Country: Ethiopia

Organization: Danish Refugee Council

Closing date: 10 Jan 2024

Title: Head of Support Services (HoSS)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Employment Category: E1 (Management)

Reporting To: Country Director

Direct Reports: Support services managers/coordinators and staff

Unit/Department: Support

Start of Contract & Duration: 12 Months with possibilities of extension

Posting date: December 28, 2023

Closing date: January 10,2024

INTRODUCTION

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region, and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009. With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia and Djibouti, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, gender based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration.

Overall Purpose of the Role:

Operationally and strategically the Head of Support 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 Senior Management Team 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Management

• Lead and manage the support services managers/coordinators (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.

Operational Management

• Oversee the operational support units for the country by providing strategic leadership and technical support to the areas under his/her supervision.

• Strengthen/oversee/develop audits, Master budgets, BFU and financial and accounting policies and processes.

• Support the Country Director and the Senior Management Team in liaising with donors and authorities, especially as relates to issues of compliance, registration, and audit.

• Supervision, audits and controlling and implementation of corrective actions related to DRC’s operational standards within support areas.

• 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 and response plans.

• 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 DRC Dynamics functionality is properly set-up and used by relevant staff, including but not limited to Master Budget, Shared costs recovery planning, resource scheduling.

• Apply reports and data analytics from DRC Dynamics to improve overall performance and inform SMT decision-making.

• Act as heavy user for most of the Projects & Finance functionalities.

Supervisor responsibilities

• Supports the managers/coordinators to coordinate the daily activities of small teams to ensure workload is supported and prioritized appropriately.

• Contribute to recruitment and/or performance appraisal of members of the support services team.

• Develops a capacity building and mentoring style of operations within the teams, offering trainings, mentoring and other opportunities within the organization for staff development

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

• 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 significant financial, information and systems management experience

• Experience working in an ERP system, including supply chain, finance and HR systems

• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management

• Proven operational management experience and capability, including in conflict areas

• 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.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.

• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.

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

• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.

• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online application form on CLICK HERE under Vacancies.

Please forward the application and CV, in English through the stated website no later than January 10,2024.

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.ngo

• Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

• Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.