Regional Head of Program - Central &West Africa

Regional Head of Program - Central &West Africa | NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council

Regional Head of Program - Central &West Africa

NRC - Norwegian Refugee Council Dakar National Senior level Speaks English, French

Application deadline: March 26, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking a Regional Head of Programme for Central & West Africa to ensure the quality and relevance of its humanitarian response. This role involves prioritizing technical support for country responses and funding proposals, collaborating with global resource pools, and maintaining relationships with donors and partners. The successful candidate will lead the development of regional response plans, represent NRC in regional forums, and support multi-country program development. The position requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to fostering a culture of learning within the organization.

Candidate Requirements:

Minimum 10 years of leadership/management experience in humanitarian field

University degree, preferably a master's

Experience in resource mobilization and program development

Fluency in English and French

Knowledge of regional context

Proven skills in representation and network building

Experience with cross-country programs and donors

Background

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation dedicated to protecting the rights of displaced and affected people during crises. NRC delivers high-quality programmes to support people forced to flee, helping them rebuild their lives and establish a new future. NRC provides immediate humanitarian assistance, prevents further displacement, and contributes to durable solutions. It operates across both new and protracted crises across 40 countries.

In June 2025, NRC transitioned to a simplified organisational structure, moving from three levels (country–region–head office) to two levels (country–global). This restructuring resulted in a leaner Head Office and Representation Offices and streamlined regional set up. Global support structures were established for functions previously managed by the Regional Offices, including Finance, Risk & Compliance, People & Organisation, Media and Comms, PCM & Grants Management, Programme Core Competency and thematics and MEAL. Country Offices and Regional Teams now access technical and operational support through the Global Resource Pools. Resource Pools (hereafter pool) gather staff in one common team which is organised and managed (but not necessarily physically located) at Head Office.

Find out more about NRC      and Watch this short video to see NRC in action    

What we are looking for 

We’re currently seeking a Regional Head of Programme to ensure the programmatic quality and relevance of NRC's humanitarian response in the region and help secure the necessary resources for its operations.

In this role, you will prioritize technical support to country responses and funding proposals based on a strategic vision for programme and business development. You will do this in collaboration with the Global Resource Pools for CC and Thematic advisers, MEAL, and Grants Management. Additionally, you will maintain strong relationships with regional donors and programmatic partners, while prioritizing programme support needs to ensure adequate resources are provided, including from global support structures.

The function plays a key role in fostering a culture of learning within the organization. As a member of the Regional Management Team, you will work in cooperation with the Head of Operational Support to explore and create synergies between country offices related to programmatic support and development.

What you will do 

Lead in the development and implementation of Regional Response Plans for large-scale crisis when necessary.

Represent NRC in regional forums

Support the Regional Director in assessing and responding to new emergencies and ensure a cost efficient organisational set up in the region and countries in line with NRC’s overall set-up, including the geographical presence review of CO’s.

Facilitate collaboration and coordination between the regional team and the global programmes team especially through flagging issues related to programme compliance and quality

Be an active member and contributor to the regional management group and to the successful implementation of the regional strategy and action plan

Support the development of multi-country programmes and engage with donors accordingly

Actively represent the region in GPAG discussions and ensure dissemination and implementation of agreed global programme decisions across country offices.Upon request, act on behalf of the Regional Director including leading relevant Crisis Management Teams.

Any other tasks as delegated by the line manager.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position  Regional Head of Programme CWA.docx

What you will bring 

1.Professional Competencies

Minimum 10 years of relevant leadership/management experience within the humanitarian field.

University degree in relevant field, preferably at a master’s degree level.

Experience in resource mobilisation and programme development

Understanding of and commitment to working collaboratively with technical and operational colleagues within a matrix structure.

Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts

Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities

Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile

Fluency in English and French, both written and verbal (other languages an asset)

Context related skills, knowledge and experience

Knowledge of the context in region is an asset.

Experience with start-up, exit or similar is an asset.

Proven skills representation and network building.

Ability to conceptualize, build and promote project and programme concepts

Experience working with overall strategy development and planning

Knowledge of and interest in new business opportunities, including commercial partnerships

Experience of working with cross-country programmes and donors

2.Behavioural competencies

Build meaningful relations

I communicate clearly and transparently

I treat all people with respect

I work collaboratively with partners and internal stakeholders

Act with integrity

I base my action and good judgement assuring necessary change

I act as a role model for our principles and values

Empower people

I delegate and give feedback that allows people to grow

I set clear expectations and direction

I challenge and support my team to accomplish shared goals

Deliver results

I always look for the best solution for the people we serve

I prioritize and plan enabling my team to achieve results

I am accountable and take responsibility for my actions and our results

What we offer 

Duty station :Dakar, Senegal

Contract: 24months Fixed Contract 

Salary&Benefits: Grade 11 on NRC’s salary scale 

NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, 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       

Kindly send any questions about the application process   to:   .   Applications sent via email will not be accepted.   Please check your application status on your NRC application profile.

At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking a Regional Head of Programme for Central & West Africa to ensure the quality and relevance of its humanitarian response. This role involves prioritizing technical support for country responses and funding proposals, collaborating with global resource pools, and maintaining relationships with donors and partners. The successful candidate will lead the development of regional response plans, represent NRC in regional forums, and support multi-country program development. The position requires strong leadership skills and a commitment to fostering a culture of learning within the organization.

Candidate Requirements:

Minimum 10 years of leadership/management experience in humanitarian field

University degree, preferably a master's

Experience in resource mobilization and program development

Fluency in English and French

Knowledge of regional context

Proven skills in representation and network building

Experience with cross-country programs and donors

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