What we are looking for:
Ready to lead at the heart of global displacement data and action? The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) is looking for a Head of Operations to join our Management Team!
In this pivotal role, you’ll lead IDMC’s Global Monitoring, Capacity Strengthening, and Data Science/Systems work – ensuring seamless alignment from HQ to field level, while guiding the organisation through change and a new phase in IDMC’s institutional life.
At IDMC, we’ve been the world’s leading source of data and analysis on internal displacement since 1998. Our trusted insights inform the decisions that shape policy, operations, and ultimately, the lives of millions at risk of or living in displacement.
If you’re a strategic thinker, an operational leader, and passionate about impact on a global scale, this is your chance to make your mark.
What you will do:
Operational and Programme Management
- Provide strategic direction and coordination for Global Monitoring, Capacity Strengthening and Data Science/Systems work ensuring alignment with IDMC’s 2030 Strategy and coherence across functional areas.
- Oversee day-to-day management of all projects, ensuring cross-team coordination and timely delivery.
- Lead annual planning and prioritisation processes and oversee programme development, including support to the conceptualisation and drafting of donor proposals, log frame and workplan development relating to areas of work under their responsibility.
- In close collaboration with the Donor Relations team, oversee the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools and systems to track programme quality, performance and impact, and monitor organisational performance across teams and projects under their responsibility.
- Drive continuous improvement of systems and workflows to strengthen IDMC’s effectiveness, impact and sustainability.
- Develop and implement frameworks to identify and mitigate risks across individual projects and the broader organisational strategy.
- Work closely with the Director and Head of Support to oversee budget development, financial performance tracking, and overall financial stability.
- Support the Director in articulating and communicating IDMC’s long-term vision, identifying strategic partnerships and fundraising.
- Compliance and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures, and a specific responsibility for IDMC policies, systems and procedures.
People, performance and workplace management
- Oversee performance management of all staff under direct reporting line, setting clear goals aligned with organisational strategy and priorities, providing regular feedback and following up and supporting staff performance.
- Oversee key processes as workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction and development, and Duty of Care.
- Lead and nurture a high-performing, inclusive team culture grounded in technical excellence, accountability and respect for diversity.
- Champion talent development, performance management, and cross-team collaboration, while promoting psychological safety, equitable opportunity, and continuous feedback.
- Provide strategic line management and coaching to line managers within team, fostering a values-driven leadership culture.
- Support managers in work planning, staff development, and results-oriented performance review.
- Promote a collaborative and agile work environment aligned with IDMC’s core values and commitment to continuous learning.
Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.
What you will bring:
- Master’s degree or above in social science, politics, economics, international development, migration and displacement, or another relevant field
- Minimum 12 years of progressively senior leadership experience in the humanitarian or development sector at both country and HQ level.
- Proven success as a Head of Operations, COO, Programme Director or equivalent role overseeing cross-functional and multicultural teams.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex organisational change including managing distributed and remote teams, addressing and resolving conflict, and driving accountability and performance.
- Proven experience and solid understanding of displacement data, including data capacity support and systems
- Solid experience of building strategic partnerships with governments, UN agencies, donors, and civil society organisations.
- Proven ability to align operations with organisational strategy, translating organisational vision into effective strategies and priorities
- Solid experience in designing, implementing and improving systems, workflows and planning cycles.
- Demonstrated understanding of programme development, internal governance and compliance requirements
- Highly professional, inspiring and proactive leader, capable of working independently.
- Fluency (written and spoken) in English and at least one other language of operation (Arabic, French, Portuguese or Spanish).
- Demonstrated experience leading complex organisational change including managing distributed and remote teams, addressing and resolving conflict, and driving accountability and performance.
What we offer:
- Duty station: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Contract: Permanent.
- Travel: 30%.
- Salary/benefits: grade 10 on NRC’s Resident salary 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
- For Internal candidates: 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, taking care 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 and so only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you have any questions about this role, please email [email protected] with the job title as the subject line.
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.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.
Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.
At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Together, we save lives and rebuild futures.
Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to: • treat everyone with respect and dignity • contribute to building a safe environment for all • never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH) • always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH
