Regional Head of Operational Support Central and West Africa

Country: Senegal Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council Closing date: 2 Oct 2026 Background 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 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. NRC has a simplified organisational structure with leaner Head Office 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, Programme Core Competency and thematics and MEAL. The regional teams will access support capacity from the 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 that all regional staff and country offices have predictable access to the same services and deliver them in an efficient way. Find out more about NRC https://www.nrc.no/ and Watch this short video to see NRC in action https://vimeo.com/736782633 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. This role is a member of the Regional Management Team. What you will do • 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 supports, 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. • The postholder, upon request, can act on behalf of the Regional Director including leading relevant Crisis Management Teams. • Other tasks as assigned by the Regional Director. Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the Job Description _Regional Head of Operational Support CWA.pdf What you will bring 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 Context related skills, knowledge and experience • Specifics to be included per region • Essential: Fluency in English and French both written and verbal • Knowledge of the context in Central and West Africa is an asset. • Experience with start-ups, exit and organisational change processes • Good knowledge of (local language if different from English) is an advantage • Ability to collaborate effectively with remote teams and stakeholders 2. 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 What we offer • Duty station: Dakar, Senegal • Contract: Fixed term for 24 months with possibility of extension • Salary&Benefits: Grade 11 on NRC’s salary scale • 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. • Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC https://www.nrc.no/career/what-we-offer/ • Kindly send any questions about 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. How to apply https://ekum.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2019/job/21656