Area Manager - Central Greece

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in 40 countries around the world.

DRC’s mandate is driven by three global strategic objectives within the DRC Assistance Framework: Saving lives and alleviation of immediate suffering among people affected by conflict, Safeguarding, restoration and development of livelihoods, and, Institutional and organisational change that contributes to protection of people’s rights and peaceful handling of conflict.

Background

DRC has been operating in Greece since December 2015, providing support to the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy in ensuring dignified reception conditions for refugees and migrants arriving on Lesvos island. In March 2016, DRC expanded its operations in Athens, in response to the changing context and the build-up of refugee population on mainland Greece. 

Purpose

The Area Manager is responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming in Central Greece. S/he will be responsible for administration (HR/Finance), logistics (Procurement, Supply) and integrated program implementation with the technical assistance from the Athens based senior management team. S/he will aim at creating additional humanitarian space for the field teams in the area and will ensure safety and security for DRC staff and assets. 

The position requires a high degree of responsibility, flexibility and understanding of complex organizational charts including horizontal liaising among different senior managers.  S/he reports to the Country Director and works in close coordination with the Head of Programmes for the implementation of activities. The key responsibilities include: 

Representation 

• Act as the main DRC representative in the area and attend all relevant forums/meetings with the objective to strengthen DRC’s position in the area; 
• Regularly communicate at local level the DRC advocacy messages to all relevant stakeholders;
• Develop, implement and regularly revise a DRC engagement strategy and acceptance in the area; 
• Identify and build relationships with authorities and other relevant actors in the area. 

Management   

• Leadership, coordination and integration of DRC activities in the area including, both Durable Solutions and emergency response as required; 
• Direct line management in compliance with the DRC procedures and the Greek Labour Law of the staff based in the designated region, including recruitment, coaching, performance management, appraisal processes, capacity building and ensuring interdepartmental co-ordination; 
• Liaise and closely coordinate with the senior management team based in Athens; 
• Ensure a rights-based approach to all DRC programming in his/her area of responsibility; 
• Encourage a positive, innovative and mutually supportive team spirit amongst the team under her/his responsibility. 

Programme Development 

• Lead the process of adapting DRC national strategy on the local context and circumstances in coordination with the Head of Programmes; 
• Be a driving force in terms of developing DRC programme in Central Greece and provide input to the development of project proposals; 
• Draft and present to the DRC country office regular analysis on the context and humanitarian situation and ensure that programme guidelines and standards of operation are being applied and followed by programme teams. 

Safety and Security      

• Act as security manager in the area ensuring adherence to security procedures and monitoring the development in the security situation in close coordination and under the technical advice of the national Safety Unit; 
• Actively support the country safety department to develop and regularly update the local security plan for his/her area of responsibility; 

Finance and Administration 

• Provide budget monitoring, financial control in compliance with DRC Country Office requirements; 
• Ensure necessary systems in procurement and logistics are in place. 

Reporting 

• Comply with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance of external reports from area of operation;
• Ensure that all internal and external reports are of high quality and provided in a timely fashion in collaboration with relevant staff. 

Accountability 

• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and suggest relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of DRC activities in the area. 
• Implement at local level the DRC Greece Accountability Framework under the overall management of the Country Director and the technical guidance of the Accountability Officer.

Qualifications 

• University degree in international relations, management, human rights, social science or related field;  
• Minimum 3 to 5 years’ professional work experience within humanitarian/development work (1-2 years in management positions); 
• Good understanding of displacement issues of refugees and related international standards/frameworks;  
• Solid management skills and ability to manage large team (30+ staff);
• Solid project management experience; 
• Extensive experience in representation and networking; 
• Excellent analytical and strategic skills;  
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff and other stakeholders; 
• Excellent negotiation, advocacy and communication skills;  
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Greek; 
• Knowledge of displacement issues and local context in Greece is a clear asset.  
• Ability to live and work in a demanding working environment.
• Working experience within European refugee response is a strong asset;

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, irrespective of age, nationality, gender or age. 

General Regulations

The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework.   

The employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization.   

The employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period.   

The employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization.   

The employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.   

Terms and conditions

 DRC will offer the successful candidate a challenging job in our interesting program in Central Greece, based in Larisa.

The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law, and all allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus).  

DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.  

Application Process  

Interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies  

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.   

Applications close on 27^th of December 2017.

Due to the urgency of the position DRC reserves the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.