Head of Support Services - Chef des services Supports

The Danish Refugee Council (hereinafter: DRC) was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 employees and 8,000 volunteers. With its headquarters based in Copenhagen and operations in 40 countries, DRC is a non-governmental, non-profit humanitarian organization. The Danish Refugee Council provides assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities around the world: we deliver emergency aid, work to ensure that their rights are respected, and strengthen their opportunities for a better future. Our vision is a dignified life for all people affected by displacement worldwide, in full respect of humanitarian principles.

DRC has been present in Burkina Faso since 2013 with six operational field offices (Dori, Ouahigouya, Djibo, Gorom-Gorom, Dédougou, CNE) and one country office in Ouagadougou. The organization mainly intervenes in the areas of humanitarian protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), food security and livelihoods, and social cohesion.
DRC adopts a community-based approach and, through the implementation of multisectoral projects, seeks sustainable solutions for affected populations within the logic of the humanitarian development peace nexus.

Overall purpose of the role : This role has a country focus and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within Burkina. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to country operations while overseeing country activities.

• Operationally and strategically responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Logistics and Procurement, Administration and/or IT.
• Oversees, develops and provides strategic direction to his/her support areas

Responsibilities:

Finance:

• Ensure mission procedures comply with DRC policies and donor agreements. This includes financial reporting for DRC and its partners, donor financial reports, cash and treasury management, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial reporting to Burkinabe authorities.
• Ensure budget holders are supported in preparing accurate, complete, and timely budgets, and coordinate with Headquarters for validation and finalization.
• Support operational teams through budget monitoring, strengthen their technical capacity in budget follow-up when required, and oversee support budget monitoring for the mission.
• Prepare and regularly review the mission’s consolidated budget and share financial analyses with other members of the Senior Management Team (SMT).
• Ensure compliance with internal and external financial reporting requirements in an efficient and timely manner.
• Oversee internal and external audits and monitor the implementation of corrective actions related to DRC support service standards.

Logistics and Procurement

• Ensure proper implementation of logistics systems, including fleet management, stock management, procurement, communications, and customs procedures, in compliance with DRC logistics standards and donor-specific requirements.
• Ensure DRC anti-fraud and anti-corruption policies are implemented and strictly followed.
• Develop a strategic procurement approach using best practices to ensure purchases are delivered on time and with optimal quality and value for money.
• Ensure a centralized asset tracking system is maintained and that operational assets are properly recorded according to DRC standards.
• Ensure effective management of all DRC facilities in the country, including lease agreements, maintenance and repairs, hygiene, electricity and water supply, and procurement of required materials. Ensure facilities are properly secured in coordination with the Security Advisor.
• Ensure proper fleet management and vehicle utilization, including allocation by operational area according to needs and budgets, supervision of drivers and driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and fuel consumption monitoring.
• Ensure proper transportation management of goods and personnel by land, sea, and air, in line with budgets and best practices, while meeting DRC security requirements and cost-efficiency standards.
• Ensure effective communication access for all staff.

Information Technology (IT)

• Ensure appropriate sizing of the IT infrastructure, standardization and registration of IT equipment, and that all equipment, including internet connectivity, supports efficient operations and the functioning of the ERP system.

Human Resources

• Ensure all existing and new HR policies are designed, implemented, and reviewed in accordance with HQ requirements and Burkina Faso labor legislation.
• Advise the Senior Management Team on the efficient staffing structure of the mission.
• Advise the SMT on strategic HR matters and risks, leading key initiatives such as training and development strategies, organizational restructuring, salary reviews, and related activities.
• Ensure HR procedures, including recruitment and performance management (including annual staff reviews), are followed throughout the organization and that managers receive the required training and support to manage their teams effectively.
• Ensure proper management of personnel-related administrative tasks.
• Ensure the Homère HR system is properly utilized and oversee monthly payroll preparation.

Administration

• Ensure the mission complies with Burkina Faso’s legal framework and provide support on legal matters, particularly taxation, labor law, visas, and residence permits.
• Ensure compliance with government requirements at both national and regional levels, including operational authorizations, memoranda of understanding, project approvals, tax exemptions, financial and activity reporting, and other legal obligations.

Staff Management

• Directly manage the Finance, HR/Admin, and Logistics Managers.
• Ensure that Finance, HR/Admin, and Logistics Managers possess the qualifications required for their roles.
• Ensure high-quality performance and outputs from Finance, HR/Admin, and Logistics Managers.
• Ensure all support service positions have clear job descriptions and that each team member fully understands expected results and performance criteria.
• Ensure all support department staff are aware of and comply with DRC policies and procedures.
• Conduct performance evaluations of managers, provide corrective feedback and capacity-building where necessary, and take decisive action in cases of poor performance.
• Ensure support service teams are planned and organized efficiently to meet DRC’s needs, with appropriate workloads and effective work allocation.
• Provide or ensure capacity building and professional development for direct reports as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field visits to assess systems and controls and identify areas for improvement.
• May act as Country Director during an absence.
• Ensure implementation and compliance with the Code of Conduct and serve as a member of the Code of Conduct Intake Committee.
• Ensure mission risk management and maintain an up-to-date Risk Register.
• Perform other related duties reasonably assigned by the Country Director.

Management

• Lead and manage the support managers (including people planning, performance, well-being and development).
• Manage, deliver and report on current operations programme support in geographic scope.
• 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 whit 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.

Operational Management

• Support the country Director and the senior Management Team in leasing with donors authorities, especially as relates to issues of compliance, registration, and audit.
• Oversee the operational support units for the country by providing strategic leadership and technical support to the areas under his/her supervision.
• Supervision, audits and controlling and implementation of corrective actions related to DRC’s operational standards within support area.
• Ensure that DRC retains and continually develops its operational capacity to provide rapid emergency response in particular within its procurement and transport systems.
• Develop a risk management plan for the country that identifies the major financial and operational risks and implement a mitigation strategy.
• 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.

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 heavy user for most of the projects & Finance functionalities.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 7 years’ experience in relevant field
• At least 4 years’ experience with people management.
• Experience in a similar role in an international NGO.
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management.
• Proven operational management experience and capability, including in conflict areas.
• Proven significant financial, information and systems management experience.
• Significant experience in procurement and tender processes.
• Understanding and experience of institutional fundraising.
• Understanding of the countries in which DRC operates and sensitive to the cultural context.
• Experience working in an ERP system, including supply chain, finance and HR systems.

Desired:

• knowledge of the Burkina Faso context (and preferably the Central Sahel region).
• Experience working with ERP systems, including supply chain, finance, and HR modules.
• Previous experience managing projects funded by the European Union, ECHO, FCDO/GFFO, and DANIDA.
• Experience working in large consortiums and multi-country projects.
• Experience working with multiple local partners.

Education :

• Master’s degree in political science, international development, economics or the relevant field.

Languages:

• Fluent French (essential)
• Fluent English (essential)

We offer:

• Designation of Duty Station: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
• The opportunity to be part of one of the best NGOs worldwide.
• Access to over 1,000 free online trainings and certifications.
• Contract Length: 1 year renewable depending on funding and performance.
• Salary: Band E1. National

DRC Core Competencies:

• Achieving Excellence: Focus on achieving results and ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaboration: Engage relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the Initiative: Take ownership and initiative while seeking innovation.
• Communicating: Listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating Integrity: Act in accordance with DRC's vision and values.

Application process: Applications must be submitted through this page by clicking Apply button.  All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four 4 pages) in English. No application sent by email will be accepted. 

Closing date for applications: August 05, 2026 at 11:59 am Local Time. Please note that applications will be reviewed continuously, and interviews will be scheduled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. DRC reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.