Head of Unit African Multilateral Partnerships

Head of Unit African Multilateral Partnerships NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council Oslo National Senior level Application deadline: April 07, 2026 Closed Apply Summary by Impactpool The Head of Unit for African Multilateral Partnerships at NORCAP will lead strategic engagement with African multilateral organizations, focusing on governance, peace, resilience, and inclusive development. This role involves overseeing program and policy development, operational delivery, and managing a team responsible for expertise deployment. The position requires strong leadership and partnership-building skills to enhance donor engagement and ensure quality program delivery. The role is based in Oslo with approximately 10% travel involved. Candidate Requirements: Master’s degree in a relevant field At least 10 years of relevant experience Minimum of 3 years in a managerial role Experience in programme management and business development Fundraising and donor engagement experience Knowledge of African-led policy processes Experience in regional peace and security architectures Strong representation skills with high-level stakeholders Expertise in humanitarian and development sectors Proven leadership and staff management skills NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways: • We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response. • We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un‑met gaps and challenges. As the Head of Unit for African Multilateral Partnerships, you will lead NORCAP’s strategic engagement with African multilateral organisations, with the African Union Commission as the largest partner, driving collaboration aimed at strengthening governance, peace, resilience, and inclusive development. The role oversees strategic direction, programme and policy development, operational delivery, and high‑quality partnerships while managing a team responsible for expertise deployment and thematic initiatives. The position is based in Oslo, includes approximately 10% travel, and reports to the Climate Action, Peace and Democracy Director. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: As the Head of Unit, African Multilateral Partnerships, you will take on the following responsibilities: Translate NORCAP’s strategic objectives into clear priorities, plans, and targets for the African Multilateral Partnerships Unit. Lead, manage, and develop unit staff, ensuring strong performance management, workforce planning, recruitment, induction, and duty of care for staff in Oslo and in the field. Provide strategic and operational leadership for programmes, ensuring quality delivery within agreed time, cost, scope, and risk parameters, including robust financial and results reporting. Strengthen institutional collaboration by building and maintaining effective partnerships with African multilateral institutions, ensuring alignment with regional goals and NORCAP’s strategic priorities. Lead the development and implementation of thematic strategies, initiate new projects, and ensure systematic learning, risk assessment, and mitigation in accordance with NORCAP’s frameworks. Enhance donor engagement and fundraising efforts by identifying opportunities, contributing to proposals, and ensuring high‑quality reporting and relationship management. Oversee unit operations, including daily workflow management, decision‑making, team set‑up and closure, and resource allocation to achieve agreed results. CRITICAL INTERFACES In this role, you will work closely with: Strategy and Learning Unit (NORCAP) Partnership, Quality and Programme Support section (NORCAP), including finance and fundraising teams Relevant thematic teams across NORCAP and NRC Field Offices NORCAP HR for recruitment and HR processes related to international assignments QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills: Master’s degree in a relevant field and at least 10 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a managerial role. Demonstrated experience in programme management, business development, fundraising, and donor engagement. Experience in African‑led policy processes and integration priorities, in multilateral diplomacy and institutional cooperation. Experience in regional peace and security architectures, in African political and developmental frameworks. Strong credibility and experience representing an organisation to high‑level regional and international stakeholders. Knowledge and expertise across both humanitarian and development sectors, with experience working in international contexts. Proven planning, coordination, networking, diplomacy and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work effectively with multilateral partners. Strong leadership ability, including managing and inspiring staff, guiding change processes, and delivering high‑quality results. Please read the attached job description for more details before applying. COMPETENCIES The main competencies of a member of our team are: Planning and delivering results Working with people Analysing Communication with impact and respect Coping with change Building meaningful relationships Acting with integrity Empowering people OUR VALUES AND COMMITMENTS NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values. Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and be