Support Services Manager

About the role

The Danish Refugee Council is looking for a Support Services Manager in Gulu, Uganda, reporting to the Area Manager and working closely with the Base Manager and Program Managers. The role provides coordinated, strategic leadership for all support functions in the field offices so they run smoothly to meet programme needs, in line with the DRC Operations Handbook.

Key responsibilities

• Planning and strategy: annual planning, project planning with lead times and budgets, realistic resource mobilisation, and ensuring support services fit programme needs; focal point for field-based risk assessment, compliance and internal audit
• HR support: monthly and quarterly HR tasks (induction, Code of Conduct training, leave planning, performance reviews), streamlined HR responses, and daily tasks such as recruitment, contract renewals, timesheets and leave tracking
• Administration: focal point for landlord engagement, sub-leases and contract renewals, and overseeing routine tasks such as office supplies, utilities bills, rental and lease agreements
• Logistics and procurement: following procurement procedures, chairing major tenders with the Country office supply chain unit, and managing fleet movement cancellations
• Finance: primary budget holder for support service lines, budget monitoring and forecasting, grant budgeting with program managers, annual reports, payroll, cashbooks and cash forecasts, and explaining compliance requirements to programme teams
• People management: accountable for at least three direct reports, including recruitment, exit management, objective setting, probation, performance appraisals and staff development

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in support services management, including HR, financial management, budgeting, grants compliance, supply chain, procurement and logistics in a humanitarian or development organisation
• Bachelor's degree in finance, procurement and supply chain management, HR management, business administration, economics, development studies or a related field
• Experience in humanitarian, refugee or emergency response settings
• Experience coordinating multiple support functions and working with programme teams and senior management
• Excellent verbal and written English

Required skills

• Financial management, budgeting, budget monitoring and forecasting, and donor grant compliance
• Procurement and supply chain management, including tender management, fleet, asset and warehouse management
• Human resources management, including recruitment, contract management and performance management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and experience with financial, HR and supply chain management systems
• Knowledge of organisational policies, internal controls, risk management and compliance