Head of Programme

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 crises. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions for affected populations.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programme position at NRC Afghanistan is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the program unit within the country mission. The role entails leading the development and implementation of high-quality programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan. The successful candidate will manage the technical development of programs, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines, and will play a crucial role in developing core competency strategies. The Head of Programme will also be tasked with identifying funding opportunities, managing grants, and ensuring quality control throughout the project cycle. This position requires an influential and adaptive leader who can foster collaboration, build effective teams, and maintain constructive relationships with various stakeholders. The role is critical in addressing the acute humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, where millions require assistance due to ongoing crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Programme include:

• Leading and managing the program unit, ensuring adherence to NRC policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Contributing to the development of the country strategy and action plan with programmatic input.
• Developing core competency strategies that are holistic, integrated, and needs-based.
• Identifying funding opportunities and developing funding strategies to support program implementation.
• Managing grants, including BPO allocations and donor reporting.
• Ensuring quality control, monitoring and evaluation, and organizational learning within the program unit.
• Building the capacity of all technical staff to enhance program delivery.
• Representing NRC in various forums, clusters, and working groups to advocate for the needs of affected populations.
• Collaborating with other organizations and stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness and reach.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of Programme position must possess senior management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context. They should have expertise in core competencies relevant to NRC's work and a strong understanding of the Afghanistan context or similar environments in the Middle East. A proven track record in program development and advocacy is essential, along with experience in managing change processes, including scaling operations up or down as needed. Candidates should also have exposure to complex and volatile contexts, demonstrating the ability to navigate challenges effectively. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Head of Programme position includes a relevant degree in fields such as international development, humanitarian assistance, social sciences, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in program management or humanitarian response are highly desirable and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in program management within humanitarian or recovery settings. Candidates should have a minimum of several years of relevant experience, ideally in senior management roles, where they have demonstrated their ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and engage with diverse stakeholders. Experience working in Afghanistan or similar contexts is highly advantageous, as it provides valuable insights into the challenges and needs of affected populations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within NRC and with external stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Afghanistan, such as Dari or Pashto, is considered a strong asset and may enhance communication with beneficiaries and local partners.

Additional Notes:
The Head of Programme position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and is offered on a 24-month contract duration. The role may require approximately 25% travel within the country. The position is classified as Grade 11 in NRC’s International Salary Scale, which comes with a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women and people of color. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility for their work.