Field Operations Executive Director

What we are looking for

NRC is looking for an Executive Director, Field Operations to join the organisation. The role holder will be responsible for managing NRC’s response to humanitarian crises in the field; ensuring global programme development and innovation; driving emergency response and preparedness; humanitarian access and safety; and crisis management. 

As part of the Senior Management Group, the Executive Director, Field Operations advises the Secretary General on strategic and operational issues and is accountable for the development and execution of NRC’s global strategy.

If you are an experienced leader who holds a track record of developing and integrating distinctive strategies; with strong coordination, networking, and stakeholder management skills; and experience building and leading collaborative, engaging, and effective teams, then this is the role for you!

What you will do

• Strategy and plan of action development.
• Performance management and line management of staff.
• Accountability of results according to strategies, budgets, and plans.
• Policies, guidelines, and regulations for compliance accountability.
• Budget responsibility.
• Field Operations representation in NRC’s partnerships.
• Crisis management response leadership in critical incidents.
• We highly encourage you to learn more about the role, please review the full Job Description here.

What you will bring

• Senior management experience in complex organisations with international exposure.
• Humanitarian response context experience.
• Management, humanitarian response, and international issues expertise.
• Complex and volatile context exposure.
• English fluency, both written and verbal.

What makes this position attractive?

• The Norwegian Refugee Council delivers high-quality programmes, protecting people forced to flee and supporting them as they build a new future.
• NRC works in new and protracted crises across 40 countries, in complex and volatile environments. Around 15,000 people work for NRC, most hired locally to work in the countries of operations.
• The Field Operations department includes four head office-based sections (Humanitarian Access & Safety, Programmes, Emergency Response, and Field Office Operational Governance & Support), led by Functional Directors, as well as regional teams led by Regional Directors (located in Amman, Nairobi, Dakar, Bogota, while one is fully virtual). The Executive Director leads the Field Operations Management Team comprising of these functional and regional directors.
• Field Operations’ regional teams function as an extension of head office and are responsible for ensuring programmes in the region are managed and developed in line with NRC’s mission statement, policies, and strategies.
• This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that responds to the diverse needs globally, priorities, and concerns raised by the different communities where NRC works.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.

What we offer

• Oslo, Norway duty station (preference) or other NRC Europe Office location, except Switzerland, subject to legal capability.
• Permanent contract.
• 30% travel, approximately.
• Grade 14 in NRC’s 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.
• Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC.

Important information about the application process

• Internal Candidates: to apply log in with your official NRC email address or click on Opportunity Marketplace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as per your passport.
• Apply by completing all the system-required fields of your experience, employment history, and education in your application.
• Ensure to attach your latest CV.
• Submit your application and CV in English.
• Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. NRC is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role and you meet most, but not all the requirements, we encourage you to apply anyway.
• 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.
• For any queries, please email us at [email protected] with “Executive Director, Field Operations” as the subject line. This email address is for queries only. Applications will not be accepted via email.
• Please note that NRC does not request any fees in connection with its recruitment processes.

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 here.