What we are looking for

NRC is looking for a Head of Programme to join the Afghanistan mission. The role holder will

lead the programme unit in Afghanistan and to develop and ensure the implementation of, and the funding for, high-quality programmes. He/she will manage the program technical development, including core competency strategies, and to conduct quality assurance in relation to project cycle management.

If you are experienced and seasoned leader with a background in developing and integrating distinctive strategies; who holds a track record of fostering a collaborative environment and building and leading engaging and effective teams; with strong interpersonal, networking, and stakeholder management skills and able collaborate with others while building sound, constructive relationships; as well as the dexterity to meet new challenges and navigate through insecure environments, then this is the role for you!

What you will do

• People leadership.
• Strategy, including core competency strategy, development and implementation.
• Programme development.
• Funding opportunities identification.
• Project proposal development.
• Quality control, monitoring and evaluation, and organisational learning.
• Represent NRC in forums/cluster/working groups, etc.
• We highly encourage you to learn more about the role: please review the full Job Description here.

What you will bring

• Senior management experience in a humanitarian/recovery context.
• Core competency expertise.
• Complex emergencies exposure.
• Complex and volatile context exposure.
• Afghanistan context exposure and knowledge, pertaining to displacement and humanitarian needs will be an added advantage.
• English fluency, both written and verbal.

What makes this position attractive?

• The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is complex, protracted, and worsening. The country recently underwent a regime change in a short space of time. The current regime has limited resources and/or systems in place to provide basic services. In addition to this, internal displacement has taken place due to conflict, climate change, and the economic crisis currently experienced in the country. Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with a risk of systemic collapse and human catastrophe.
• This is an opportunity to contribute to the protection and assistance of vulnerable and crisis-affected women, girls, boys, and men. NRC Afghanistan is one of the leading humanitarian response agencies (particularly for Afghans forced to flee), maintaining a presence of 12 offices and over 1,000 staff in 14 provinces across the country.
• Meaningful work that responds to the diverse needs, priorities, and concerns raised by beneficiary communities. NRC Afghanistan meets immediate humanitarian needs, prevents further displacement, and contributes to durable solutions.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• Learn more about NRC’s operation in Afghanistan here.

What we offer

• Kabul, Afghanistan duty station.
• 24-month contract duration.
• 25% travel, approximately.
• Grade 11 in NRC’s Salary Scale, with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer and aims to have staffing diversity in terms of age, gender, 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.

Important information about the application process

• To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official NRC email address or click on Opportunity Marketplace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as per your passport.
• Apply by completing all the system-required fields of your experience, employment history, and education in your application.
• Ensure to attach your latest CV.
• Submit your application and CV in English.
• Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. NRC is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role and you meet most, but not all the requirements, we encourage you to apply anyway.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered.
• Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to give detailed feedback to applicants who have not been shortlisted.
• For any queries, please email us at aela.recruitment@nrc.no with “Head of Programme Afghanistan” as the subject line.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

NRC Afghanistan seeks to protect and assist vulnerable women, girls, boys, and men who are affected by displacement. NRC provides assistance to meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions. We implement programming across all of NRC’s core competencies, integrating protection, advocacy, and an emergency response team to support preparedness and response.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• Do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
• Join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• Be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.

Learn more about NRC here.