Head of Support Services

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Head of Support Services for Myanmar based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

About the job

As Head of Support Services you are operationally and strategically responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Logistics and Procurement, Administration and/or IT and you oversee, develop and provide strategic direction to these support areas. You have a country focus and ensure compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. You contribute to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. You provide support and/or technical guidance to country operations while overseeing country activities. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Management

• Lead and manage the support managers (including people planning, performance, well-being and development)
• Manage, deliver and report on current operations programme support in geographic scope
• Establish high performing support teams ensuring high-quality approaches are maintained
• Develop and improve operational approaches, compliance and systems, and support the Regional/Country Director to build and deliver effective and sustainable interventions.
• Responsible for the strategic development, management and implementation of the support operations
• Ensure appropriate technical support is available to programs, in line with organizational priorities
• Ensure support for annual planning and review processes
• Direct responsibility for ensuring that the DRC Programme operates in accordance with DRC’s support function guidelines

Operational Management

• Support the Country/Regional Director and the Senior Management Team in liaising with donors and authorities, especially as relates to issues of compliance, registration, and audit
• Oversee the operational support units for the country/region by providing strategic leadership and technical support to the areas under his/her supervision
• Supervision, audits and controlling and implementation of corrective actions related to DRC’s operational standards within support area.
• Ensure that DRC retains and continually develops its operational capacity to provide rapid emergency response in particular within its procurement and transport systems
• Develop a risk management plan for the country that identifies the major financial and operational risks and implement a mitigation strategy
• Ensure that all administrative and legal-related systems are accurate and maintained
• Work to build the capacity of the operational support staff throughout the operation though frequent in-service training sessions and mentoring support
• Contribute to the development and implementation of DRC’s global development initiatives

DRC Dynamics ERP System

• Ensure ERP functionality is properly used by relevant staff
• Apply reports and data analytics from DRC Dynamics to improve overall performance
• Act as heavy user for most of the Projects & Finance functionalities

About you

To be successful in this role we expect the following:

• Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics or other relevant field
• At least 7 years’ experience in relevant field
• At least 4 years’ experience with people management
• Experience in a similar role in an international NGO
• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management
• Proven operational management experience and capability, including in conflict areas
• Proven significant financial, information and systems management experience
• Significant experience in procurement and tender processes
• Understanding and experience of institutional fundraising
• Understanding of the countries in which DRC operates and sensitive to the cultural context
• Experience working in an ERP system, including supply chain, finance and HR systems
• Full professional proficiency in English

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months

Level: Senior Management, E

Designation of Duty Station: Dhaka with travels to Yangon

Start date: 1 January 2025

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates.

Application process

Applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 05th December 2024

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply as soon as possible. DRC reserves the right to close the vacancy before the indicated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.