Head of Protection and Gender

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Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

  • Career category: Programme/ Project design & management
  • Job type: Job
  • Experience level: 5-10 years
  • Organisation type: Civil Society
  • Remote option: No
  • Right to work requirements: International contract
  • Remuneration: Not Disclosed
  • Work schedule: Full-time
  • Length of contract: Temporary/ Fixed-term
  • Deadline: 18/01/2026
  • Location: Norway
Gender-based violence (GBV) Generic (e.g. 'gender focal point' role Gender equality and Social inclusion (GESI)
About NORCAP

NORCAP works to improve aid so that people affected by crises and climate change are better protected and empowered. We provide expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding partners because collaboration is the best way to reduce needs, risks, and vulnerability over time. Our aim is not only to reduce needs but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people.

We achieve this through:
  • Targeted expertise to strengthen partners’ response.
  • Collaborative solutions to address unmet gaps and challenges.

Protection is central to NORCAP’s vision. A cornerstone of our work is the inter-agency Gender Standby Capacity Project (GenCap) and the Protection Standby Capacity Project (ProCap), managed jointly with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Responsibilities
The Role
As Head of Protection and Gender Unit, you will lead multiple teams covering all protection-related topics, including Gender-Based Violence and Protection against Sexual Harassment and Abuse. You will manage projects that support UN agencies, international organisations, and national authorities, while driving joint initiatives to improve sector-wide approaches to protection and gender.
This role requires an engaged, proactive, and experienced operational leader who can develop strategies, manage resources, and foster partnerships to deliver on NORCAP’s commitment to protect people and promote equality.
Key Responsibilities
As Head of Unit, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across all protection and gender initiatives. Your responsibilities include:
  • Project Management: Develop and oversee budgets, operational goals, and action plans; ensure timely delivery of projects within scope, cost, and quality standards; monitor progress and report internally and to donors.
  • Strategic Leadership: Translate NORCAP’s strategy into actionable plans; identify risks and implement mitigation measures; champion innovation and cross-unit collaboration to strengthen impact.
  • People Leadership: Line-manage senior staff, mentor team leaders, and foster a culture of accountability and inclusion; ensure performance management and professional development across the unit.
  • Partnership & Donor Engagement: Build and maintain strategic partnerships with UN agencies and other actors; lead donor engagement and fundraising efforts to expand the portfolio.
  • Team Oversight: Set up and close teams as needed; provide guidance on day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and compliance with security and duty-of-care standards.

We recommend reading the full job description before submitting your application.

Qualifications
What We Are Looking For
To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:
  • Minimum 7 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in management/leadership.
  • Postgraduate or professional qualification (Master’s degree preferred; extensive experience may substitute).
  • Strong knowledge of HR processes and people management.
  • Experience in complex and volatile contexts desirable.
  • Familiarity with UN agencies and humanitarian coordination systems is an advantage.
  • Fluency in English; additional languages preferred.

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