Head of Program

Kirkens Nødhjelp/ Norwegian Church Aid

Norwegian Church Aid ('NCA') is one of the largest aid organisations in the Nordic region. Together with our international network and partner organisations in the ACT Alliance we are able to reach millions of people each year and help make a positive difference around the world. We are determined to work towards eradicating injustice and we therefore work with advocacy, long-term development in local communities and providing emergency assistance.

We are seeking a Head of Program who can take full ownership of our programme portfolio, ensure strong humanitarian response capacity, and actively contribute to building a stronger country organisation. This is a critical role for the Syria office and for the continued relevance and quality of NCA’s work in the country. This position is for a leader who is comfortable at the heart of humanitarian action – where decisions matter, tradeoffs are real, and leadership is not an abstract concept but a daily responsibility.

NCA Syria operates in a highly complex humanitarian context. You will lead programmes in WASH, GBV and Emergency Response, while also contributing to the further development of Economic Development & Food Security programming. The position requires a leader with solid emergency response experience, not only longterm development exposure.

You will be a core member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and are expected to see leadership, people management and organisational development as the main parts of the job.

What you will do

As Head of Program, you hold both strategic and operational responsibility. Your key tasks include:

• Overall management of NCA’s humanitarian programmes in Syria, implemented directly and through local partners, with a clear focus on emergency response in an ongoing crisis, not only recovery or longterm programming

• Leading and expanding the programme portfolio, including new thematic areas, additional partners and diversified funding sources

• Actively developing and maintaining donor and funding networks, particularly with UN agencies and institutional donors

• Line management of the programme department, ensuring consistent staff followup, performance management, team development and capacity building

• Contributing to the development of a stronger line organisation at country level, in close cooperation with support functions

• Acting as an active, accountable and engaged member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to strategic direction, prioritisation and overall leadership of NCA Syria

• Ensuring strong programme quality, financial oversight, reporting and compliance with humanitarian standards and donor requirements

• Taking responsibility for difficult decisions, managing friction and navigating competing priorities in a volatile and politically sensitive context

Humanitarian context

This position requires handson experience from humanitarian emergencies. The context in Syria demands a leader who understands acute needs, rapid response, access constraints and operational risk – and who can translate this understanding into clear priorities, realistic planning and decisive leadership.

Qualifications

Required:

• Relevant university degree in social sciences, development studies, public health, international relations, management or related fields

• Minimum 5 years of experience in senior programme management in humanitarian contexts, including people management

• Demonstrated emergency response experience in complex and volatile settings

• Experience managing donorfunded programmes, including reporting to UN and institutional donors

• Experience from the Middle East region is highly desirable

• Full professional proficiency in English

Desirable:

• Experience in Economic Development & Food Security, WASH, Cash and/or GBV programming

• Experience working through and strengthening local partners

• Experience in portfolio growth and programme expansion

• Arabic language skills

Personal qualities

This role suits someone who:

• Sees leadership as the core of the role, not an addon

• Is comfortable making decisions, including unpopular ones, and standing by them

• Can handle friction, ambiguity and pressure without becoming rigid or overcontrolling

• Is resilient, grounded and pragmatic in stressful and rapidly changing environments

• Builds trust and credibility with both national and international staff

What we offer

• A key leadership role in a large and complex humanitarian country programme

• Work with highly competent and committed national and international colleagues

• Competitive terms including salary, accommodation, living and security allowance, and comprehensive insurance

• 12month contract with possible extension

• Duty station: Damascus, with expected field travel

• Nonfamily duty station with R&R scheme

This position is open to expats only. Extensive field experience is required.

How to apply

Please use this link to apply: Head of Program