NGO Jobs in Mozambique

About the Organization

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization with more than 60 years of experience supporting refugees and internally displaced people worldwide. NRC operates across multiple humanitarian sectors including Shelter & Settlements, Education, Livelihoods & Food Security, WASH, Camp Management, and Information, Counselling & Legal Assistance (ICLA).

NRC began operations in Mozambique in 2021 with coordination offices in Pemba and operational presence in Mueda, Cabo Delgado, supporting communities affected by armed conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises.

Position Overview

Job Title: Head of Programme
Company: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
Location: Pemba, Mozambique
Job Type: International/Expatriate Position
Contract Duration: 12 Months (Renewable)
Travel Requirement: Minimum 40% travel

This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing NRC’s programme strategy, humanitarian response portfolio, donor engagement, programme quality, and integrated emergency operations across Mozambique.

Position Purpose

The Head of Programme provides strategic direction and leadership for NRC’s programme portfolio in Mozambique, ensuring high-quality humanitarian interventions, effective programme development, donor compliance, integrated programming, and strong accountability mechanisms.

The role also contributes to organizational growth, partnership development, advocacy, and long-term humanitarian strategy implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Programme Leadership

• Lead programme development and strategic humanitarian planning in Mozambique
• Develop integrated, needs-based humanitarian programmes aligned with NRC global priorities
• Contribute to country strategy development and programme growth planning
• Promote innovation, learning, and cost-effective programming approaches

Programme Management & Oversight

• Oversee project cycle management (PCM) and programme quality assurance
• Ensure implementation aligns with donor requirements and humanitarian standards
• Conduct field support missions and monitor programme performance
• Strengthen accountability systems, beneficiary feedback mechanisms, and evidence-based programming

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Line manage the Country Programme Unit
• Supervise Core Competency Programme Development Managers
• Support staff development, mentoring, and performance management
• Foster collaboration between coordination and area offices

Donor Relations & Resource Mobilization

• Identify funding opportunities and develop donor engagement strategies
• Maintain strong donor relationships with EU donors, UN agencies, and international funding partners
• Oversee grants management, donor reporting, and compliance systems
• Support development of funding proposals and forecasts

Humanitarian Coordination & Advocacy

• Represent NRC in humanitarian coordination forums and stakeholder meetings
• Promote advocacy priorities for internally displaced people and vulnerable communities
• Facilitate integrated response analysis and coordination with humanitarian actors

Monitoring, Evaluation & Accountability

• Strengthen M&E frameworks and programme analysis systems
• Ensure high-quality reporting and accountability mechanisms
• Promote integration of protection, safe programming, and cross-cutting themes

Operational Coordination

• Liaise with Area Managers to ensure effective programme implementation
• Support operational planning and strategic communication across teams
• Ensure alignment between programme and operational objectives

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, or related field

Candidates interested in similar NGO and humanitarian leadership opportunities across Africa may explore Mozambique jobs

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of experience in senior humanitarian programme management
• Strong experience in complex emergency and conflict settings
• Experience with integrated humanitarian programming and donor compliance
• Proven leadership experience in humanitarian organizations
• Experience with EU donors, American donors, and UN agencies preferred
• Knowledge of Mozambique humanitarian context is advantageous

Additional humanitarian and NGO management opportunities in Central Africa can also be explored at jobs in Cameroon

Technical Skills & Competencies

Programme & Humanitarian Expertise

• Programme cycle management (PCM)
• Monitoring and evaluation systems
• Integrated humanitarian response programming
• Cash-based and market-based intervention programming

Leadership & Strategic Skills

• Strategic planning and programme development
• High-level communication and negotiation
• Staff supervision and organizational leadership
• Resource mobilization and donor engagement

Personal Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and representation skills
• Ability to work in hardship and volatile environments
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability
• Community mobilization and trust-building capability

Language Requirements

• Fluent English (written and verbal)
• Knowledge of Portuguese is highly desirable

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive international salary package (Grade 10 on NRC International Salary Scale)
• Renewable international contract
• Travel and hardship-related allowances where applicable
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Exposure to complex humanitarian response operations

Training & Professional Development

This role offers exposure and professional development opportunities in:

• Advanced humanitarian leadership and emergency response coordination
• Donor compliance and grants management systems
• Advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy
• Integrated programming and accountability frameworks
• Security management and field coordination in complex emergencies
• International NGO leadership and organizational strategy

Professionals looking for broader humanitarian leadership roles in East Africa can also  explore opportunities at Rwanda

Working Environment

• Based in Pemba, Cabo Delgado Province
• Frequent travel to field locations and humanitarian response areas
• High-pressure operational environment with security-sensitive conditions
• Collaboration with international donors, UN agencies, NGOs, and government authorities

NRC Values & Safeguarding

All NRC employees are expected to work according to the organization’s core values:

• Dedicated
• Innovative
• Inclusive
• Accountable

NRC maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against exploitation, abuse, harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEAH). Employees are required to uphold safeguarding principles and contribute to safe environments for all beneficiaries and staff.

Application Process

Interested candidates should:

• Submit an updated CV in English
• Complete all required profile fields in the NRC recruitment system
• Include full legal names as shown on passport documentation

For inquiries regarding the position:
Email: support@africajobserch.com
Subject Line: Head of Programme – Mozambique

Additional Information

• This position is open to expatriate candidates
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• NRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion
• Unsolicited applications unrelated to this vacancy will not be considered