About This Role
This role combines oversight of finance, HR, administration, and supply chain into a single leadership position within one of the world's largest humanitarian NGOs. You will be based in Debark/Debat, a field location in the Amhara region, meaning this is not a desk job in Addis Ababa but a hands-on operational coordination post. The position suits a seasoned professional who can manage multiple functions simultaneously while ensuring strict compliance with donor rules and internal policies.
What the Requirements Say About This Role
The job is seeking someone who has moved beyond specialized expertise in a single function like finance or logistics into a broader operational leadership capacity. The employer values candidates who understand how support services interconnect and can troubleshoot across departments, not just within one silo. Experience in humanitarian or NGO settings with donor compliance will be critical, as will familiarity with Ethiopian labor law and procurement regulations.
How to Approach This Application
Your cover letter should demonstrate concrete examples of managing at least two of the listed functions simultaneously, not just supervising staff in each area. Emphasize any experience with donor audits, compliance reporting, or implementing internal controls in a field office setting. Since the CV must not exceed three pages, prioritize quantifiable achievements over listing duties — for instance, "reduced procurement lead time by 20% across three field offices" is more impactful than "managed procurement team."
Who This Role Suits
This role is best suited for an experienced operations manager with 4+ years in humanitarian contexts who thrives in remote field locations with limited infrastructure. Given DRC’s reputation and the broad scope of responsibilities, this position is likely to attract strong applicants from within the NGO sector.
Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a qualified Support Service Team Leader for our operations in Debark/Dabat, Ethiopia.
Instruction for applicants:
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Please ensure that your CV does not exceed three pages. Applications with CVs longer than the specified limit may not be considered
Overall purpose of the role
The Support Services Team Leader is responsible for the overall leadership and coordination of Finance, Human Resources, Administration, and Supply Chain functions within the area office. The position ensures full compliance with DRC Operations Handbook, donor regulations, national legislation, and internal controls while providing strategic operational support to programme implementation. The role oversees financial management, budgeting, procurement, people management, administration, compliance, and audit readiness to ensure efficient and accountable support services.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Leadership and People Management
Lead and supervise Finance, HR, Administration, and Supply Chain teams.
Matrix manages support staff in satellite offices.
Develop departmental work plans and monitor implementation.
Conduct performance appraisals.
Coach and mentor staff.
Identify learning and development needs.
Support recruitment, onboarding, succession planning, and workforce planning.
Foster staff well-being and engagement.
Promote teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
Financial Management
Ensure compliance with DRC financial procedures and donor regulations.
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Review financial transactions and supporting documentation.
Ensure accurate accounting in DRC Dynamics.
Monitor expenditures and budget utilization.
Support monthly financial reviews and BFU rebooking.
Supervise cash management, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Ensure statutory tax and social security compliance.
Support donor financial reporting.
Provide financial analysis to management for decision-making.
Human Resource Management
Oversee recruitment and onboarding.
Ensure compliance with DRC Global People Policy.
Supervise contract management.
Lead performance management processes.
Support employee relations and conflict resolution.
Ensure staff orientation and induction.
Coordinate organizational structure reviews.
Promote staff development and learning.
Act as Code of Conduct and safeguarding focal point.
Administration
Oversee administrative services for the office.
Ensure compliance with administrative policies and local regulations.
Maintain efficient administrative systems.
Monitor office facilities and service providers.
Coordinate with Supply Chain on operational support.
Supply Chain Oversight
Oversee procurement planning and implementation.
Ensure procurement complies with DRC Operations Handbook and donor regulations.
Chair or participate in tender committees.
Monitor Supply Chain KPIs.
Oversee fleet, warehouse, asset, and IT management.
Coordinate closely with Country Office Supply Chain.
Ensure timely procurement supporting programme implementation.
Budgeting and Planning
Prepare programme and support budgets.
Monitor budget implementation.
Analyze budget variances.
Recommend corrective actions.
Ensure efficient cost control.
Compliance, Audit and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with donor, DRC, and statutory requirements.
Serve as field audit focal point.
Coordinate internal and external audits.
Ensure audit recommendations are implemented.
Strengthen internal controls.
Monitor organizational risks.
Systems and Reporting
Ensure effective use of DRC Dynamics ERP.
Review of financial and operational reports.
Monitor departmental KPIs.
Prepare management reports.
Support organizational reporting requirements
Coordination
Coordinate with Country Office Finance, HR, Administration, and Supply Chain departments.
Support programme managers in financial and operational planning.
Liaise with banks, government authorities, vendors, donors, and auditors.
Represent Support Services in Area Management meetings.
Experience and technical competencies:
Minimum 3 years of relevant experience, including 1–2 years in a supervisory or management role.
Strong experience in Finance, HR, Administration, and Supply Chain management.
Experience in budget planning, donor reporting, and compliance.
Experience working with major humanitarian donors (UN Agencies, ECHO, USAID, FCDO, SDC, etc.).
Experience using ERP systems (preferably Microsoft Dynamics).
Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)
Master's degree (preferred) or bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Management, or another relevant field.
LANGUAGE: (indicate Fluency level)
- Excellent skills in speaking, reading and writing 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: 12 Months
Contract Type: National Contract
Band: G – Management
Designation of Duty Station: Debark/Dabat, Ethiopia
Start date: 15th August 2026
Application Link: https://drc.ngo/en/jobs/job/?id=176426
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees
How To Apply
Application process
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than three pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered
Please ensure that your CV does not exceed three pages. Applications with CVs longer than the specified limit may not be considered.
Closing date for applications: July 31, 2026
Application Link: https://drc.ngo/en/jobs/job/?id=176426
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.
Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics
We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!
We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nations to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.
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