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Regional Head of Operational Support at Norwegian Refugee Council

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Job Description

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation dedicated to protecting the rights of displaced and affected people during crises. NRC delivers high-quality programmes to support people forced to flee, helping them rebuild their lives and establish a new future. NRC provides immediate humanitarian assistance, prevents further displacement, and contributes to durable solutions. It operates across both new and protracted crises across 40 countries.

The country programmes in the East and Southern Africa region incorporate Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, and Mozambique. NRC exited from Tanzania in 2026.

NRC has a simplified organisational structure with a leaner Head Office in Oslo and Representation Offices and smaller Regional Teams. Global support structures are established for functions previously managed by the Regional Offices, including Finance, Risk & Compliance, People & Organisation, Media and Communication, PCM & Grants Management. The Regional Team and Country Offices will access support capacity from these Global Resource Pools.

Resource Pools (hereafter pool) gather staff in one common team which is organised and managed (but not necessarily physically located) at Head Office. The purpose of pooling is to improve efficiency, equity, access and flexibility. The teams should ensure predictable access to the same services and deliver them in an efficient way.

In Nairobi Kenya, several members of the different pools are physically located in the regional office, the Regional Head of Operational Support ensures streamlining of hosting arrangements and a conducive working environment for all.

What we are looking for:

The Regional Head of Operational Support will ensure an integrated approach to operational management, supporting the quality and timeliness of NRC's response in the region.

The role is responsible for enabling support needs in countries across HR, Risk and Compliance, Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS), Finance, ICT, Logistics and Administration, ensuring compliance with NRC policies.

The Regional Head of Operational Support plays a crucial role in ensuring that the region is accountable for the performance of country offices, ensuring they meet operational standards and deliver on strategic objectives.

The role ensures a conducive working environment for all teams, including members of different global teams physically located in the regional office in Nairobi.

This role is a member of the Regional Management Team and the Global Support Advisory Group (GSAG) led by the deputy SG/ CFO.

Job Industry

Administrative and Support Services

Job Salary Currency

Job Salary Fixed

No

Key Deliverables

  • Ensure that support functions within the regional team operate efficiently, fostering a collaborative and effective working environment.
  • Hold country offices accountable for progress on their operations by leveraging reports, analyses, and compliance data from NRC’s global resource and pools.
  • Support country directors and heads of support, HAS Managers with capacity building and problem-solving related to operational challenges.
  • Provide advice and mentorship to country office operational support teams, fostering capacity building and skills development.
  • Participate in global discussions on planning and strategy relating to support functions.
  • Review of finance, HR and logistics requirements related to regional grants in collaboration with the Global PCM and Grants Management facility.
  • Streamline the hosting arrangements for members of global pools physically located in the regional office and ensure a conducive working environment
  • The postholder, upon request, can act on behalf of the Regional Director including leading relevant Crisis Management Teams.

Essential Qualities

Essential Qualities

1. Professional competencies

  • Minimum 10 years of relevant leadership/management experience within the humanitarian field
  • Relevant higher education in a related field such as business administration, management, finance or other suitable education
  • Background and experience in managing support functions: finance, HR and logistics. It is an added value to have experience from working with security and safety
  • Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
  • Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities
  • Relevant experience with overseeing Finance, Logistics or other support functions will be an asset.
  • Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
  • Fluency in English, both written and verbal

2. Context related skills, knowledge and experience:

  • Essential: Fluency in English both written and verbal
  • Knowledge of the context in East and Southern Africa is an asset.
  • Experience with start-ups, exit and organisational change processes
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with remote teams and stakeholders

3. Behavioural competencies:

  • Build meaningful relations
    • I communicate clearly and transparently
    • I treat all people with respect
    • I work collaboratively with partners and internal stakeholders
  • Act with integrity
    • I base my action and good judgement assuring necessary change
    • I act as a role model for our principles and values
  • Empower people
    • I delegate and give feedback that allows people to grow
    • I set clear expectations and direction
    • I challenge and support my team to accomplish shared goals
  • Deliver results
    • I always look for the best solution for the people we serve
    • I prioritize and plan enabling my team to achieve results
    • I am accountable and take responsibility for my actions and our results

Special Benefits for this Position

  • Salary/benefits: grade 11 on NRC’s either international or national salary scale.
  • Duration of Contract: 2 years, national. Or international with full family package.
  • NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
  • We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

Application Process

Apply here.

Close Date

06/10/2026

Apply Now!