Background

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with over 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance within the sectors of shelter, education, protection, emergency response, food security, information, counselling, and legal assistance (ICLA), and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

NRC has operated in DRC since 2001. From our three Area Offices in North Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika, NRC strives to meet the basic needs of people affected by natural disasters, epidemics, armed conflict, and displacement. We provide education, shelter, and food security, respond to protection needs, and give people legal assistance pertinent to civil documentation, land, housing, and property rights. We also have a dedicated emergency response mechanism that provides a quick response to the multisector needs of people affected by displacement.

NRC is a key responder to the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, with several first-line response initiatives ongoing in 2023. NRC is part of the SAFER Consortium with four other organizations: ACTED, Concern Worldwide, Mercy Corps, and Solidarité International. The Consortium is providing Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) first-line response to new displacements in Eastern Congo, with a strong emphasis on complementary analyses (market research, protection, and Do No Harm analyses) to justify the choice of the modality and the amount allocated to the response.

The purpose of the Head of Operations position is to manage and oversee programme implementation, focusing on national-level programmes, Emergency Response, multi-area programmes, and supporting Area Managers (AMs) to ensure high-quality and timely implementation at the area level. The Head of Operations will also ensure that effective monitoring and evaluation processes are in place to support programme implementation.

Role and responsibilities

1. In collaboration with the AMs, MAPMs and ERT submit monthly project updates (project tracker) to Head of Programme (HoP), Head of Support (HoS) and CD, ensuring that forecasts are updated to take account of actual implementation.
2. Ensure that data collection tools are being used and that beneficiary data is recorded in Global Output & Outcome Reporting Systems (GORS) on a timely basis.
3. Ensure area-level Grant Review Meetings (GRM) are held on a monthly basis and facilitate bi-monthly national GRMs.
4. Alert CD and HoS to possible delays/challenges to implementation and/or budget utilisation.
5. Act as the primary link between AOs and other members of the Country Management Group (CMG).
6. Close cooperation with HoP and HoS to HoO, on clear & transparent information sharing in order to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
7. Accountable for cost efficiency in Area Offices to ensure maximum impact through programmatic delivery.
8. Support the development in Area Offices of emergency response and contingency plans.
9. Ensure synergy/consistency with and between Area Offices and the Country Office.
10. Act for the CD when needed, with delegated responsibility (incl. all mandates, responsibilities, and decision rights).

Professional competencies

1. Minimum 5 years experience working as a Senior Manager in a humanitarian/recovery context
2. Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities
3. Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
4. Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
5. Fluency in English and French, both written and verbal
6. Knowledge of the context in DR Congo
7. Familiarity with NRC’s tools & procedures is an advantage

Access the full job description here: JD-Head of Operations DRC_2023_final.docx

What we offer;

• 24-month contract duration with the possibility of extension.
• Grade 11 in NRC’s Salary Scale. NRC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. In selecting our staff, 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.

Deadline for applications: 3rd July 2023

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 we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative

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

Kindly send any questions that you may have in relation to the application process to: cwa.recruitment@nrc.no. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile