Head of Programme Quality Unit (Fagsjef)

Norwegian Red Cross is looking for a dynamic and experienced leader to head a key Unit in the International department. The position is based in Oslo, Norway.

The Unit is a multi-disciplinary team of specialists (approx. 20 staff members) with focus on health, protection, Cash as well as Data and Results. The team sets programme quality standards and provides technical guidance and support to international operations.

We are looking for a Head of Unit with managerial and operational experience from the international humanitarian sector. The Head of Unit is expected to handle complex situations and workload and create good working relations and an effective dialogue across units and departments within the organisation, ICRC and IFRC, as well as other relevant stakeholders. The ability to support staff development and provide direction is central to the position.

The Head of the Unit line manages 3 middle managers and reports to the Director of International Programmes and Preparedness department and is a member of the department's management team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Technical Unit and ensure that the unit delivers on its responsibilities including:

- The development and dissemination of available operational guidance and standards in line with the Norwegian Red Cross international strategy.

- The development of guidelines for Norwegian Red Cross’ programs and projects in support of partners' organisational development.

- The alignment of technical frameworks and standards with established humanitarian objectives.

- The development of standards for operational collaboration with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and contributes to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement global standards and guidelines

- Ensuring programs and projects are based on evidence, best practice and learning.

- Ensuring alignment and building capacity of relevant staff in the use of technical guidelines.

- Quality assurance and monitoring compliance with the standards, in close coordination with Norwegian Red Cross Country Offices, Regional Offices and relevant units at National Office.

• Provide global technical leadership within prioritised thematic areas both internally vis-à-vis relevant teams/units/departments and externally vis-à-vis Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (ICRC, IFRC, and national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies), Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other donors.
• Provide guidance and ensure capacity building of relevant staff on the use of technical guidelines and coordination of technical networks.
• Establish and maintain close working relations and provide technical guidance and support to the Norwegian Red Cross field structure, relevant National Office units, and partners.
• Ensure strong and timely coordination with other support units within the International Programmes and Preparedness department and other relevant departments.
  
• Responsible for managing the Technical Unit's resources (HR and budget).

Required qualifications

• Higher education at master level, preferably within social sciences – lack of education might be mitigated by extensive experience
• Management experience from similar role
• Relevant field experience with Norwegian Red Cross, Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, or other relevant humanitarian organisations in a managerial role
• Fluency in English and working proficiency in Norwegian (B2-Bergenstest). A relevant third language is an asset
• Experience with financial management of significant budgets

Personal attributes

Skills and knowledge

• Knowledge of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the wider humanitarian sector is an asset
• Significant knowledge and experience with PMER
• Significant experience with development and management of humanitarian projects and programs at field level is an asset
• Effective communication skills, and knowledge and experience with information management and internal and external communication
• Strong presentation skills

Leadership qualifications

• Strong ability to lead, manage, and inspire people to cultivate development and results
  
• Significant change management skills
• Strong process and project management skills
• Significant people-management skills
• Strong ability to facilitate cross-organisation collaboration
• Be accountable and action-oriented
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
  

We offer

Based in Oslo, Norway, the position offers:

• Meaningful, interesting leadership role and great colleagues!
• Very good pension and insurance schemes.
• Subsidised kantine scheme and paid lunch break.
• Modern and pleasant office premises in the centre of Oslo with good public transport connections and safe bicycle parking under cover.
• Good opportunities for physical activity. Join the morning swim club, try yoga or participate in ball games. In addition, you have the opportunity to use NOK 1500 annually (taxable) to buy equipment for your own use.
• The employment relationship is regulated by the collective agreement(s) in force at any given time in the organisation, currently: the main agreement Tekna and the Salaried Employee Agreement Negotia.
• The position is based at the Norwegian Red Cross National Office in Oslo and thus requires a valid permit for work and residence in Norway.
• The Norwegian Red Cross is looking for competence and good minds regardless of age, gender, functional ability, beliefs or ethnic background. We adapt the workplace if needed. If you have any questions about customization, please contact us!
• The position requires extensive travelling.