Head of Programme Iran Tehran

Duty station:  Tehran, Iran.

1. Background/Context

The purpose of the Head of Programme position is to develop and ensure implementation of holistic high-quality programmes of NRC Iran.

1. Generic Responsibilities

The following is a brief description of the role:

• Line management for Core Competence and Partnerships Specialists, Grants, M&E Managers and Emergency Response coordinator
• Member of the Country Management Group (CMG)
• Compliance with and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures
• Provide programme input to Country Strategy and Plan of Action
• Development of Core Competency strategies that are aligned to regional and global priorities and strategies
• Development of holistic and needs based programmes, including cash-based interventions and market based programmes
• Identify funding opportunities, develop funding strategies and forecasts
• Grants management, BPO allocations and reporting to donors, including compliance with donor standards
• Quality control, M&E and organizational learning
• Capacity building of all technical staff

1. Specific Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Country Director when appointed
• Continue the development and implementation of NRC local partnerships strategy
• Prioritize use of data in program design and execution
• Other tasks from time to time reflecting the evolution of the program.

1. Professional Competencies

• Minimum 4 years of experience from a senior management position in a humanitarian/ recovery context
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Core competency expertise
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile 
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal 
• Knowledge of the context in Iran and Afghanistan
• Knowledge of Persian an advantage 
• Experience of developing programmes in a large and complex, quality oriented country programme 
• Qualification in grants management, M&E is an advantage

Find more details about the role HERE.

1. What We Offer

• Duration and Type of contract: 2 years, full time
• Salary/benefits: According to NRC salary scale, terms and conditions
• Duty station: Tehran, Iran

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC HERE.

Important information about the application process:

• Internal candidates only: please click on the suitcase icon labelled “I am an employee” to be redirected to NRC’s internal careers site.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• 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.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization 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.

For the past 40 years, Iran has hosted one of the largest and most protracted refugee crises in the world. Two years after the political changes in Afghanistan, at least 4.5 million Afghans reside in Iran, making it the largest refugee hosting country worldwide. This number comprises 750,000 Amayesh cardholders (long-term registered refugees), 267,000 visa holders (long-term Afghan residents in Iran), 360,000 with a residence permit, 2.6 million people who joined a 2022 government-led registration exercise, and a further large number of undocumented persons.

Iran’s inclusive policies grant access for all Afghans to primary health care, and Afghan children can study in Iranian public schools. Amayesh and visa holders are allowed to work in certain job categories. Despite the inclusive policies and support from the international community, Afghans still face challenges finding and retaining a stable income. This affects their ability to secure housing and keep their children in school, and could adversely impact their ability to renew their documentation and legal status on time.

The re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran in 2018 and the Covid-19 pandemic have further pressured Iran’s economy, increasing the challenges faced by all Afghans in Iran.

• Learn more about NRC HERE and NRC Iran HERE.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply, and 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.

NRC might review applications before the advertised deadline, therefore interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.