Head of Programs Sudan At Norwegian Church Aid

Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is an ecumenical diaconal organisation for global justice founded in 1947 as a small fundraising drive by Norwegian churches. Today, we are one of the Nordic countries’ largest aid organisations with a presence in over thirty-two countries. NCA is a member of the ACT Alliance, one of the world’s largest humanitarian alliances, with presence in over 130 countries.

NCA began its work in Sudan in 1972, and we currently have four area offices (South Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan and Gedaref) and one Country Office (Khartoum). Under the current Country Strategy (2020-2024), NCA Sudan focuses on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Climate Resilient WASH, Climate Smart Economic Empowerment, and smaller contextual programmes of Health and Nutrition and Education. Strengthening civil society is a key cross-cutting goal and highly relevant in country undergoing socio-political transition. In Sudan, implementation is carried out through partners, as well as through NCA operational offices and staff in our area offices.

Over many years, NCA has gained valuable credibility as a reliable and results-driven organization with an in-depth contextual understanding of Sudan and with capacities for flexible programming and thematic complementarity.

As our new Head of Programs, you will manage and guide the development of NCA’s programme activities in Sudan in line with the Country Strategic Plan and NCA policies and strategies, ensuring quality, strategic purpose, and accountability in our programming. The Head of Programs reports to the Country Director and is a member of the Senior Management Team.

The position is a two-year contract, based in Khartoum, with extensive travel in Sudan. Please note that Sudan is classified as a high-risk area and is a non-family duty station.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to ensure efficient and effective implementation of Sudan’s programme activities, in line with NCA programme polices, standards and strategies.
• Oversee the development of funding concept notes, proposals, and budgets.
• Ensure the effective and professional management of donor grants.
• Ensure timely and high-quality donor and internal reporting.
• Provide ongoing mentoring, support, and advice to a team of Programme Specialists to ensure high quality programmes management.
• Support development and implementation of a new NCA Sudan Country Strategy (2025-2030).
• Ensure the participation and involvement of relevant stakeholders in programme -implementation so that the process is inclusive, participatory, and transparent.
• Contribute to the capacity building of staff and partner organizations.

Qualifications:

• Master degree in a relevant subject including, but not limited to development studies, social sciences, and economic development.
• At least five years’ experience in similar or related senior management positions.
• Experience of programme development, project cycle management, budget management and participatory planning methodologies.
• Experience of donor policies and requirements from major humanitarian donors such as, but not limited to; UN agencies, ECHO, USAID etc.
• Proven track record managing a diverse team and fostering teamwork.
• Experience with training and mentoring of staff and/or others.
• Work experience in the region and experience working with faith-based actors is an asset.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Personal qualities:

• Structured, well organized and self-driven.
• Excellent communication, solid diplomatic and interpersonal skills.
• Good at networking and maintaining professional relationships.
• Very good ability to inspire and build other people’s capacities.
• Ability to work under pressure in a potentially unstable security environment.
• Culture and conflict sensitive.
• The successful candidate must be loyal to NCA’s core Christian values and accept the ACT Alliance’s Code of Conduct.

We can offer:

• Exciting and meaningful projects with one of Norway’s largest humanitarian organizations.
• A work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• Competitive terms and conditions and a comprehensive insurance and pension plan.
• NCA uses electronic recruitment portal. You can register your CV, write an application and attach certificates and diplomas. Only applicants who use our electronic portal will be considered for the position.

We encourage all qualified persons to apply for a job with us, regardless of gender, age, disability or cultural background. Through our recruitment portal, you can register and submit your CV, write an application / cover letter and attach relevant certificates. Only applicants using this electronic portal will be considered for the position.

Before you apply:
We kindly ask you to carefully read the ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and the Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy.

In accordance with core humanitarian principles, NCA implements a range of safeguards to prevent or reduce the possibility of humanitarian aid falling into the wrong hands. This includes those individuals and groups who are subject to sanctions by the United Nations Security Council. As part of this process, NCA will screen the details of the successful candidates for this post against the sanctions lists maintained by the UN and by some of NCA’s governmental donors.