Background

NRC is currently working in Burkina Faso, with staff dedicated to assisting people affected by conflict. Its humanitarian interventions are based on its programming expertise in the Core Competencies of Shelter, Site Management, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Livelihoods and Food Security, Protection from Violence, along with Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) to vulnerable displaced people.

According to the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan, Burkina Faso continues to face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Despite substantial response efforts by the Government and partners, the humanitarian situation has not improved enough to enable the reduction of vulnerability and needs of affected populations. In 2023, new displacements were reported throughout the year, and the number of civilians affected by security incidents increased. Urgent support is needed to address needs in food security, nutrition, health, and other sectors, as well as to protect civilians. At the same time, more efforts are needed to promote solutions to help people emerge from crisis altogether and avoid aid dependence. The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) aims to meet these objectives and was developed in consultation with the Government, targeting 3.8 million people from an estimated 6.3 million in need of humanitarian assistance. Roughly two million people (10% of the population) remain internally displaced as of 31 March 2023 (of which 53% are women and 52% are boys and girls under 18). The scale and severity of humanitarian needs have increased during 2023: according to the Government’s national humanitarian response plan 2023, all 13 regions in Burkina Faso host Internally Displaced People (IDPs), with a high concentration in the Sahel (25.7%), Centre-North (25.1%), North (13%), East (10.8%) and Boucle du Mouhoun (6.5%) regions. In addition, 39 localities are under blockade by non-state armed actors, making it difficult to deliver humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Humanitarian space to deliver assistance has drastically reduced in the past two years.

Conflict and instability remain extremely high in Burkina Faso with humanitarian crises across the country. NRC has consolidated its geographic scope (North Central, Sahel, and East) and pursues the development of existing programs in the Boucle de Mouhoun with strong reliance on the local partner OCADES.

The operational area Sahel / North has the base in Dori, while the East has the base in Fada N’Gourma. The development of activities in the Boucle de Mouhoun will remain under the responsibility of the Fada Area Manager. This geographic footprint, albeit consolidated, remains largely dependent on the ability to mobilize sufficient financial and human resources to ensure quality programming.

What we are looking for:

An individual with proven experience in managing projects in challenging and remote locations (Hard-to-reach areas). The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully overseeing both on-site and remote teams, ensuring seamless collaboration with colleagues. This role requires delivering high-quality and cost-efficient projects. Proficiency in English and French is essential for optimal collaboration and performance in this role.

What you will do: 

In this position, you will:

• Overall responsibility for managing the Area Office including potential sub-offices
• Responsible for overall staff security, including completing security risk assessments for the area and possible new areas of intervention
• Support needs assessment in the region, ensure the implementation of all projects active in the area in line with the agreed standards and donors’ requirements; this includes ensuring that NRC’s data collection systems are in place and information is properly stored and analyzed
• Support the team in identifying the gaps for further programming and development, and participate in assessments for new areas of operation, possible areas of intervention, aiding the development of program strategy for implementation.
• Lead on access strategy and its implementation in hard-to-reach areas, in close collaboration with CD and relevant colleagues at the country level. This includes contextualizing, adapting, and implementing SOPs and procedures to ensure effective provision of assistance to hard-to-reach areas
• In conjunction with Country Office, liaise with donors on new funding and operational areas of programming, liaise regularly with local authorities (political and security), donors and humanitarian actors in the operational area. This includes support in the development of concept notes, project proposals, and budgets for scale-up of post-emergency activities
• Represent NRC at coordination platforms at area level and provide regular feedback and input to advocacy initiatives
• Overall responsibility for staff management. Recruitment of qualified staff for the area office, in close collaboration with HR and the support team in the Country Office, and to lead by example the teams on the ground on NRC’s core values (dedication, innovation, inclusion and accountability).
• Ensuring training is provided to all staff and capacity building initiatives are in place, work and development plans are completed by all staff in the operational area, and performance feedback sessions are conducted on a minimum quarterly basis
• Ensure sound financial management, including the Master Budget is covered and up to date, reflecting cost-efficient use of the available funding

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the role

What you will bring:

• Minimum 5 years of experience working as a Senior Project Manager in a humanitarian and recovery context
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in French and professional proficiency in English, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of the context in West Africa and Burkina Faso in particular.
• Experience working in hard-to-reach environments.
• Experience in security management.
• Competencies in humanitarian and access negotiations

What we offer:

• Duty station: Dori
• Contract: 12 months, fixed term.
• Travel: up to 60%
• Salary/benefits: grade 10 on NRC’s scale with accompanying terms and conditions
• 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

Important information about the application process:

• To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email, or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English or French, ensuring to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• We receive many applications for each vacant position, as a result only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Send in your application before 11th July 2024.
• If you have any questions about this role, please email cwa.recruitment@nrc.no with the job title as the subject line.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.