The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Country Director for its operations in Cameroon.

Context Overview

Cameroon is currently grappling with three major and overlapping humanitarian crises:

• Ongoing displacement driven by violence in the Lake Chad Basin and in the North-West and South-West regions,

• The protracted presence of refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) in the eastern regions.

In the Far North, communities face repeated and brutal attacks on civilians, exacerbating already fragile conditions.

According to the 2024 Cameroon Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), over 450,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 195,000 returnees remain affected by persistent violence in the Far North. Meanwhile, the socio-political crisis in the North-West and South-West has displaced more than 583,000 people internally, with a further 65,000 seeking refuge in Nigeria. The ongoing conflict in the Central African Republic has led to the arrival of over 280,000 refugees in Cameroon’s East, Adamawa, and North regions.

NRC launched its operations in Cameroon in 2017 and currently implements humanitarian programmes from its field offices in Bamenda, Batouri, Buea, Kousseri, and Maroua. NRC provides support in the sectors of Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Shelter, Livelihoods and Food Security, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

Learn more about NRC at  www.nrc.no and watch this short video to see NRC’s impact on the ground: https://vimeo.com/736782633.

What We Are Looking For

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Country Director to lead our operations in Cameroon. This role requires a seasoned humanitarian leader with a strong background in complex emergency and recovery settings to guide and grow our country programme. You will oversee a committed team of over 170 staff, delivering high-quality, impactful humanitarian interventions.

As Country Director, you will lead the development and implementation of NRC’s country strategy, ensure effective programme delivery, and maintain the safety and security of all staff. Given Cameroon’s complex operating environment—marked by three major humanitarian crises—a deep understanding of the regional context, including the Central Sahel, will be essential. The ability to navigate cultural and operational complexities with sensitivity and strategic foresight is key.

What You Will Do

Below is an overview of key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and ensure NRC’s programmes remain contextually relevant and operationally responsive to the evolving humanitarian and political landscape in Cameroon.

• Inspire, support, and lead the Country Management Group, fostering strong team dynamics and high performance across all levels.

• Champion accountability, uphold ethical standards—including safeguarding—and reinforce adherence to humanitarian principles.

• Lead NRC’s advocacy efforts in Cameroon, while also contributing to regional and global advocacy initiatives.

• Drive the development and implementation of inclusive HR policies that promote diversity and equity across all staffing levels.

• Provide clear vision and direction, promote innovative thinking, and lead by example.

• Serve as an active member of the Extended Regional Management Group, fostering collaboration with other NRC Country Offices and contributing to regional strategy.

• Closely coordinate with NRC’s Nigeria Country Office (as part of the Lake Chad Basin response) and the CAR Country Office to ensure integrated, cross-border programming and advocacy.

Please download the full job description to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

What You Will Bring

Professional Competencies:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in senior management roles, preferably as Country Director, in a humanitarian or recovery context.

• Proven ability to operate in complex, high-risk, and politically sensitive environments.

• Demonstrated results in leading strategy, managing change, and ensuring operational excellence.

• Strong understanding of your leadership style, strengths, and areas for growth.

• Fluency in both French and English, written and spoken.

Context-Specific Skills and Experience:

• In-depth knowledge of the Central Sahel context, including humanitarian, political, and socio-economic dynamics.

• Experience leading advocacy initiatives at the country and regional levels.

• Track record of success in managing organizational change and transformation.

Behavioural Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Strategic Thinking – Able to develop and implement effective strategies in line with organisational goals, while adapting to evolving contexts.

• Handling Insecure Environments – Experienced in managing programmes and staff in high-risk, volatile settings with a strong focus on safety and security.

• Empowering and Building Trust – Committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect, accountability, and staff development.

• Influencing – Skilled in building relationships with key stakeholders and advocating effectively at national, regional, and international levels.

What We Offer

• Duty Station: Yaoundé, Cameroon (Family Duty Station)

• Contract: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

• Travel: Up to 35% domestic travel

• Salary & Benefits: According to NRC’s Grade 12 salary scale, with a comprehensive benefits package for family duty stations

At NRC, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees—regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability.

We encourage innovation, support bold ideas, and give space for initiative and leadership at every level of the organisation.

For Questions:

Please direct any queries about the application process to: cwa.recruitment@nrc.no
Note: Applications submitted via email will not be considered. Kindly track your application status through your NRC recruitment profile.

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