Application Deadline: April 22nd, 2022

Job Title: Head of Support Services

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Head of Support Services for our operations in Ethiopia. 

Operationally and strategically the Head of Suppot Services holder is responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Logistics and Procurement, Administration and IT. S/He will oversee, develop and provide strategic direction, mentorship and support to his/her support areas. An active member of the Senior Management Team this role ensures that all aspects of the Country Office management is represented and considered in decision making. This role has a country focus and as SMT the HoSS must be committed to visiting the field at least quarterly to ensure regional level support and capacity is provided along with ensuring compliance to donor requirements and adherence to DRC procedures and guidelines.

The ideal candidate for this role requires a solution orientated approach, a sense of humor and able to manage work/life balance in a complex restrictive and demanding, but never boring context.

 About the job

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Management

• Lead and manage the support managers (including people planning, performance, well-being and development)
• Manage, deliver and report on current operations and programme support in each region of implementation
• Establish high performing support teams ensuring high-quality approaches are maintained
• Develop and improve operational approaches, compliance and systems, and support the Country Director to build and deliver effective and sustainable interventions.
• Responsible for the strategic development, management and implementation of the support operations
• Ensure appropriate technical support is available to programs, in line with organizational priorities
• Ensure support for annual planning and review processes
• Direct responsibility for ensuring that the DRC Programme operates in accordance with DRC’s support function guidelines

Operational Management

• Support the Country/Regional Director and the Senior Management Team in liaising with donors and authorities, especially as relates to issues of compliance, registration, and audit
• Oversee the operational support units for the country/region by providing strategic leadership and technical support to the areas under his/her supervision
• Supervision, audits and controlling and implementation of corrective actions related to DRC’s operational standards within support area.
• Ensure that DRC retains and continually develops its operational capacity to provide rapid emergency response in particular within its procurement and transport systems 
• Develop a risk management plan for the country that identifies the major financial and operational risks and implement a mitigation strategy.
• Ensure that all administrative and legal-related systems are accurate and maintained
• Work to build the capacity of the operational support staff throughout the operation though frequent in-service training sessions and mentoring support
• Contribute to the development and implementation of DRC’s global development initiatives.

DRC Dynamics ERP System

• Ensure ERP functionality is properly used by relevant staff
• Apply reports and data analytics from DRC Dynamics to improve overall performance
• Act as heavy user for most of the Projects & Finance functionalities 

Supervisor responsibilities:

• Supports the managers to coordinate the daily activities of small teams to ensure workload is supported and prioritized appropriately
• Does not have direct line management responsibility for teams, but will contribute to recruitment and/or performance appraisal of members of the team 
• Develops a capacity building and mentoring style of operations within the teams offering trainings and opportunities within the organization for staff development

Job Requirements

To be successful in this role we expect you to posses the following:  

• Master's degree in political science, international development, economics or other relevant field. 
• At least 7 years' experience in relevant field
• At least 4 years' experience with people management
• Experience in a similar role in an international NGO
• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management
• Proven operational management experience and capability, including in conflict areas
• Proven significant financial, information and systems management experience
• Significant experience in procurement and tender processes
• Understanding and experience of institutional fundraising
• Understanding of the countries in which DRC operates and sensitive to the cultural context
• Experience working in an ERP system, including supply chain, finance and HR systems
• Full professional proficiency in English is required.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 24 months

Band: E

Designation of Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Accompanied Family Duty Station

Start date: 6 June 2022

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates or National Staff; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Sue Clarke at sue.clarke@drc.ngo. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates can apply using THIS LINK

Note: The screening process for this position is on rolling basis, so early submission of applications is encouraged. DRC remains a right to close the vacancy once a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo

DRC as an employer

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply!