
Head of Support Services (Chef des Services Supports)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195
Job Overview:
The Head of Support Services role is pivotal in ensuring compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within Burkina Faso. This position is responsible for the operational and strategic oversight of Finance, Human Resources, Logistics, Procurement, Administration, and IT. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, translating them into actionable plans and daily tasks. The Head of Support Services will provide technical guidance to country operations, ensuring that all support areas are effectively managed and aligned with DRC's mission and objectives. This includes overseeing financial reporting, budget management, logistics systems, HR policies, and compliance with local laws and regulations. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Support Services include:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 7 years of experience in a relevant field, with a minimum of 4 years in people management. Experience in a similar role within an international NGO is essential, along with proven leadership skills and operational management capabilities. Candidates should have significant experience in financial management, procurement processes, and institutional fundraising. Familiarity with the cultural context of the countries in which DRC operates is also important, as is experience working with ERP systems.
Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical foundation and analytical skills needed to navigate the complexities of humanitarian operations and support services.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years in a managerial role. Experience in international NGOs, particularly in conflict areas, is highly desirable. Proven operational management experience, including financial, information, and systems management, is crucial. Candidates should also have experience in procurement and tender processes, as well as an understanding of institutional fundraising.
Languages:
Fluency in French and English is essential for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as they will be required to engage with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, government authorities, and international donors.
Additional Notes:
The position is based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with a contract length of 1 year, renewable based on funding and performance. The salary is categorized under Band E1, and the role offers the opportunity to be part of a leading NGO with access to over 1,000 free online trainings and certifications. DRC emphasizes core competencies such as achieving excellence, collaboration, initiative, effective communication, and integrity. Applications must be submitted through the designated application page, including a cover letter and an updated CV in English. The closing date for applications is August 05, 2026, at 11:59 am Local Time, with continuous review and potential early closure of the vacancy upon identifying a suitable candidate.
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195
- With a mission to assist refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities, DRC operates in 40 countries and employs over 7,000 staff members alongside 8,000 volunteers. The organization is headquartered in Copenhagen and focuses on delivering emergency aid, ensuring the respect of rights for displaced individuals, and fostering opportunities for a better future. DRC's vision is to promote a dignified life for all affected by displacement, adhering to humanitarian principles. In Burkina Faso, DRC has been active since 2013, operating six field offices and a country office in Ouagadougou, primarily addressing humanitarian protection, WASH, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and social cohesion through a community-based approach and multisectoral projects.
Job Overview:
The Head of Support Services role is pivotal in ensuring compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within Burkina Faso. This position is responsible for the operational and strategic oversight of Finance, Human Resources, Logistics, Procurement, Administration, and IT. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, translating them into actionable plans and daily tasks. The Head of Support Services will provide technical guidance to country operations, ensuring that all support areas are effectively managed and aligned with DRC's mission and objectives. This includes overseeing financial reporting, budget management, logistics systems, HR policies, and compliance with local laws and regulations. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Support Services include:
- Finance: Ensure compliance with DRC policies and donor agreements, manage financial reporting, support budget preparation, and oversee audits.
- Logistics and Procurement: Implement logistics systems, manage procurement processes, ensure asset tracking, and oversee facility management.
- Information Technology: Ensure the IT infrastructure supports efficient operations and the ERP system functions effectively.
- Human Resources: Design and implement HR policies, advise on staffing structures, manage recruitment and performance reviews, and oversee payroll preparation.
- Administration: Ensure compliance with Burkina Faso’s legal framework, support on legal matters, and manage operational authorizations.
- Staff Management: Directly manage support managers, ensure high performance, conduct evaluations, and provide capacity building.
- Other Responsibilities: Conduct field visits, manage risk, and ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct.
- Operational Management: Support the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director in liaising with donors and oversee operational support units.
- DRC Dynamics ERP System: Ensure proper use of ERP functionalities and apply data analytics for performance improvement.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 7 years of experience in a relevant field, with a minimum of 4 years in people management. Experience in a similar role within an international NGO is essential, along with proven leadership skills and operational management capabilities. Candidates should have significant experience in financial management, procurement processes, and institutional fundraising. Familiarity with the cultural context of the countries in which DRC operates is also important, as is experience working with ERP systems.
Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical foundation and analytical skills needed to navigate the complexities of humanitarian operations and support services.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including at least 4 years in a managerial role. Experience in international NGOs, particularly in conflict areas, is highly desirable. Proven operational management experience, including financial, information, and systems management, is crucial. Candidates should also have experience in procurement and tender processes, as well as an understanding of institutional fundraising.
Languages:
Fluency in French and English is essential for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as they will be required to engage with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, government authorities, and international donors.
Additional Notes:
The position is based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with a contract length of 1 year, renewable based on funding and performance. The salary is categorized under Band E1, and the role offers the opportunity to be part of a leading NGO with access to over 1,000 free online trainings and certifications. DRC emphasizes core competencies such as achieving excellence, collaboration, initiative, effective communication, and integrity. Applications must be submitted through the designated application page, including a cover letter and an updated CV in English. The closing date for applications is August 05, 2026, at 11:59 am Local Time, with continuous review and potential early closure of the vacancy upon identifying a suitable candidate.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.