Head of Support

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 defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC is recognized for its high-quality aid delivery and its focus on fostering a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion among its staff.

Job Overview:
The Head of Support (HoS) position at NRC is a critical leadership role aimed at ensuring that all support functions—such as Finance, Human Resources, Administration, Logistics, and ICT—are effectively structured and maintained to provide high-quality and efficient support for program implementation. The HoS will be responsible for line management of support managers, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and donor requirements, and facilitating strategic input into the Country Strategy and Plan of Action. This role requires a dynamic and resilient individual who can contribute to operational support in proposal development and align operational support with program plans, ensuring quality support to project implementation.

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

• Line management of support managers across Finance, HR, Administration, Logistics, and ICT.
• Active participation as a member of the Country Management Group (CMG).
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and donor/auditor requirements.
• Facilitating strategic input from support functions into the development of the Country Strategy and Plan of Action.
• Providing operational support input during proposal development and ensuring alignment with program plans.
• Accountability for ensuring quality support to project implementation.
• Facilitating the Master Support Budget, country-level budgets, and Business Process Optimization (BPO) development, including assessing and monitoring costs and resource allocation needs.
• Leading the development and review of NRC internal policies and procedures, contributing to strategic planning processes, and developing efficient systems to achieve objectives outlined in the country strategy.
• Ensuring quality implementation of procurement and recruitment plans. 1
• Monitoring and ensuring quality implementation of supply chain management. 1
• Responsible for organizational learning related to program support, including technical capacity building. 1
• Conducting regular follow-ups with support departments and staff across all geographical areas.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of Support position must possess strong leadership and management skills, with a proven track record in managing support functions in a humanitarian context. They should have a deep understanding of compliance and operational support processes, as well as experience in budget management, logistics, and human resources. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders, and possess excellent problem-solving skills. Strong communication skills in English are essential, and proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications in relevant areas will be considered an asset, as they demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment to the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in a senior management role within a humanitarian organization, with a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in support functions such as finance, HR, logistics, or administration. Experience working in complex and challenging environments, particularly in crisis situations, is highly desirable. Proven experience in leading teams and managing multi-functional support operations is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those relevant to the regions where NRC operates, is considered a valuable asset and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a duty station that may require travel up to 30%. The contract is for a fixed term of 24 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization offers a competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with NRC’s national/international salary scale.