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 emphasizes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where employees at all levels are encouraged to take responsibility and contribute to innovative solutions in challenging contexts.

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 proactive approach to operational support, including budget management, logistics, and human resources, with a focus on fostering a culture of efficiency and compliance within the organization. The HoS will also be accountable for ensuring quality support to project implementation and will play a key role in the development and monitoring of the Master Support Budget and country-level budgets.

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

• Providing line management for support managers across Finance, HR, Administration, Logistics, and ICT.
• Participating as a member of the Country Management Group (CMG) to contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and donor/auditor requirements.
• Facilitating the strategic input of 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.
• Being accountable for the quality of support provided to project implementation.
• Facilitating the Master Support Budget and country-level budgets, including assessing and monitoring costs and resource allocation needs.
• Leading the development and review of NRC internal policies and procedures.
• Ensuring quality implementation of procurement and recruitment plans. 1
• Overseeing the monitoring of supply chain management. 1
• Promoting organizational learning related to program support and 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 a strong background in management and support functions within humanitarian or development contexts. They should demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to fostering a culture of efficiency and compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience in budget management, logistics, and human resources, along with a proven track record of leading teams and managing complex operations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate a commitment to NRC's values and principles, particularly in relation to safeguarding and ethical conduct.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Head of Support position, typically including a degree in management, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications in relevant areas such as finance, human resources, or logistics are highly desirable. Continuous professional development and training in humanitarian response and management practices will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in a leadership role within the humanitarian or development sector, with a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to manage support functions effectively, with a strong understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian operations. Experience working in challenging environments and with diverse teams is essential, as is familiarity with donor regulations and compliance requirements.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region, such as Amharic, is considered a strong asset and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The Head of Support position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with a duty station that may require travel up to 30% of the time. 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 providing equal opportunities for all candidates, and this role is open to all nationals. The organization offers a competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with NRC's Ethiopia national/international salary scale. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, fostering a supportive and innovative work environment.