Head of Support Services

Background

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGO and has been present in Sudan since 2004 working across six area offices (Khartoum, Central Darfur, North Darfur, South Kordofan, Kosti and Gedaref) covering both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term development programming. The Head of Support Services is operationally and strategically responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Logistics and Procurement (supply chain department), Administration and IT. The HoSS provides guidance and support for all operational aspects of partnership and overseas develops and provides strategic direction to their support areas.  

Overall purpose of the role:

The Head of Support Services is a member of the Senior Management Team, with overall responsibility for program support and timely completion of annual performance indicators under support functions. They play a significant part in qualifying and implementing initiatives coming from the global and regional DRC organisational development and financial accountability initiatives. They will ensure timely and appropriate communication with Area Managers, the Head of Programme and Project Managers concerning all issues related to Support functions and work proactively to resolve differences and prioritize time-sensitive tasks. 

Responsibilities

Management

• Lead and manage the Support Managers (Finance Manager, HR/Admin Manager and Supply Chain Manager) and provide technical support to Area Managers/ Support services managers/ Team leaders across the Support functions
• Establish high performing support teams ensuring high-quality approaches are maintained
• Develop and improve operational approaches, compliance and systems, and support the 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.
• Ensure that the Country Master Budget is updated on a monthly basis and is used to adequately prepare project proposals or cost cutting measures.

Operational Management

• Oversee the operational support units for the Country by providing strategic leadership and technical support to the areas under his/her supervision
• Ensure that DRC retains and continually develops its operational capacity to provide rapid emergency response in particular within its procurement and transport system
• 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.

Risk Management:

• Support the Country Director and the Senior Management Team in liaising with donors, auditors and authorities, especially as relates to issues of compliance, registration, and audit respectively
• Supervision, audits and controlling and implementation of corrective actions related to DRC’s operational standards within support area.
• Support Senior Management to ensure risk register is up to date and action plan is implemented accordingly.
• Participate in audit kick-off and exit meetings and always ensure cooperation during every audit field work. Lead on providing management response on each audit report.

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 a super-user for Projects & Finance functionalities.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have Minimum 7 years of senior leadership experience in operations management roles with at least 3 years of experience in a similar role in an international NGO

 Moreover, we also expect the following:

Experience and technical competencies:

• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management, teambuilding and capacity development 
• Proven operational management experience and capability, including in conflict areas 
• Degree in Management sciences, finance, economics or other relevant fields
• Proven operational experience in one or more of the following thematic areas: finance, supply chain, human resources and information management. 
• Significant experience in procurement and tender processes 
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills 
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills with a well-developed ability to motivate and persuade at high levels 
• Proven ability to lead and work effectively with others to achieve results 
• Understanding and experience of institutional fundraising 
• Understanding of the countries in which DRC operates and sensitive to the cultural context 
• Experience with proposal development, budget development, and budget management 
• Excellent computer literacy 
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members. 
• Ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid environment: Cultural sensitivity and respectful of local contexts 
• Proven experience in providing technical guidance and training including development of training materials   

Required

• Experience working with 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: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 2 Years

Band: Management Band E

Reporting Line: Country Director

Direct Reports: SC Manager, HR & Admin Manager and Finance Manager

Work location: Port Sudan

Designation of Duty Station: Non-Family Duty Station

Start date: 1st January 2026

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National or Expatriate staff; please refer to our website for more details.

Application process

All 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: 7th December 2025
 

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.