Background

Danish Refugee Council founded in Denmark in 1956, is Denmark’s largest and the world’s leading non-profit, independent, rights-based refugee organization.

Our vision is to assist refugees, internally displaced people, and their host communities to a dignified life. We protect lives and human rights and empower beneficiaries throughout conflict displacement by providing shelter, food, and hope in terms of work, education, and integration towards a sustainable future.

Since 1998, programmes in the South Caucasus are designed through a “protection lens”, ensuring that all activities integrate protection principles. As such, we will continue to work on expanding our knowledge and ensure durable solutions are provided to IDPs, returnees and host communities, and as well as make IDPs, returnees, host communities and persons in a refugee-like situation aware of and actively claim their rights, through legal assistance and awareness raising.

The main DRC donors in the South Caucasus in 2024 are SIDA, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union. The fundraising efforts have been undertaken with other donor organizations, which could potentially affect organizational priorities, the scope of work and tasks related to this position. The operations span across the whole of Georgia with over 28 employees in 4 offices, including two field offices in Abkhazia.

About the job

DRC is looking to recruit an experienced, highly qualified, and enthusiastic professional to lead its Support Services in Georgia. The Head of Support Services (HoSS) will ensure smooth, effective, and efficient operations of the support services in the areas of finance, human resources, supply chain, administration, and IT. The HoSS will play a key role in developing and implementing country-specific strategies as well as continuously improving operational systems, processes, and policies in support of DRC’s operation in Georgia in line with DRC’s global operational standards and procedures.

As the Head of Support Services and member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the HoSS will undertake the following in each of DRC Support Services pillars outlined below:

Management

• Lead, manage and motivate the support teams, (including people planning, performance, well-being, and development).
• Establish high performing support teams ensuring high-quality approaches are maintained.
• Responsible for the strategic development, management, and implementation of support functions.
• Develop and improve operational approaches, compliance, and systems by supporting the Country Director in building and delivering effective and sustainable interventions.
• Establish and ensure implementation of relevant internal procedures and policies within the areas of responsibility.
• Ensure relevant technical support is available to programs, in line with organizational priorities.
• Ensure provision of support for annual planning, budgeting, and review processes.
• Direct responsibility for ensuring that the DRC operates in accordance with its support function guidelines.
• Establish strategic directions within the areas of responsibility and lead organizational change.

Management of Support Services and HR

• Support the Country Director and the Senior Management Team in liaising with donors and authorities, especially in relation to the reporting, compliance, and audit.
• Supervision, audit, controlling and implementation of DRC’s operational standards within the support functions.
• Ensure the accuracy and regular maintenance of all finance, supply chain and administration systems.
• Develop a risk management plan for the country that identifies the major financial and operational risks and implements the related mitigation strategy.
• Work to build the capacity of support staff through frequent in-service training sessions and mentoring support.
• Ensure that DRC retains and continuously develops its operational capacity to provide adequate response within its Supply Chain systems.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of DRC’s global development initiatives.
• Safeguard uniformity across the operations with two different set ups, one in Georgia Tbilisi-administered territories and one in Abkhazia.
• Support and consolidate the development of partnerships with selected sub-Grantees through tailored guidance in areas pertaining to support services to ensure compliance and an effective transfer of competences in line with DRC intended phasing over and localization agendas.
• Drive and support all HR related activities such as recruitment and selection, onboarding & exit process, liaison with Health Insurance Company, performance management process.

DRC Dynamics ERP System

• Ensure ERP functionality is properly used by relevant staff.
• Apply reports and data analytics from DRC Dynamics to improve overall performance.
• Act as a heavy user for most of the Projects & Finance functionalities.

About you

To succeed in this role, we expect the candidate to be an exceptional leader and a supportive and collaborative colleague. We are looking for an individual who has worked in multinational and multicultural environments and can embrace and promote our culture of Diversity and Inclusion. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, will motivate others and guide by example. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• A minimum 7 years of senior leadership experience in operations management roles with at least 3 years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience in NGO sector is desirable.
• University degree in Economics, Business Administration or Management, or another relevant field is required.
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management at least for 4 years.
• Proven operational management experience and capability.
• Experience in grant management and understanding of institutional fund-raising.
• Proven significant financial management experience.
• Significant experience in procurement and tender processes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills with a well-developed ability to motivate and persuade at high levels.
• Full professional fluency in English and Georgian languages.
• Excellent Computer Skills and an advanced proficiency in Excel are required.
• Experience of working in ERP systems would be an advantage.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months with possible extension subject to funding

Salary and conditions in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff. This position is placed on salary Scale Band E.

Duty station: Tbilisi, Georgia

Application process

We only accept online applications at https://drc.ngo under Vacancies >Current Vacancies. Click on the vacancy then on ‘Apply for position’ at the bottom of the window. Please indicate at least two references with contact information.

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English no later than January 17th, 2024, till 24:00.

We only accept online applications.

Please indicate at least two references with contact information.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.