Area Manager

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 fulfilment 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. It has been operating in Libya since 2012, currently working in more than 30 countries throughout the world.

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.

DRC fulfils its mandate by providing direct assistance to conflict-affected populations – refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and host communities in the conflict areas of the world; and by advocating on behalf of conflict-affected populations internationally, Internationally, DRC actively participates in supporting the protection of refugees and promoting durable solutions for conflict-affected populations.

About the job

The Area Manager as a member of the Senior Management Team, will provide leadership in the design, delivery and quality of DRC programs/projects in the area and would be responsible for compliance to DRC policies and procedures. S/he shall be responsible for the planning and implementation of safety procedures/protocols within the area & ensure the safety of all staff and assets. S/he will be managing the DRC programs/projects in the greater Tripolitania area in coordination with the DRC Head of Programmes and the support functions of the Danish Demining Group operations in Benghazi, Sabha and Sirte in coordination with the Head of Support Services Manager.

As DRC’s primary representative and line manager of all staff in the area, the Area Manager (AM) is responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming in the area. S/he will oversee program implementation according to DRC strategies in the area and ensure that operations are implemented within DRC’s regulations, procedures, guidelines and strategy; enable a productive and accountable relationship with beneficiaries, communities’ leaders/representatives, relevant governmental authorities, donors, national and International NGOs and UN Agencies. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Strategic Development

• In consultation with the SMT, Lead the strategic development of the Area/field offices and ensure that DRC/DDG remains relevant to the needs of the beneficiaries in the region.
• Ensure DRC projects in the area remain aligned to DRC global strategy and Regional/Country SPD.
• Represent DRC at all relevant forums in the area & liaise with local authorities & different stakeholders.
• Ensure that the reputation of DRC/DDG in the area remains high and issues of concern are raised with Country Director in time.
• Positively contribute to the teambuilding efforts and ensure that effective coordination exists between program and support teams at area & country level.
• In close collaboration and consultations with the Country Director/DRC/DDG Heads of Programs/Head of Support Services, ensure program strategy and delivery is up to date and well resource in the Area office.

Program & project Management 

• Supervise effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets and donor requirements.
• In coordination with the DRC HoP, provide clear and coherent guidance to DRC’s multi-sectoral emergency and longer-term projects in the area.
• In consultation with DRC&DDG HoPs/DDG Community Safety/HoSS, prepare project work plans in accordance with annual planning and funding cycles with support from the technical managers and the Heads of Programs;
• In close consultation with the MEL Coordinator, ensure that relevant beneficiary data is collected, compiled, analysed and distributed and that relevant assessments are conducted in the project area.
• Monitor budgets in coordination with area program leads to ensure there is no overspending or underspending and flag any issues with SMT in a timely manner.
• Provide regular area information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations, based on agreed formats and schedules;
• Assist in implementation of DRC’s M&E plans for the projects and ensure complaint handling mechanisms are in place in all projects and promote accountability concepts.
• Oversee preparation of program portfolios by area teams for presentation at Area quarterly meetings and identify opportunities for new projects in coordination with Country program teams (DRC/DDG).
• Ensure that DRC’s program policies as enshrined in the program Hand book and other program manuals are followed.
• Manage all area program managers and coordinators and ensure all program leads have clear work plans in place and are following them.
• Quality control and monitoring of key result contract performance indicators in their areas.
• Coordinate with DRC HoP and DDG HoP on technical gaps and support from technical Sector managers/coordinators/specialists’ staff.

Support Management

• Manage DRC program staff and DDG/DRC support resources in the area and coordinate with Technical sector managers (Supply Chain, Finance and HR) as it may be required.
• Ensure that the activities of support teams are carried out in compliance to DRC policies, procedures and operations handbook.
• Ensure all key staff functions (program and Support) are adequately staffed, including minimum yearly requirements for both program and support staff and budgets are available for effective management of area/field offices.
• Ensure that monthly technical and support function reports are sent timely to the CO senior management team/RO.
• Lead on all financial management, Area master budget management and maintain efficient financial control, and tracking, including donor reporting. Monitor and analyse financial risks in line with the financial procedures handbook.
• Oversight and management of the Bank Accounts including deposits, withdrawals, preparation of bank reconciliations and revision/negotiation in regard to bank charges on a yearly basis.
• Proactively engage in proposal budget development, implementation and revision as may be required and requested from the program team and CO finance.
• Directly responsible for control on procurement and management of supplies, vehicles, assets & stock and ensure necessary systems in procurement and logistics are in place and continuously followed.
• Manage IT and communications systems in the area (laptops, printers, telephone and other means related to information and communication technology), with support of IT officer & coordinate with CO IT department.
• Ensure that the national staff policies - instruments and systems - are in place and adhered to.
• Ensure that HR activities (recruitments, on boarding, performance) are effectively managed. Coordinate with CO HR team on technical matters or for support
• Ensure that national staff are continuously developing their ability to fulfill job descriptions and acquiring new skills as much as possible through internal and external trainings.
• DRC Safety protocols are implemented in carrying out all activities in the area and adequate measures are in place to mitigate any potential risk to office, staff & assets.
• Continuously review security situation in the area and coordinate with country safety team on all matters related to safety & security.
• Ensure DRC/DDG Area operations comply with all local labour laws and legislations

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to be a positive, energetic mature leader with a proven track record of developing effective initiatives, programmes, and impact.  You thrive in managing a wide range of responsibilities and can effectively communicate and lead the team. You enjoy working with teams of committed staff to build collaboration and capacity within the country team and building strong relationships with the regional team. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a similar or equivalent role in an INGO/UN agency in areas of humanitarian/development sector, in a conflict & post conflict environment.
• University degree.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing large and diversified teams consisting national & international staff.
• Strong hands-on experience of managing safety & security in a high intensity conflict zone.
• Demonstrated experience in representation with donors & external actors and managing emergency response.
• Experience with strategy development and understanding of linkage between strategy and programming. Experience of advocacy and communications.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Interpersonal Skill: Ability to work with departmental heads & technical manager to ensure smooth work operations
• Time management Skill: being able to achieve operational objectives within set deadline.
• Fluency in Written & spoken English.

Desirable

• Arabic is advantageous

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You are a strong networker and enjoy working with many different types of stakeholders, you involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while balancing the role of advisor and taking leadership.

Communicating: You write and speak effectively and honestly and display political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures.

Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values. 

We offer

Contract length: 12 months with possiblity of extension.

Level:  as per International staff salary scale and terms of employment A11.

Designation of Duty Station: Non-Family duty station with paid R&R every 8 weeks.

Start date: 10th of January 2019.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 25th of November 2018 by midnight.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.