Head of Support Services

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified French speaking Head of Support Services with overall leadership responsibility for DRC’s operational management in DR CONGO within Finance, Administration, HR, and Logistics and Procurement.  

About the job 

The Head of Support Services requires demonstrated ability to develop long-term vision and strategic planning, provide leadership for DRC’s operations, and a high level of financial and operations planning. S/He deputizes for the Country Director as requested and/or needed. The role is directly responsible for ensuring that DRC’s Programme in DR Congo operates in accordance with DRC’s operational standards as expressed in the DRC Operations Handbook and other guidelines in DRC. 
  

Your main duties and responsibilities will be: 

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

• Responsible for the strategic development, management, and implementation of the support operations  

• Ensure that DRC retains and continually develops its operational capacity to provide rapid emergency response within its procurement and transport system 

• Oversee risk management processes in the operation 

• Supervision, audits and controlling and implementation of corrective actions related to DRC’s operational standards, in the areas of Finance, Administration, HR, and Logistics/ Procurement 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of DRC’s global development initiatives, particularly in procurement and financial accountability. 

• Ensure compliance with DRC policies and laws and regulations of the country 

About you 

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 7 years of experience in operations management roles from similar roles in an international humanitarian NGO. Moreover, we also expect the following:  

Required  

• Relevant university degree (e.g. international development, economics) with specialization in administration management 

• At least 4 years' experience with people management  

• 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 

• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills 

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills with a well-developed ability to motivate and persuade at high levels 

• Proven ability to lead and work effectively with others to achieve results 

• Understanding and experience of institutional fundraising 

• Understanding of the countries in which DRC operates and sensitive to the cultural context 

• Full professional proficiency in English 

• Full professional proficiency in French  

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: 1 year 

Band: E 

Designation of Duty Station: Unaccompanied, Non-Family Duty Station 

Start date: 1. April 2025 

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriate or National employees; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.  

Application process 

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. 

Closing date for applications: 19th January 2025 

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