Head of Support

Yemen is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with up to 80% of the population currently in need of some form of humanitarian or protective assistance, many due to a breakdown in existing support systems and the deterioration of all basic services. Protracted conflict, economic deterioration and the sustained non-payment of public salaries have left two-thirds of Yemen’s population – 20 million people – facing crisis or emergency food insecurity and a threat of widespread famine.

NRC has operated in Yemen since 2012. Currently NRC operates in ten governorates clustered under three Area Offices. In addition, the NRC Djbouti country operations is fourth Area Office in the same structure.

NRC Yemen Country Programme is recruiting a Head of Support who will ensure that all Support Functions are providing high quality and efficient support for programme implementation.

• The Head of Support (HOS) will function as the Head of the internal Country Support Department which is responsible for compliance and implementation of efficient and effective support systems, polices and processes, to ensure standardized and high qualitative support to all programme and field departments in the country.
• Contribute actively and ensure solutions are reached in strategic and key operational matters in budget management, logistics, and human resources
• Accountable for providing input on operational support to Country Strategy and Contingency Plan
• Lead NRC internal policy and procedures development and reviews and contribute to strategic planning processes, including the development of efficient systems to achieve the set objectives in the country strategy
• Accountable for input on operational support in proposal development, and to coordinate and align operational support with programme plans
• Accountable for ensuring quality support to project implementation.
• Ensure quality implementation of procurement and recruitment plans
• Technical line management of the area office Support Department teams. Regular follow ups in all geographical areas with the support departments and staff
• Take a leading role, in support of the support managers, to the analysis of the operational side of the humanitarian context in the Country
• Cooperate with the HOP to ensure quality control of proposals, budgets and reports to donors and to local authorities
• Support the Country Director with operational and support elements that can enable effective implementation of projects in the country
• Keeping the Country Director informed about all support department issues of relevance to the overall management and coordination of the country programme.
• Preparation and quality control of required reports to the Country Director, Regional Programme Director, NRC HQ (including monthly, triannual and annual programme reports).
• Ensuring optimal use of human resources in the support department, incl. promotion of team work and team spirit, and ensuring adequate development of staff
• Contribute to representation of the NRC in the relevant forums.

Generic professional competencies for this position:

• Minimum 6 years’ experience from a senior management position in a humanitarian/ recovery context
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Allocation of resources and costs expertise
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal

Context skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge and experience of operating in Yemen
• Knowledge of the Arabic language an added asset

What We Offer

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative

• 12 months fixed term contract renewable subject to funding and performance
• Management Grade 11 in NRC’s grade structure
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply but we are also open to external applicants who can show a commitment to NRC and being part of a challenging, but important mission to make a difference.

To apply as an internal candidate, click on the suitcase icon “I am an employee” on the top right of the page to be redirected to NRC’s internal career site

*Apply by completing all the system required fields of your experience in your application***

About Us

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We work in crises across 31 countries, providing emergencies and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. We stand up for people forced to flee, advocating their rights. NORCAP, our global provider of expertise, helps improve international and local ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crises. NRC also runs the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva, a global leader in reporting on and advocating for people displaced within their own country.
Employment with NRC may lead to employment in or deployment to Regions, Countries, Areas or Offices that may be host to considerable health, safety and security risks. NRC takes this very seriously and we have procedures in place to reduce known risks, but will never be able to take away all risks.