Head of Operations

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Established to provide life-saving assistance and long-term support, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, employing around 15,000 staff members. In the Middle East alone, NRC has over 3,000 staff members focused on aiding those affected by conflict in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. NRC's humanitarian interventions are based on its expertise in various core competencies, including Shelter, Education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, and it actively encourages innovative ideas and responsibility at all levels of the organization.

Job Overview:
The Head of Operations at NRC Syria will play a crucial role in ensuring the coherent, high-quality, and accountable implementation of NRC’s programs across multiple Area Offices. This position requires strategic and operational oversight, supporting decentralized decision-making while collaborating closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director, Head of Programme, and Head of Support. The role holder will be responsible for managing the Syria Country operation program and overseeing program implementation in designated Area Offices as assigned by the Country Director. The ideal candidate should possess extensive experience in humanitarian leadership, particularly in large-scale, complex, or rapidly evolving contexts. The position demands a proactive approach to establishing and maintaining coordination mechanisms, developing operational guidance, and leading changes in geographical scope as necessary. The Head of Operations will also ensure that operational structures are optimized for financial viability and aligned with program priorities, while maintaining adherence to NRC's governing structures and systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific responsibilities of the Head of Operations include establishing and maintaining coordination mechanisms for Support, Programme, and HAS (Health and Safety) to ensure effective and efficient responses. The role involves developing guidance for scaling up operational functions in line with funding projections, leading changes to the geographical scope of programs, and implementing necessary change management processes. The Head of Operations will support Area Offices in enhancing project cycle management (PCM) and program implementation systems, conducting regular Grants Review Meetings, and ensuring quality and timely implementation of programs. Additionally, the role includes oversight of area-level Master Budgets, ensuring alignment with program priorities, and effective budget monitoring. The Head of Operations will also be responsible for reviewing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure relevance to identified needs, capturing field-level feedback, and analyzing operational risks to inform national-level decision-making. Collaboration with regional and global teams for cross-border initiatives and deputizing for the Country Director when necessary are also key aspects of this role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of Operations position must have a minimum of 5 years of senior management experience in humanitarian settings, demonstrating the ability to oversee multi-location operations. A strong background in managing large and complex portfolios, along with experience in negotiating humanitarian access and managing emergency responses in security-sensitive areas, is essential. The ideal candidate should have proven experience in engaging with government actors, donors, and implementing partners, as well as managing financial systems, budget planning, and donor compliance. A solid understanding of the project cycle, particularly in needs assessment, design, planning, implementation, and monitoring, is required, with a focus on adaptive and evidence-based approaches. Skills in establishing and managing coordination mechanisms while balancing program and support functions are also necessary, along with knowledge of the context in Syria and the Middle East.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Head of Operations position includes a relevant degree in a field related to humanitarian work, management, or international development. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response, project management, or related areas may be advantageous and are often preferred by employers in this sector.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, specifically a minimum of 5 years in senior management roles within humanitarian settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing operations in complex and challenging environments, demonstrating the ability to lead teams effectively under pressure and navigate the complexities of humanitarian work.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Damascus, Syria, with a fixed-term contract that is renewable based on performance and funding availability. The role involves approximately 50% travel within NRC Syria. The salary and benefits are classified under Grade 11 on NRC’s salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization fosters a culture that encourages innovative ideas and empowers employees at all levels to take responsibility.