Head of Operations Afghanistan

What we are looking for

NRC is looking for a Head of Operations to join the Afghanistan mission. The role holder be responsible for running the programme operation and programme implementation in Area Offices.

If you are an influential people leader; have a passion for capacity building and leading and inspiring large and diverse teams; with diplomatic negotiation skills; a track record in managing change and transformation; experience in directing projects, information sharing, coordination, and enhanced liaison/representation with multi-stakeholders; then this is the role for you

What you will do

• Programme implementation according to developed plans, budgets and set standards.
• Representation and stakeholder management.
• Line management, including staff development and performance management.
• Strategy development and execution.
• Safety and security policies implementation.
• 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 a humanitarian/recovery context.
• Complex and volatile context exposure.
• Afghanistan context exposure and knowledge, pertaining to displacement and humanitarian needs will be an added advantage.
• English fluency, both written and verbal.

What makes this position attractive?

• Since the Taliban take-over of Afghanistan in August 2021, a reduction in conflict has meant that access has improved.  However, a withdrawal of diplomatic and development actors, and an assertive new authority has created challenges in maintaining principled humanitarian access, not least due to the deteriorating position with regard to women's rights.
• The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is complex, protracted, and worsening. The country recently underwent a regime change in a short space of time. The current regime has limited resources and/or systems in place to provide basic services. In addition to this, internal displacement has taken place due to conflict, climate change, and the economic crisis currently experienced in the country. Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with a risk of systemic collapse and human catastrophe.
• This is an opportunity to contribute to the protection and assistance of vulnerable and crisis-affected women, girls, boys, and men. NRC is one of the leading humanitarian response agencies (particularly for Afghans who have felt forced to flee their homes due to conflict), maintaining a presence of 11 provinces and over 600 staff around the country; and notably in the country's most troubled provinces. NRC Afghanistan is the largest INGO in the country, at a programmatic, field coverage, and staff count level.
• NRC Afghanistan operates a diverse grants portfolio providing services within Education; Protection; Information Counselling and Legal Assistance; Shelter and Settlements; Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene; and Emergency core competencies.
• Meaningful work that responds to the diverse needs, priorities, and concerns raised by beneficiary communities. NRC Afghanistan meets immediate humanitarian needs, prevents further displacement, and contributes to durable solutions.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• Learn more about NRC's operation in Afghanistan here.

What we offer

• Kabul, Afghanistan duty station.
• 12-month contract duration.
• 60% travel, approximately.
• Grade 11 in NRC's International 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

• To apply as an internal candidate, 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.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to give detailed feedback to applicants who have not been shortlisted.
• For any queries, please email us at  with "Head of Operations Afghanistan" 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.

NRC Afghanistan seeks to protect and assist vulnerable women, girls, boys, and men who are affected by displacement. NRC provides assistance to meet immediate humanitarian needs, prevent further displacement, and contribute to durable solutions. We implement programming across all of NRC's core competencies, integrating protection, advocacy, and an emergency response team to support preparedness and response.

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.