About the Organization
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent, global humanitarian organization that has stood as a beacon of hope for people forced to flee their homes since 1946. Today, with a dedicated workforce of over 15,000 professionals, we operate in 40 countries, delivering high-quality aid and defending the rights of those affected by displacement. Our mission is rooted in the belief that every person deserves to live a life of dignity, safety, and self-reliance, regardless of the crises they face.
In Ethiopia, the NRC plays a critical role in addressing some of the most complex humanitarian challenges in the region. We work tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance while simultaneously implementing long-term solutions that help communities rebuild. Our operations are guided by a commitment to innovation, allowing us to assist millions of people in areas where others often cannot reach, tackling dangerous and difficult crises with unwavering dedication.
Our organizational culture is built on the pillars of responsibility, open dialogue, and collective initiative. We empower our employees at every level to think outside the box and contribute to a supportive environment where every voice is heard. By fostering a culture of trust and professional growth, we ensure that our teams are equipped to handle the evolving needs of the humanitarian sector while maintaining the highest standards of accountability.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords at NRC; they are the heart of our operational success. We believe that a diverse workforce brings the varied perspectives necessary to solve complex global problems. We are committed to creating a workplace free from distinction based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability, ensuring that all staff members feel valued and respected.
We believe that our strength lies in our differences, and we are actively seeking to further diversify our leadership teams. We strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply for these senior roles. Your unique perspective is vital to our mission, and we are dedicated to providing the support and flexibility needed to help you thrive and lead within our organization.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
The roles of Head of Support and Head of Programme are strategically vital as NRC Ethiopia navigates a transformative “reset” agenda. These positions are not merely administrative; they are leadership engines that will drive the 2027–2030 country strategy. By joining our Country Management Group, you will directly influence how humanitarian aid is delivered in one of the world’s most critical sectors, ensuring our resources are used effectively to save lives.
A day in the life of an NRC leader involves high-stakes decision-making and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you are innovating internal support systems to increase value for money or overseeing the technical advances in digital and protection programming, your work has a tangible impact on the ground. You will be responsible for fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring that our programs are evidence-based and accountable to the people we serve.
Career development at NRC is a continuous journey. We offer our senior staff numerous opportunities to represent the organization at global and regional forums, engage in high-level donor relations, and spearhead innovative pilots. The exposure gained in these roles prepares you for the highest tiers of international humanitarian leadership, providing a platform to refine your strategic vision and operational expertise.
The impact of these roles extends beyond the immediate organization. By strengthening our M&E systems and feedback mechanisms, you help shift the power dynamic in humanitarian aid, ensuring that beneficiaries have a say in their own recovery. Your leadership will help NRC Ethiopia maintain its reputation for providing high-quality aid while pioneering new approaches to localized and networked assistance.
Ultimately, these positions offer the chance to be a part of something larger than oneself. You will be at the forefront of rebuilding futures in Ethiopia, leading teams that provide protection, education, and shelter to those who need it most. This is an invitation to bring your professional skills to a mission-driven environment where your dedication results in real, lasting change for millions of people.
Job Positions and Requirements
Head of Support Ethiopia
Educational Qualification: Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field of study.
Work Experience: Significant senior leadership experience in managing support functions (Finance, HR, Logistics, ICT) within an international humanitarian context.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with 30% travel)
Salary: Grade 11 on NRC Ethiopia Salary Scale
No. Required: 1 (Open to NRC Ethiopia Nationals Only)
Head of Programme Support Ethiopia
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field; a Master’s degree is highly preferred.
Work Experience: Extensive experience in humanitarian program management, donor relations, and strategic planning at a senior level.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with 40% travel)
Salary: Grade 11 on NRC Ethiopia International/National Salary Scale
No. Required: 1 (Open to All Nationals)
Employment Type and Compensation
These positions are offered on a fixed-term contract basis, with the Head of Support role initially set for 12 months and the Head of Programme for 24 months, both with the possibility of extension subject to funding and performance. This structure provides a stable platform for leaders to implement long-term strategic changes while remaining responsive to the evolving humanitarian landscape.
NRC offers a competitive and growth-oriented compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. Beyond the base salary, which is aligned with our Grade 11 scale, employees benefit from a comprehensive support system that includes health insurance, professional development funds, and a culture that prioritizes work-life balance and mental well-being. We are committed to rewarding the dedication of our staff with a package that reflects the complexity and importance of their work.
How to Apply
The initial application phase is designed to be as accessible as possible. Please note that scanned certificates, degree copies, or other heavy attachments are NOT required at this time. We encourage you to focus your efforts on crafting a compelling CV and ensuring your online profile accurately reflects your professional journey and achievements.
The verification of academic and professional credentials will be conducted at a later stage. Original documents and physical certificates will only be required for verification during the formal interview process for those candidates who advance through the initial screening. This ensures a streamlined and efficient process for all applicants.
Due to the high volume of interest in our leadership positions, please understand that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by our recruitment team. We value the time and effort every applicant puts into their submission, and we conduct a thorough review to ensure the best fit for our mission and the communities we serve.
Following the application deadline, our HR department will begin the screening process immediately. Shortlisted candidates can expect to be contacted for initial interviews within a few weeks. The selection process is rigorous and may include technical assessments and multiple rounds of interviews to ensure alignment with NRC’s values and strategic goals.
Interested candidates should submit their application through the NRC online career portal as the primary and official channel for recruitment. This system allows you to create a professional profile that can be updated for future opportunities within our global network.
Application Deadline
April 22, 2026