Area Program Manager - Expatriate

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe. We provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

About the job:

Overall purpose of the role                                                                                

• Responsible for developing context specific programmatic strategies (in close coordination with the Country Coordination Office and Area Manager);
• Responsible for oversight of the implementation of all projects/project components pertaining to the area;
• Responsible for the development of action plans and day-to-day tasks of the Programme team;
• Provides technical support on Programme development in the area;
• Ensures appropriate sectoral technical expertise is available to the staff in the area;
• Ensures compliance with DRC/DDG procedures and guidelines within the area.     

Main Responsibilities:

Project Management and Implementation

• Coordinate, plan and monitor project activities;
• Ensure high quality of the sector-specific interventions, and take steps towards increasing coherence of and among all projects, strengthening programmatic approach to the area Programme strategy;
• Assume leadership to ensure high quality and timely delivery, including submission of high quality narrative and financial reports;
• Support close coordination with donors, Government counterparts and other coordination mechanisms on site in synergy with the DRC/DDG overall country Programme;
• Develop and roll out project-related operational tools and training modules in close cooperation with MEAL and sector-specific Technical Coordinators.

Programme Development and External Representation

• Assume leadership in conducting on-going needs assessment in the area feeding into Programme development and design of new grants;
• Shape the area Programme strategy in line with overall DRC/DDG country strategy;
• Coordinate collection of data and development of support documents used in grants development in line with the DRC-DDG Programme objectives;
• In close coordination with Area Manager, represent DRC/DDG in external meetings and actively participate in sectoral and other relevant working groups contributing to advocacy about area-specific needs and DRC-DDG response strategy.

MEAL and Reporting

• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and ensure effective upwards and downwards accountability mechanisms are put in place within each project implemented in the area;
• Oversee continuous knowledge sharing across teams contributing to development of technical competencies in the area team;
• Ensure that appropriate tools for monitoring and evaluation of expected results are developed and rolled out within the area Programme;
• Oversee and coordinate the process of narrative and financial reports development, while ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements;
• Compile Team Leaders’ reports to be shared with Area Manager on weekly basis.  

People Management

• Ensure appropriate performance management mechanisms are set within the Programme team;
• Provide direct line management to staff under direct supervision, including setting targets, coaching and capacity development;
• With support from sector coordinators, provide opportunities for capacity building in line with the Programme needs;
• Support recruitment and talent management processes within the area Programme team.                        

About you

Required experience and technical competencies                                                                                                                            

• Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, international development, management of humanitarian aid, economics, etc.);
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in international NGO with the focus on Programme development and implementation;
• Experience in providing support to displaced, conflict-affected and other vulnerable communities, including emergency as well as development interventions;
• Proven commitment to human rights and experience in applying human rights instruments in displacement contexts;
• Proven knowledge and application of gender, age and disability mainstreaming strategies;
• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management, including multi-cultural teams;
• High professional proficiency in English; knowledge of Dari is a significant asset;
• Excellent writing and reporting skills for external audiences (including governments and donors);
• Experience in managing projects/Programmes by applying project/Programme cycle management tools;
• High proficiency in working with Results-based Management approaches to MEAL;
• Experience in working with donors such as Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, European Union (Europeaid and ECHO), DANIDA, SIDA, UK Aid and various UN agencies.

DRC core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process;
• Collaboration: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback;
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation;
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly;
•  Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC-DDG vision and values.

Conditions:

• Availability: As soon as possible.
• Duty station: Area Office Herat.

We offer:

• DRC will offer the successful applicant a one-year Contract, extendable depending on funding availability and performance.
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriate staff. This position will be placed at salary A12/A13.

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on Apply button.  All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

Applications close 14^th November 2018. However, please note due to the urgency of this position, shortlisting process will be ongoing. Should we find qualified candidates prior to expiry of this advert, interviews will be held immediately.