Background
NRC is currently working in Burkina Faso, with staff dedicated to assisting people affected by conflict. Its humanitarian interventions are based on its programming expertise in the Core Competencies of Shelter, Site Management, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Protection from Violence, along with Information Counselling and legal Assistance (ICLA) to vulnerable displaced people.ย
Since 2014, Burkina Faso has faced significant challenges, including political instability, escalating insecurity, and economic shocks. Despite these hurdles, the country has maintained modest economic growth, primarily driven by the agriculture and services sectors. In 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formalized the confederation of Sahelian states, building on the alliance created in 2023; the three countries also decided to leave the ECOWAS, but not the UEMOA.
According to the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), in 2025 an estimated 5.9 million people in Burkina Faso are projected to need humanitarian assistance, including both IDPs and nearly 57% non-IDPs. Planning figures are based on late-2024 conditions, assuming no major structural changes. Insecurityโmarked by IEDs, irregular checkpoints, and convoy attacksโcontinues to restrict humanitarian access and civilian movement, affecting 39 localities across six regions.ย
Between 2016 and 2024, both the number of people in need and those targeted for assistance nearly quadrupled. For 2025, 5.9 million people are estimated to be in need, with 3.7 million targetedโ25% women, 55% children, and 15% persons with disabilities. This reflects a 4.5% decrease from 2024, mainly due to stricter application of the JIAF methodology, which focuses strictly on multisectoral humanitarian needs.
The humanitarian response in Burkina Faso has been undermined by violence targeting aid workers and assets. In 2024 alone, at least 10 incidents affected humanitarian actors, resulting in 2 deaths, 1 injury, 5 abductions/arrests, and the loss of food supplies and vehicles. Despite these challenges, the revitalization of civil-military coordination (CMCORD) and the GTA has supported alternative access strategies and bolstered humanitarian operational capacity.
Consultations for the 2025 HNO reveal that gender, age, disability, social status, and inequality shape the impact of the crisis. Adolescents, girls, women, children, people with disabilities, and the elderly are among the most affected. Notably, 82% of IDPs are women and children, with 38% of the women heading households. Persistent insecurity, restricted humanitarian access, and resource limitations are increasing the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) among affected populations.
In 2025 and beyond NRC expects further deterioration of the humanitarian space, increase in bureaucratic and administrative impediments and a growing need for humanitarian and access advocacy, both public and private.ย This is compounded with significant changes in the funding for the humanitarian aid globally (drastic restructuring of USAID / BHA, many traditional donor countries reducing development and aid budgets as of 2025), which already has an impact on how NRC can resource its response in Burkina Faso.
To achieve its country objectives, NRC is looking for an experienced and dedicated Head of Programme in charge of programme strategy, quality, and development.
What we are looking for:
An experienced leader with strong field and program experience. You have experience in designing and managing programmes in difficult environments. Hands-on and solution-oriented, you guide your teams by coaching, delegating, and motivating them. You will have a good understanding of the Burkinabe context, have cultural awareness, resilience and overall a positive outlook on life which will pave the way for collaboration and drive success.
What you will do:ย
Responsible for the development and update of the fundraising strategy in line with the country strategy and programme development needs. Lead the programme teams on the development of cost-effective and evidence-based concept notes, project proposals, and budget development for scale-up and potentially durable solutions programming ensuring plans are in line with the country strategy and NRC policies. Lead the programme teams on the development of multi-country or sub-regional response plans and proposals Ensure the quality of the country multi-sectorial integrated programme follows international standards, the NRC response policy, NRC safe and inclusive programming (SIP) all along the programme management cycle Work with the Country Director, Advocacy & Communications Manager to support the identification of evidence gaps in programme and, in-line with national, regional, and international strategies, collate evidence to undertake advocacy and communication initiatives Ensure appropriate accountability mechanisms as feedback and complaint response mechanisms are well known by communities, key feedback and complaints are acted upon and learning integrated in the programme cycleย In conjunction with the Country Director, liaise with donors on new funding and operational areas of programming, and for all grant management and reporting requirements. Ensure NRCโs MEL data collection systems are in place and information is properly stored, analysed and reported, learning is documented, assimilated, and used to improve future programmes. Provide programme inputs to the NRC Burkina Faso Country Strategy and related plans; ensure Core Competency strategies are aligned to regional and global priorities and strategies Identify and work with a diverse group of local stakeholders as partners in alignment with the local humanitarian leadershipโs objectives of the country office Build strategic partnerships with local and international actors in Burkina Faso, and ensure NRC can provide thought leadership in the sectors in which it operatesPlease download theย detailedย job descriptionย to learn more about the role
What you will bring:
Minimum 5 yearsโ experience from a senior management position in a humanitarian context Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts Documented results related to the positionโs responsibilities Knowledge about own leadership skills/profileย Fluency in French and English is mandatory, both written and verbalย Experience of working in a neglected or forgotten crisis (with little or no media attention) Experience with improving programme quality and standards Documented success of achieving significant donor funding in a start-up country or otherwise challenging conditions for humanitarian financingWhat we offer:
Duty station:ย Ouagadougouย Contract: 12-month contract (possible extension, dependent on performance & funding) Travel: up toย 30%ย Salary/benefits: gradeย 11 on NRCโsย scaleย with accompanying terms and conditions NRC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.ย 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.ยFind out more about the benefits of working for NRC
Important information about the application process:
To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email, or click on Opportunity Market place. 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 or French, ensuring 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, as a result only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Send in your application beforeย 25th May 2025.If you have any questions about this role, please emailย cwa.recruitment@nrc.noย with the job title as the subject line The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.ย 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.ย 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.ย Together, we save lives and rebuild futures. Safeguarding is central to NRCโs work. We expect all employees to:ย โข treat everyone with respect and dignityย โข contribute to building a safe environment for allย โข never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)ย โข always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH