Area Manager

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Area Manager in Iraq.

About the job

The Area Manager (AM) is responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming in the Governorates of Diyala and Anbar. S/he will oversee program implementation according to DRC strategies in Iraq 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.  The AM is the DRC’s primary representative with relevant actors in the area of responsibility; s/he is the line manager for all staff with area responsibilities and s/he is responsible for ensuring a result-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. 

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Representation and Coordination  

• Participate in SMT representing AOR
• Represents all aspects of programs and operations and has overall accountability for their AOR 
• Act as the primary DRC representative in the Governorates of Diyala and Anbar and attend all relevant fora/meetings
• Foster relationships with Government authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the area of operation
• Develop, implement and regularly revise a DRC engagement strategy aligned to the National Strategy
• In coordination with the CD, Head of Program, and Advocacy advisor, ensure that the DRC program in the area contributes to DRC’s  advocacy efforts, nationally, regionally and internationally. 
• Maintain close working relationships with donors, national and international organizations and local counterparts. 

Management  

• Line manage area support and program staff (Programs and support services) ensuring inter-department co-ordination
• Enable an effective team through result-oriented management systems, providing leadership, on-job capacity building and designing staff development strategies; Ensure detailed capacity building plan for staff is in place
• Closely coordinate with the senior management team and sector coordinators ensuring regular information flows, adherence to sector strategies, proposal development processes and safety regulations
• Encourage a positive, innovative and mutually supportive team spirit amongst the area team. 

Programme development  

• Lead the process of adapting DRC national strategy to the local context and circumstances in coordination
• Work with the program development team in developing DRC’s program in area of operation and provide technical and context-specific input for fundraising efforts  
• Provide regular analysis on the context and humanitarian situation in the area for the development of project proposals and safety assessments.  

Safety and Security  

• Ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries and assets by ensuring the local security procedures are up to date and SOPs are being followed in line with the SMP and DRC policy, promoting regular staff training, providing safety and security analysis, recommendations and follows-ups.  

Accountability 

• Ensure overall provision of and adherence to DRC policies, procedures, guidelines, donor regulations, systems and standard practices. 

Operational  

• Provide leadership in overseeing of all supply chain, Finance, HR/administration and office services activities and ensure their timely/efficient delivering.  
• Lead on recruitment of senior staff in coordination with SMT, as appropriate.  
• Ensure quality implementation of Core Competency programs ensuring optimal use of financial resources, regular project follow up, reporting, among other tasks. 

Reporting 

• Comply with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance and timeliness of external reports from area of operation; 
• Participate in DRC internal coordination mechanisms (e.g. SMT, GRMs etc.) as required. 
• Strengthen efforts to document the impact of DRC activities in the area. 

About you

To be successful in this role we expect the following is required:

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Minimum 2 years of generalist management in Humanitarian/Development operations managing program and support teams 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in humanitarian/development project implementation 
• Experience with working in fragile and insecure environments
• Motivated to work in isolated area with limited facilities and limited social interaction with internationals
• Experience in developing and implementing organizational strategies

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Post graduate degree in relevant subject area 

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• English fluent (to high standard)
• Arabic an advantage

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• Iraq country Office (Erbil)
• Regional Office
• Government 
• Donors
• Community

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 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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 Months (with the possibility for extension depending on performance and funding)

Level: E

Designation of Duty Station: Non-Family Duty station

Start date: 15 January 2021

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: 23 November 2021

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