Head of Unit – Digital Solutions

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 staff members, 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 human dignity and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC is known for its high-quality aid and innovative approaches to humanitarian challenges, fostering a culture of empowerment and responsibility among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Head of Unit – Digital Solutions will lead a dynamic team responsible for developing and maintaining digital products that support NRC’s humanitarian operations globally. This role involves overseeing a diverse group of software developers, data engineers, and product managers who create innovative digital solutions tailored to the needs of NRC's country operations. The Digital Solutions Unit serves as a center of technical expertise, advising development teams across the organization. The Head of Unit will be responsible for stakeholder engagement, project delivery, and the professional development of team members, ensuring that the unit focuses on high-value priorities and delivers quality digital solutions. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including business leaders and cross-functional project teams, to align product strategies with organizational needs and foster a high-performing culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Unit will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Line management of directly reporting staff, overseeing performance management processes, and setting clear goals aligned with unit strategy.
• Managing key processes such as workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction, and ensuring Duty of Care for staff.
• Ensuring timely delivery of unit projects within scope and budget, allocating resources based on business needs.
• Engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs and facilitating communication between stakeholders, project managers, and technical teams.
• Reporting project progress, risks, and issues to the CIO and the Architecture Working Group (AWG).
• Promoting the adoption of best practices and standards among project teams.
• Collaborating with external partners and technology providers to explore potential collaborations.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies and procedures.
• Developing product strategies and roadmaps in alignment with stakeholder needs. 1
• Simplifying complex technical ideas for non-technical stakeholders and ensuring effective communication across teams. 1
• Providing cross-project management and prioritization across the unit’s portfolio. 1
• Unblocking delivery challenges for teams and individuals. 1
• Ensuring visibility of the unit's work across the organization. 1
• Developing efficient software development processes and practices. 1
• Acting as additional project management capacity when needed. 1
• Supporting staff development through learning opportunities and coaching. 1
• Fostering a strong team culture within a geographically dispersed team. 1
• Prioritizing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security in all development and maintenance activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, or a related field, or have equivalent practical experience. Significant professional experience of at least 7 years in relevant roles such as line management, engineering management, project/product management, or senior technical leadership is required. Proven experience in delivering software projects on time and within budget across multiple concurrent projects is essential. Candidates should also have experience in managing, coaching, and developing technical staff, including remote teams, and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. The ability to simplify complex technical ideas for non-technical stakeholders is crucial. Familiarity with agile software development methodologies and stakeholder management across organizational boundaries is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, information technology, or a related discipline. Equivalent practical experience may also be considered acceptable in lieu of formal education. Candidates should have a strong foundation in technical concepts and practices relevant to digital solutions and software development.

Experience:
The position requires significant professional experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years in roles that involve line management, engineering management, project/product management, or senior technical leadership. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully delivering software projects on time and within scope, managing multiple projects concurrently, and leading teams effectively, including remote teams. Experience in the humanitarian sector is considered an asset, as is familiarity with agile methodologies and evolving delivery processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered a plus and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Berlin, Germany, and candidates should be able to work in locations within Central European Time (CET) +/- 2 hours. The contract is permanent, with a travel requirement of approximately 10%. The salary is classified as Grade 10 on NRC’s Resident salary scale, accompanied by relevant terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring a welcoming and supportive work environment for all employees.