Cash & Markets Programme Development Manager

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 employees, 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 promoting human dignity and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). NRC's mission is to ensure that those affected by crises receive the help they need to rebuild their lives and futures, and it emphasizes the importance of ethical, effective, and efficient programming in all its operations.

Job Overview:
The Cash & Markets Programme Development Manager (PDM) plays a crucial role in leading the design, development, and implementation of market-based approach programs, including cash and voucher assistance (CVA), within NRC Sudan. This position is pivotal in institutionalizing market-based approaches across various Core Competencies (CCs) within the organization. The PDM will be responsible for promoting ethical and effective market-based programming, which may include multipurpose cash assistance as a standalone service or as a means to achieve specific sectoral outcomes, such as in WASH programming. The role requires a strategic mindset to develop comprehensive strategies, guidelines, and training materials that ensure the relevance and applicability of market-based approaches across all programming areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Cash & Markets Programme Development Manager will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the institutionalization of market-based approaches in NRC Sudan by developing a market-based approach strategy, guidelines, technical standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and results frameworks.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC's regional and country strategies, as well as adherence to Head Office strategic priorities, policies, and guidelines.
• Managing the development and oversight of funding proposals, project budgets, and donor reports.
• Coordinating and managing project implementation, including activities, budgets, and documentation, in alignment with proposals and donor requirements.
• Building the capacity of project staff through training and skill transfer using blended learning approaches.
• Liaising with local and national authorities and stakeholders, representing NRC in relevant cash forums and working groups.
• Advocating for the rights of IDPs and returnees in line with NRC's advocacy strategy, focusing on their economic inclusion.
• Leading the integration of market-based approaches within NRC Sudan's programming and overseeing the development and operations of large-scale cash and e-cash programs to assist conflict-affected families.
• Collaborating with logistics and finance teams to manage relationships with financial service providers and mobile network operators, ensuring efficient CVA operations. 1
• Identifying potential partners for market-based approaches and representing NRC in relevant working groups to support broader humanitarian efforts in Sudan.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Cash & Markets Programme Development Manager position must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of five years of experience in a senior-level Cash & Market Systems project implementation role within a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in designing and conducting market assessments and analyses, as well as in developing and implementing market-based approaches and programs, including cash and voucher assistance.
• Experience working in complex and volatile contexts, with a preference for candidates who have experience in environments with high inflation.
• Proven ability to develop and facilitate training programs related to market assessments and cash and voucher assistance.
• Documented results that demonstrate the candidate's effectiveness in previous roles and responsibilities.
• Strong leadership skills and self-awareness regarding personal leadership style.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant degree in fields such as economics, social sciences, international development, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in cash transfer programming, market analysis, or humanitarian response are highly desirable and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in cash and market systems, particularly in humanitarian settings. A minimum of five years in a senior-level role is required, with a strong emphasis on practical experience in implementing cash and voucher assistance programs and market-based approaches. Experience in training and capacity building within teams is also essential, as is familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of working in crisis-affected areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is considered a strong asset, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of program implementation in Sudan.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Al-Geniena, Darfur, Sudan, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on funding availability and performance. The role requires approximately 40% travel to area offices and field locations. The salary is classified as grade 9 on NRC’s international salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and empowers employees at all levels to contribute ideas and take responsibility. Candidates should be aware that the application process requires submission of an updated CV and cover letter in English, and incomplete applications will not be considered.