Head of Unit African Multilateral Partnerships

Head of Unit African Multilateral Partnerships | NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council

Head of Unit African Multilateral Partnerships

NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council Oslo National Senior level

Application deadline: April 07, 2026

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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 beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero‑tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including , abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.  

WHAT WE OFFER

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

Flexible working hours

Hybrid working

Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation dedicated to meeting several humanitarian, peacebuilding, and development challenges

A new, people‑centric workspace: In January 2027, we’ll move to our new home at Drivhuset (Urtegata 9) —a fully renovated, sustainable workspace in central Oslo with quiet zones, collaborative areas, and modern facilities designed to enhance wellbeing and innovation

Grade 10 terms in line with NRC’s national employment framework

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