Operational Support Officer

Operational Support Officer

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

May 22, 2026July 6, 2026ViennaAustria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is an organization that works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis 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 aims not only to alleviate immediate needs but also to create opportunities for vulnerable populations. NORCAP operates globally, working with various partners to enhance the effectiveness of aid through targeted expertise and collaborative solutions to unmet challenges.

Job Overview:
The Operational Support Officer role is crucial in supporting NORCAP's mission by enhancing international cooperation and evidence-based actions related to energy security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, which is vital for economic stability, environmental resilience, and overall human security. This position involves providing operational planning and support, particularly in crisis preparedness and response, as well as managing the establishment, restructuring, or closure of field operations. The role may require temporary deployments to crisis areas and includes contributing to conflict early-warning analysis and formulating recommendations for policy and operational responses. Candidates must possess Norwegian citizenship to apply for this position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Operational Support Officer will be responsible for a variety of core tasks including: supporting operational planning and implementation related to crisis preparedness and response; developing and updating operational guidelines, templates, and standard operating procedures; facilitating crisis simulation exercises to enhance preparedness and response capabilities; contributing to after-action reviews and lessons learned to improve operational effectiveness; supporting conflict cycle work through early-warning analysis and coordination of early-warning focal points; and providing analytical and organizational support on conflict-cycle issues, including meeting facilitation and Chairpersonship support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have a university degree in political science, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in international relations, analysis, and operational planning is required, or 5 years with an advanced degree. Experience in international or field settings is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in early warning, conflict prevention and resolution, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation. Strong political judgment, analytical and research skills, and familiarity with lessons-learned methodologies are essential. Knowledge of conflict analysis and early-warning tools, including GIS or AI-based systems, is also advantageous. Excellent English communication skills are mandatory, and knowledge of another OSCE language is a plus. Candidates should exhibit gender sensitivity and the ability to integrate a gender perspective into their work, as well as strong teamwork skills in diverse, multicultural environments, demonstrating impartiality.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in political science, international relations, or a related field. This foundational education is essential for understanding the complexities of international relations and operational planning in crisis situations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in international relations, analysis, and operational planning. Candidates with an advanced degree may qualify with 5 years of experience. Experience in international or field settings is considered an asset, indicating that candidates should have practical knowledge and skills gained from working in diverse environments, particularly those affected by crises.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is critical in operational support roles. Additionally, knowledge of another OSCE language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is open only to candidates with Norwegian citizenship. The role may involve temporary deployments to crisis areas, and candidates should be prepared for this aspect of the job. NORCAP offers a range of benefits, including rewarding work for a renowned global organization, access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals, and eligibility for NORCAP membership and future assignments, contingent upon successful performance reviews. The organization is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace, and all offers are subject to reference and background checks in line with safeguarding standards. An approved health certificate will be required prior to the commencement of the contract and assignment.
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