Make a Real Impact in One of the World’s Most Challenging Contexts

Are you a seasoned operations professional driven by purpose and integrity? Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and strengthen the operational backbone of our country office in Afghanistan. This is a unique opportunity to ensure life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most.

About NCA in Afghanistan

NCA has supported the Afghan population since 1979 and established its country office in 1996. Our integrated watershed management program links sustainable water use with economic empowerment, agriculture, and climate resilience. We respond rapidly to natural disasters with cash assistance, shelter, WASH, and psychological first aid.

Operating in Kunduz, Wardak, and Kunar, our team of ~50 staff members is committed to inclusive, locally driven development and emergency response.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As Operations Manager, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, ensuring that procurement, logistics, safety, and support services are efficient, compliant, and responsive to program needs.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Procurement & Contract Management

• Lead transparent, efficient procurement aligned with NCA and donor regulations.

• Manage supplier relations and contracts, ensuring integrity and cost-effectiveness.

• Mitigate corruption risks and promote collaboration across teams.

Support Services

• Oversee logistics, fleet, IT, office administration, assets, and stock control.

• Ensure readiness for rapid emergency response.

• Strengthen systems for accountability, efficiency, and anti-fraud.

Safety & Risk Management

• Lead security protocols, contingency planning, and crisis preparedness.

• Support internal controls and organizational risk management.

Capacity Building

• Train operations staff and partners in logistics, procurement, and compliance.

• Conduct partner assessments and monitor anti-corruption standards.

Personnel Management

• Supervise and mentor operational staff.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and zero tolerance for corruption.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• Higher education in relevant field.

• Minimum 5 years of operations management experience in INGOs or similar.

• Proven expertise in procurement, logistics, and compliance in complex settings.

• Experience in high-risk environments and security management.

• Strong digital and IT skills; fleet/asset management knowledge is a plus.

• Fluent in English; Norwegian or local languages are an asset.

Personal Qualities:

• Proactive, structured, and solution-oriented.

• High ethical standards and personal integrity.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Resilient and hands-on in dynamic contexts.

What We Offer

• A meaningful role in a respected international organization.

• A chance to shape operational systems in a high-impact setting.

• Professional development and international collaboration.

• Competitive salary and benefits, including rest & recreation scheme.

Important Notes

• This is a non-family duty station requiring independent living in a high-risk context.

• Initial contract is for 1 year, with potential for extension based on funding and performance.

• In accordance with core humanitarian principles, NCA implements a range of safeguards to prevent or reduce the possibility of humanitarian aid falling into the wrong hands. This includes those individuals and groups who are subject to sanctions by the United Nations Security Council. As part of this process, NCA will screen the details of the successful candidates for this post against the sanction’s lists maintained by the UN and by some of NCAs governmental donors.

How to apply

To apply for the position, click this link: https://apply.recman.page/job_post.php?id=455476&sub_id=534&path=other

You can change the language on this page in the top right corner, then click apply job above the advert. After that fill out all the fields, be aware there is one field that is mandatory; "candidate attributes", once this is filled out you will be able to apply