Head of Operational Support

What we are looking for:

• The Regional Head of Operational Support will ensure an integrated approach to operational management, supporting the quality and timeliness of NRC's response in the region. 
• The role is responsible for enabling support needs in countries across HR, Risk and Compliance, Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS), Finance, ICT, Logistics and Administration, ensuring compliance with NRC policies.
• The Regional Head of Operational Support plays a crucial role in ensuring that the region is accountable for the performance of country offices, ensuring they meet operational standards and deliver on strategic objectives. 
• The role ensures a conducive working environment for all teams, including members of different global teams physically located in the regional office in Nairobi.
• This role is a member of the Regional Management Team and the Global Support Advisory Group (GSAG) led by the deputy SG/ CFO.

What you will do:

• Ensure that support functions within the regional team operate efficiently, fostering a collaborative and effective working environment.
• Hold country offices accountable for progress on their operations by leveraging reports, analyses, and compliance data from NRC’s global resource and pools. 
• Support country directors and heads of support, HAS Managers with capacity building and problem-solving related to operational challenges.
• Provide advice and mentorship to country office operational support teams, fostering capacity building and skills development.
• Participate in global discussions on planning and strategy relating to support functions. 
• Review of finance, HR and logistics requirements related to regional grants in collaboration with the Global PCM and Grants Management facility.
• Streamline the hosting arrangements for members of global pools physically located in the regional office and ensure a conducive working environment 
• The postholder, upon request, can act on behalf of the Regional Director including leading relevant Crisis Management Teams.

What you will bring:

Professional competencies 

• Minimum 10 years of relevant leadership/management experience within the humanitarian field
• Relevant higher education in a related field such as business administration, management, finance or other suitable education
• Background and experience in managing support functions: finance, HR and logistics. It is an added value to have experience from working with security and safety
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Relevant experience with overseeing Finance, Logistics or other support functions will be an asset.
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal 

Context related skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Essential: Fluency in English both written and verbal 
• Knowledge of the context in East and Southern Africa is an asset.
• Experience with start-ups, exit and organisational change processes 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with remote teams and stakeholders 

Behavioural competencies:

• Build meaningful relations  
• I communicate clearly and transparently
• I treat all people with respect
• I work collaboratively with partners and internal stakeholders
• Act with integrity  
• I base my action and good judgement assuring necessary change
• I act as a role model for our principles and values
• Empower people  
• I delegate and give feedback that allows people to grow
• I set clear expectations and direction
• I challenge and support my team to accomplish shared goals
• Deliver results 
• I always look for the best solution for the people we serve
• I prioritize and plan enabling my team to achieve results
• I am accountable and take responsibility for my actions and our results 

What we offer:

• Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
• Salary/benefits: grade 11 on NRC’s either international or national salary scale. 
• Duration of Contract: 2 years, national. Or international with full family package.
• 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.