Area Manager

The Area Manager (AM) is responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming in Bekaa and the South of Lebanon. S/he will oversee programme implementation in line with DRC strategies in Lebanon and ensure that operations are implemented within DRC’s regulations, procedures and guidelines; and enable a productive and accountable relationship with beneficiaries, community leaders/representatives, relevant governmental authorities, national and international NGOs and UN agencies in their AoR. The AM is DRC’s primary representative with relevant actors in The Bekaa and The South of Lebanon; s/he is the line manager for all staff with area responsibilities and s/he is responsible for ensuring a results oriented team. The incumbent will also ensure a safe environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries and assets through a proactive-acceptance approach using DRC’s security framework.  

 

• Represents all aspects of programmes and operations and has overall accountability for their AoR 

• Act as the primary DRC representative in The Bekaa and South of Lebanon and attend relevant fora/meetings in order to strengthen DRC’s position in the area; 

• Foster relationships with Government authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the area of operation also through frequent visits to projects sites; 

• Develop, implement and regularly revise a DRC engagement strategy and acceptance in the area; 

• In coordination with the CD, the Head of Programmes and the Regional Office ensure that the DRC programme in the area contributes to DRC ´s advocacy efforts, nationally, regionally and internationally. 

• Ensure collaboration and coordination with the North of Lebanon Area Manager to ensure programmatic integration, sharing of lessons and best practices;  

• Maintain close working relationships with donors, national and international organizations and local counterparts in their AoR. 

• Ensure appropriate planning, budgeting and human resource allocation for effective delivery of the programmes  

• Line manage area support and programme staff (Programmes, Operations, Safety personnel) ensuring inter-departmental co-ordination and integrated activities; 

• Enable an effective team through results oriented management systems, providing leadership, on-the-job capacity building and designing staff development strategies;  

• Closely coordinate as a contributing member of the senior management team, as well as with sector coordinators based in Beirut.  Ensure regular information flows;  

• Drive performance through accountability, teamwork, and by establishing professional workplace standards  

Programme development  

• Be sure that the national strategy is responsive and appropriate given the inputs from the field, and be sure that Bekaa/South office is contributing to both regional and national success. 

• Provide guidance to the Area Programme Manager in developing DRC’s programme in the area of operation and provide technical and context-specific input for fundraising efforts, and lead the development/strengthening of sectors to respond to gaps and needs;  

• Actively participate in proactive business development processes (at the field and national level) through external representation, participation in the grant development process and long-term strategic planning. 

• Provide regular analysis on the context and humanitarian situation in the area for the development of project proposals and safety assessments.  

Safety and Security                        

• The Area Manager is the responsible party for all final safety decisions in the area of operation through the Country Director’s delegation. The AM is responsible to ensure that best practices are followed to ensure duty of care for all DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets by ensuring the local security procedures are up to date and SOPs are created as needed and followed in line with the SMP and DRC policy, promoting regular staff training, providing safety and security analysis, recommendations and follows-ups.  The Area Manager is responsible to stay informed of the context and make daily safety decisions, as well as update safety tools and processes in coordination with the safety specialist.  

• Ensure overall provision of and adherence to DRC and Donor policies, procedures, guidelines, systems and standard practices, including commitments under the CHS; 

• Ensure accountability for the spending of donor and public funds, through delivery of effective value for money programming and the maintenance of robust accounting systems 

• Provide leadership in overseeing all logistical/procurement, HR/administration and office services activities and ensure their timely/efficient delivery.  

• Act as the senior HR representative in the area.  Advise on technical issues and take the lead for proactively addressing performance and professionalism.  Lead or participate in recruitment of strategic staff in coordination with SMT, as appropriate.  

• Ensure quality implementation of identified priorities ensuring optimal use of financial resources, regular project follow up, reporting, among other tasks. 

• Ensure compliance with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance of external reports from area of operation; 

• Ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation of programmes, and feedback mechanisms that input to improving quality on an ongoing basis. 

• Participate in DRC internal coordination mechanisms (e.g.  SMT, Programme meetings, etc.) as required. 

• Strengthen efforts to document the impact of DRC activities in the area.

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a University degree with advanced training/courses either in management, international relations, development studies, or other related field; Moreover, we also expect the following:

 

Required  

• Minimum 5 years management experience, overseeing humanitarian and development multi-sector, multi-donor programmes in complex and volatile environments; 

• Proven experience in strategic development and program design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Practical and extensive financial, HR and administration management experience with extensive knowledge of budget development/management and finance documentation, tracking and archiving; understanding of HR and administration principles and ethics. Experience with UN, ECHO, BPRM, EuropeAid guidelines will be an added advantage; 

• Proven excellent communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English essential. Excellent report writing skills is a must. 

• Commitment to the values, vision and mission of DRC;

Desirable 

• Experience working with the region 

• Proficiency in Arabic 

• Experience in livelihoods, housing/infrastructure, protection, governance   

• Experience in security and safety management in highly dynamic security environments

 

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

Collaborating: 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’s vision and values. 

 

Contract length: 12 months Contract  

Level:  E Management  

Duty Station: Bekaa  

Start date: March 2019

 

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact dolene.khairallah@drclebanon.dk.

 

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button or go to www.drc.ngo under current vacancies. 

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

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.