Head of Support

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that has been actively involved in providing assistance to people forced to flee since its establishment in 194

• With a mission to help those affected by conflict and displacement, NRC operates in over 40 countries worldwide, employing approximately 15,000 staff members. In the Middle East alone, NRC has more than 3,000 staff dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by crises in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. The organization focuses on delivering life-saving and long-term assistance through its core competencies, which include 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). NRC is committed to advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring they receive the support they need during challenging times.

Job Overview:
The Head of Support position at NRC Syria is a senior management role that plays a crucial part in ensuring the effective implementation of support functions across the organization. The successful candidate will oversee various support managers, including those in Finance, HR & Admin, and Logistics, ensuring that all support services are delivered efficiently and in alignment with NRC policies and donor requirements. This role is pivotal in facilitating the strategic input of support functions into the annual Country Strategy and Plan of Action, thereby contributing to the overall operational success of NRC's mission in Syria. The Head of Support will also be responsible for the development of new country-specific technical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines, and tools, as well as for fostering organizational learning related to program support. This position requires a seasoned humanitarian leader who can navigate complex and rapidly changing environments while providing high-quality support to program implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Support will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Providing line management for support managers in Finance, HR & Admin, and Logistics, ensuring effective team performance and development.
• Serving as a member of the Country Management Group (CMG) to contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and handbooks, as well as donor and auditor requirements.
• Facilitating the strategic input of support functions into the development of the annual Country Strategy and Plan of Action.
• Providing operational support in proposal development and coordinating operational support with program plans to ensure timely and quality support for project implementation.
• Managing the Master Support Budget, country-level budgets, and Business Process Optimization (BPO) development, including assessing and monitoring costs and resource allocation needs.
• Overseeing the strategic development of country structures, technical systems, and human resource capacity.
• Developing new country-specific technical SOPs, guidelines, and tools to enhance operational efficiency.
• Promoting organizational learning related to program support and ensuring technical capacity building of support staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of Support position must meet several qualifications, including:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management position within a humanitarian or recovery context.
• A Bachelor's degree in international relations, Humanitarian and Development studies, or a related field; a Master's degree is considered an added value.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and organizational restructuring, particularly during transitional periods.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, with a proven ability to manage resources effectively.
• Experience in HR management, procurement, and logistics within complex environments.
• Familiarity with auditing and compliance procedures, ensuring adherence to organizational standards.
• Proven ability to work in complex and volatile contexts, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Head of Support position includes a Bachelor's degree in international relations, Humanitarian and Development studies, or a related field. Candidates with a Master's degree will have an advantage, as advanced education is valued in this role. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and practices, as well as the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex operations and leading teams in challenging environments. Experience in strategic planning, organizational restructuring, and resource management is essential, particularly during periods of transition or crisis. Familiarity with the specific challenges faced in humanitarian settings, especially in conflict-affected areas, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Candidates who possess knowledge of Arabic will have an added advantage, as it will facilitate communication and collaboration within the local context. Proficiency in additional languages may also be beneficial, depending on the operational needs of the organization.

Additional Notes:
The Head of Support position is based in Damascus, Syria, and is offered as a Fixed Term contract, which is renewable based on performance and funding availability. The role may require travel within NRC Syria, estimated at 20-30%. The salary and benefits for this position are classified as Grade 11 on NRC’s salary scale. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility for their work.