What we are looking for

NRC is looking for a Head of Operations to join the Afghanistan mission. The role holder be responsible for running the programme operation and programme implementation in Area Offices.

If you are an influential people leader; have a passion for capacity building and leading and inspiring large and diverse teams; with diplomatic negotiation skills; a track record in managing change and transformation; experience in directing projects, information sharing, coordination, and enhanced liaison/representation with multi-stakeholders; then this is the role for you!

What you will do

• Programme implementation according to developed plans, budgets and set standards.

• Representation and stakeholder management.

• Line management, including staff development and performance management.

• Strategy development and execution.

• Safety and security policies implementation.

What you will bring

• Senior management experience in a humanitarian/recovery context.

• 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?

• Since the Taliban take-over of Afghanistan in August 2021, a reduction in conflict has meant that access has improved. However, a withdrawal of diplomatic and development actors, and an assertive new authority has created challenges in maintaining principled humanitarian access, not least due to the deteriorating position with regard to women’s rights.

• 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 is one of the leading humanitarian response agencies (particularly for Afghans who have felt forced to flee their homes due to conflict), maintaining a presence of 11 provinces and over 600 staff around the country; and notably in the country’s most troubled provinces. NRC Afghanistan is the largest INGO in the country, at a programmatic, field coverage, and staff count level.

• NRC Afghanistan operates a diverse grants portfolio providing services within Education; Protection; Information Counselling and Legal Assistance; Shelter and Settlements; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene; and Emergency core competencies.

• 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.

What we offer

• Kabul, Afghanistan duty station.

• 12-month contract duration.

• 60% travel, approximately.

• Grade 11 in NRC’s International 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.

The full Job Description can be found on our website.

How to apply

In order to view the Job Description, get more information, and to apply, please click here.