlements or related areas may be advantageous and are often preferred by employers in this sector.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 8 years in leadership or advisory roles within the humanitarian sector, particularly in Shelter & Settlements. This experience should include working in challenging environments and managing complex programs, as well as a proven track record of successful program development and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role, particularly in diverse operational contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is a maternity cover role with a contract duration of 9 months, with the possibility of extension to 12 months. The duty station is Oslo, Norway, and the role may require travel of up to 20%, including deployments of up to 30 days at a time in response to organizational crises. The salary and benefits are based on Grade 10 Resident contract terms, and NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
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