Global Lead, Cash and Market Systems

Global Lead, Cash and Market Systems

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

August 16, 2026September 18, 2026OsloNorway
Job Description
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 the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote and protect the rights of displaced people, and it strives to deliver high-quality humanitarian assistance in some of the most challenging environments globally.

Job Overview:
As the Global Lead for Cash & Market Systems at NRC, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's approach to humanitarian assistance through cash and market systems. This position is designed for an experienced and visionary humanitarian leader who will provide strategic leadership for NRC's global Cash and Market Systems portfolio. You will be responsible for enhancing program quality across 35 countries and positioning NRC as a leader in systems-based approaches to humanitarian response. Your role will involve guiding NRC in supporting local markets after shocks and transforming market dynamics to achieve program outcomes. You will lead a pooled team, set the global vision and strategic direction for Cash and Market Systems, develop standards and tools, and support country and regional teams in delivering high-quality, market-informed programming. Additionally, you will represent NRC in global networks and donor dialogues, driving learning and organizational change to maintain NRC's status as a leading humanitarian actor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
In your capacity as NRC’s Global Lead for Cash & Market Systems, you will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
  • Setting NRC's global vision and strategic direction for Cash and Market Systems.
  • Developing and implementing standards, guidance, and tools for the organization to enhance program quality.
  • Supporting country and regional teams in delivering high-quality, market-informed programming that meets the needs of affected populations.
  • Line managing a team of advisers and specialists, ensuring effective collaboration and performance.
  • Leading pilot projects focused on food market systems programming in First Line Response, aimed at engaging with food systems to address acute food needs.
  • Further developing and rolling out a digital cash platform to streamline cash assistance delivery.
  • Representing NRC in global networks, donor dialogues, and sector leadership forums to advocate for effective cash and market systems.
  • Driving organizational learning and change initiatives that enhance NRC's effectiveness in humanitarian response.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, candidates must possess a minimum of 8 years of relevant leadership, management, or advisory experience within cash and market systems in the humanitarian sector. A thorough understanding of e-cash implementation at the country level is essential, along with demonstrated expertise in market-based programming, including conducting market assessments and engaging with the private sector. Candidates should have experience in designing and implementing cash and market-based solutions in complex and volatile contexts, as well as a background in program quality assessments and program development. Additionally, candidates must have experience in drafting and implementing policy and strategic guidance, along with developing practical tools and resources. A high level of understanding of organizational learning and the role of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) in evidencing impact is also required. Candidates should demonstrate open-mindedness, adaptability, and constructive problem-solving skills in complex organizational environments, as well as the credibility to represent NRC at a strategic level.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in a field related to humanitarian assistance, international development, economics, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in cash and market systems or related areas may be advantageous and are often preferred by employers in this sector.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience, specifically a minimum of 8 years in leadership or advisory roles within cash and market systems in humanitarian contexts. This experience should include practical involvement in program development, implementation, and evaluation, particularly in challenging environments where market dynamics are complex and volatile.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered a strong advantage and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role, particularly in diverse operational contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Oslo, Norway, but may also be located in any NRC Representative Office, including Berlin, Brussels, or London, excluding Geneva and Washington, D.C. The contract is temporary, lasting for 2 years, with travel requirements of up to 20%, including potential deployments of up to 30 days at a time in case of organizational crisis activation. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC’s Resident salary scale, and the organization is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion in its hiring practices.
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