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employees exploiting or abusing people and has zero tolerance to inaction.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking a highly qualified, resilient, and dynamic professional to take up the role of Market Systems Specialist. The main aim is two-fold: to oversee the remaining LFS portfolio approved by the Country Management Group (CMG) and to lead the strategic adoption of the market-systems integration approach into both the annual programming of the operation and the new strategic cycle 2027-2030. The purpose of the Market Systems Specialist position is to drive the creation of programmes that make key market systems work better for the people NRC serves, including in first line response. The position holder will provide market systems technical leadership on the strategic development and management of market system programs from new business development to technical support for implementation and close out.
Develop the Market Systems in-country strategy, technical guidance and Macro LFAs that are aligned with regional and global strategies, policies and priorities.
Lead in close coordination with the Head of Programme a responsible and contextualized phase out and transition plan for the LFS core competency in the operation
Adhere to NRC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines.
Assist and support implementation of the remaining approved LFS projects and the new market systems portfolio according to established plans of action.
Participate in country level business development activities to secure resources for programs, influence stakeholders and create an enabling environment for success.
Contribute to the development, follow-up and review of quality project proposals, budgets and donor reports.
Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.
What you will bring
Masters’ degree or equivalent in Economics, International Development, International Relations
Business Management or another relevant field highly preferred.
5-7 years of field experience in systems programming with a focus on markets required. At least 3 years of experience in a management role.
Knowledge and skills in market analysis and market-based programmes.
Livelihoods Core Competency expertise.
Experience directly building partnerships with the private sector to increase opportunities for displacement affected people. Previous experience with the Private Sector in the areas of social Impact, Corporate Social Responsibility, Green, blue and circular economy is an asset
Experience in multi-stakeholder engagement, building value propositions in both peri-urban and rural programming.
Strong strategic thinker with demonstrated capacity to translate concepts into action, with proven ability to be accountable for all components of the program.
Previous experience in working in complex and volatile contexts.
Fluency in both English and Spanish, – read, written and verbal – is compulsory (and it will be thoroughly tested during the recruitment process)..
Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience:
Experience in market-based approach/programming, needs assessment & analysis and/or multi-sector market assessments and its derivative areas of scope (Financial inclusion, Business and value chain development
Curiosity about the root causes of market failure, and instinctive ability to compile multi-actor collaborations in response.
Ability to enthuse diverse external and internal actors with multiple incentives around a common plan
Ability to network, quickly to generate social capital, and make the deal.
Substantial experience working on market systems in a humanitarian and/or development context
Competent in building networks, strong problem-solving skills, and ability to influence with effective
listening, persuasion, negotiation, and other techniques.
Knowledge of Latin American Context is an asset.
Duty station: Bogotá, Colombia
Contract: fixed national contract (1 year)
Travel: up to 30%
Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions
NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
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.
Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC
Internal candidates only: please click on the suitcase icon labelled “I am an employee” to be redirected to NRC’s internal careers site.
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, taking care 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.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.
If you have any questions about this role, please email aela.recruitment@nrc.nowith the job title as the subject line.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.
Watch this short video to see NRC in action.
We contribute to the development of policy aiming to protect the rights of the displaced and we call for increased humanitarian funding and engagement on processes that will generate structural changes in protection and assistance in the region.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. From our Country Office in Bogota - Colombia we oversee a three-country operation in Colombia, Ecuador and Panamá, one of our largest in the world, responding to the needs of persons affected by the internal conflict in Colombia and the migration crisis across the sub-region. Today, NRC is one of the leading humanitarian organizations in Colombia, with exceptional recognition with local communities and Government entities, and is the agency of choice for some of the major institutional donors.
Our strategy for 2025 focuses on delivering immediate lifesaving assistance; building resilience of at-risk communities; and contributing to durable solutions for displaced populations. Every year we reach almost half a million people in the core competencies of Education; Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA); Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS)*, Protection from Violence (PfV), Shelter; and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
In 2025 the decision was made to phase out the LFS sector from NRC programming. This phase out will occur gradually over a multi-year period to close out existing projects, establish viable exit strategies, and build towards the market-based approach for future programing.
We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:
do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.
Learn more about NRC