Regional Programme Director – Middle East & North Africa

What we are looking for

We are looking for a highly qualified, experienced, and dynamic individual to take up the role of Regional Programme Director (RPD) and provide a strategic vision for the NRC Middle East and North Africa Programme Department, including the development of regional capacities in Emergency Preparedness and Response Management, the fostering of Thought Leadership in Durable Solutions, and cultivating partnerships utilising a system approach. The RPD will be enthusiastic about ensuring programme quality and organisational learning. 

The successful candidate will work closely other units and departments, including with the Regional Head of Advocacy, Media and Communication on identifying priority areas for advocacy initiatives and with the Regional Head of Health, Safety and Security on Access and on an HSS approach guided by the humanitarian principles.

What you will do

The MENA Regional Programme Director (RPD) plays a central role in coordinating and guiding programme support to NRC operations within the region. Leading the Regional Programme department, the RPD supports the development of capacity in core competencies including Legal Assistance (ICLA), Protection, Shelter and Settlements, Education, Livelihoods and Food Security and WASH. The RPD also leads on cross-cutting themes such as Safe and Inclusive Programming, Cash and Voucher Assistance, Markets Systems, Clean Energy and Community Engagement.

The RPD oversees the strategic vision and development of programmes, emphasizing a culture of learning and cost-consciousness, navigating partnerships to ensure effective collaboration and impactful interventions amidst challenging circumstances. The RPD liaises closely with Heads of Programme in Country Offices, facilitating technical support and coordination. 

Key responsibilities

• Ensure strategic programme development in the region is in line with the 2022-2025 NRC global and regional strategies.
• Ensure current donor relations are well managed and explore potential new donor opportunities within the region.
• Manage performance and staff development of the Regional Programme department.
• Ensure organisational learning from programme implementation and overall programme capacity building in the region.
• Ensure programme relevant advocacy priorities are identified and taken forward.
• Provide guidance and ensure support and capacity building related to Project Cycle Management (PCM), Monitoring Evaluation and Learning framework, integrated programming and programme quality in the region, including integration of relevant cross cutting issues such as safe and inclusive programming, partnerships, as well as business development.
• Liaise with Country Directors and Country Offices’ Heads of Programme to explore and create synergies and ensure effective and constructive communication between related functions and Country Offices.
• Provide contextual programme analysis as input to the regional strategy, annual and triannual reports and support Country Offices in contingency planning.
• Implement a robust risk management framework to ensure programme quality and compliance with donor requirements. Additionally, establish and manage regional grants in accordance with donors’ specifications.
• Serve as the Region’s focal point to the Head Office Global Programme Section, and Partnership and Policy Department on Programme related issues.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position. 

What you will bring

• Minimum 7 years of relevant leadership/management experience within the humanitarian field with experience in programme management.
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts with knowledge of the context in the Middle East..
• Broad network within the international humanitarian community and proven ability to represent an organisation at different levels.
• Experience with various donors and partnerships experience.
• Experience with country office start-up, exit and emergency response.
• Experience in change management is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of the Arabic language desirable.

What we offer

• Duty station: Amman, Jordan, Middle East and North Africa Regional Office
• Contract: 24 months.
• Travel: Up to 35% within the region.
• Salary/benefits: Grade 12 on NRC’s salary scales, with accompanying terms and conditions.
• 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

Important information about the application process

• We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Please ensure you attach copies of your academic and professional certificates.
• For internal candidates only: To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email address or click on Opportunity Marketplace.
• 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.
• If you have any questions about this role, please email mero.recruitment@nrc.no with the job title 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.

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