Head of Programme Mali

Context

Since 2012, Mali is facing a complex humanitarian crisis, generated by the presence of multiple armed groups, occupying most of the central and northern regions of the country. The climate-related triggers have exacerbated the humanitarian situation causing increased fragility and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the country. 

The Norwegian Refugee Council has been working in Mali since 2013. The organization has a coordination office in Bamako, and area offices in both the centre and northern regions of Mali. To meet the needs of populations affected by conflict and displacement, NRC implements programs in Education, Shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion (WASH), Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRM), ICLA (information, counselling and legal assistance), Food Security and Livelihoods and Protection from Violence. 

What you will do:

The HoP: The Head of Programme (HoP) is responsible for the overall programmatic strategy across the entire country operation and for ensuring timely and adequate technical inputs, contributing to the quality assurance of program implementation across the project cycle management (PCM). The position ensures that NRC’s projects bring a significant contribution to meeting immediate humanitarian needs & ensuring programmatic strategies are in place to ensure durable solutions of displacement affected individuals.

The Head of Programme is therefore a key senior position in the NRC country set up, responsible for cross-cutting programmatic information management, sound design of and overseeing assessments, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring that information collected is reflected upon, used to improve ongoing projects, and is incorporated into consistently high-quality grant proposals and reports. S/he plays a key role in strategy development and adherence and ensuring that policies, systems, and people are continuously and accurately working in a coordinated manner to ensure that a coherent and comprehensive program is designed and implemented. The Head of Programme is also responsible for fundraising activities and external representation, alongside the CD. 

1. Line management for Core Competence Specialists, M&E, and Grants Management.
2. Member of the Country Management Group (CMG)
3. Compliance with and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures
4. Provide programme input to Country Strategy and Plan of Action 
5. Development of Core Competency strategies
6. Quality control, M&E and organizational learning 
7. Capacity building of all technical staff
8. In-country representation
9. Development of holistic and needs based programmes 
10. Identify funding opportunities, develop funding strategies and forecasts 
11. Grants management, BPO allocations and reporting to donors, including compliance with donor standards
12. Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy

What we are looking for:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience from a senior management position in a humanitarian/ recovery context
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Core competency expertise
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile 
• Fluency in both French and English, both written and verbal

Context/Specific skills, knowledge and experience:

• Good knowledge of the context in Mali and the Central Sahel region
• Experience in partnership-based programming
• Experience in advocacy work and close government engagement
• Proposal development and donor compliance experience 
• Monitoring and evaluation experience including basic survey design and analysis
• Strong writing, communication and interpersonal skills
• Representation and coordination experience
• Budget development and management experience 
• Experience in relief and early recovery/development.
• Experience in putting in place new systems and policies 

Behavioural competencies:

• Strategic thinking
• Initiating action and change
• Influencing
• Handling insecure environments
• Planning and delivering results
• Communicating with impact and respect

Please find the full job description here.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility. At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: 5/1/2025

What we offer:

1. Contract of 24 months
2. Grade 11 in NRC scale
3. Location: Bamako
4. An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
5. A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields
    

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process

• Internal candidates only: please click on the suitcase icon labelled “I am an employee” to be redirected to NRC’s internal careers site.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English or in French for french speaking countries, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• 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.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.
• If you have any questions about this role, please email cwa.recruitment@nrc.no with the job title as the subject line.

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