All NRC employees are expected to work in accordance with the organization’s values. To be dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountable are attitudes and beliefs that shall guide our actions and relationships. NRC has a commitment to safety and wellbeing and together we build a positive working culture to feel valued, empowered, supported, safe and have a sense of belonging. NRC does not tolerate employees exploiting or abusing people and has zero tolerance to inaction.

What we are looking for

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking a highly qualified, resilient, and dynamic professional to take up the role of Area Operations Manager for Mexico. The Area Operations Manager leads the day-to-day operational oversight of the designated Area Office in Mexico by coordinating programme implementation and ensuring compliant, high-quality support services. The role drives for the achievement of key programme objectives, addressing operational bottlenecks, maintains the area delivery of services, and escalates risks to country leadership to ensure high quality and cost effective programme/project implementation within the area operations.

What you will do

• Line management responsibilities for directly reporting staff. This includes the:

  • Performance management process; setting clear goals aligned to country strategy and priorities, and to follow up and support staff’s achievement. 

  • Responsible for key processes as workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction and development and ensure Duty of Care for own staff.

   

• Act a member of the Country Management Group (CMG) representing the area of operations and chair the Area Management Group.

• Collaborate with the programme unit at the country office to ensure that area-specifics are embedded in the core competencies and country strategy and Plan of Action. Support the development of concept notes, project proposals and budget development to scale-up response activities

• Contribute to the development and monitor area office budget, donor proposals and reports, in compliance with contractual commitments and global guidelines.

• Conduct needs assessment, when relevant, and implement emergency response activities in the area in close coordination with the line manager and the country office programme team.

• Ensure optimal use of resources within the allocated budgets and strategies in compliance with donor requirements, organisational procedures, and national laws. 

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position. 

What you will bring

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a Senior Project and team Management role, preferably within a humanitarian/recovery context.

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences, Social Studies, Business Administration, or any other relevant field.

• Proven work experience in highly volatile and insecure context.

• Proven experience in team management and dealing with complex team management issues.

• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position

• Awareness of one’s own skills / leadership profile

• Fluency in Spanish and English, both written and verbal.

• Demonstrated ability to perform well in a highly fluid environment where both context and organizational structure are subject to continuous, abrupt and substantial change.

• Knowledge of the context in Mexico, Chihuahua and Michoacan State.

• Experience with start-up, exit or similar and hard-to-reach contexts.

• Valid driving license.

What we offer

• Duty station:  Michoacan, Mexico 

• Contract: fixed national contract (12 months)

• Travel: 40% travel to areas of intervention and Mexico City

• 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

Important information about the application process

• 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.

Why NRC?

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.

In 2025, migration dynamics in Mexico have shifted significantly. While fewer people seem to be making the full journey toward the U.S., more migrants and asylum seekers are choosing to settle in Mexico, navigating the national asylum system (COMAR) instead of continuing north. Simultaneously, violence from organized crime and land disputes has escalated across at least 11 states—including Chiapas, Michoacán, Chihuahua and Ciudad de México—leading to increased internal displacement, extortion, abuse, and protection risks for both migrants and locals. 

According to UNHCR’s 2024 report, over 392,000 people had been forcibly displaced by violence by end of 2024, with many lacking formal recognitions as internally displaced persons (IDPs). Violence in Michoacán has caused thousands to flee roadside or rural areas to urban outskirts, while indigenous communities in Chiapas, Chihuahua and other states face acute displacement due to cartel clashes and insecurity.

NRC has been operating in Mexico through a local partner since 2019 and formally established its direct presence in 2023. The organization now maintains an active office in Mexico City and in Veracruz, and is undergoing restructuring to focus its efforts on the most vulnerable populations in high-risk areas like Chiapas, Mexico City, Michoacán, Guerrero and Chihuahua.

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