Open call for Area Managers

About the role

We are currently looking for qualified and experienced individuals to join our pool of Area Managers (AM) for long-term deployments. As DRC’s primary representative in an area, you will be responsible
for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming within your area. You will oversee program implementation according to the country strategy and
ensure that operations are implemented within DRC’s regulations, procedures, guidelines and
strategies. You will also be responsible for enabling a productive and accountable relationship with beneficiaries, community leaders/representatives, relevant governmental authorities, donors, national and international NGOs
as well as UN Agencies.  

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This open call is an opportunity for you to be pre-screened for future Area Manager vacancies with DRC. We will be closely reviewing applicants in this pool on a running basis (please note that applications for this open call are not responded to unless we see a match between your profile and a specific vacancy).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Area Manager will be responsible for the following: 

Project Portfolio

• Supervise the timely implementation of the project portfolio funded by institutional and/or private donations
• Organise and oversee regular project review meetings, particularly for multi sector projects
• Ensure regular contact, frequent support and visits to sub offices
• Contribute to the development of new programme initiatives and help seek funding for these

Support Services Management

• Ensure that all DRC policies and procedures are in place and are adhered to finance, HR and supply chain
• Ensure compliance with DRC’s Code of Conduct
• Ensure timely and accurate financial forecasting and reporting as overall responsible for all budgets

Representation and Advocacy

• Maintain DRC’s position as a key actor in the INGO community and represent DRC to donors and external actors
• Maintain good relations and close coordination with local authorities, UN agencies, international and national civil society
• Ensure DRC’s active engagement and advocacy in local and national level co-ordination bodies on the Programme portfolio (for example protection, child protection, shelter, livelihoods)

Security

• In close coordination with the Country Director and DRC’s Safety Manager, monitor the security environment and implement appropriate safety and security procedures (MOSS compliant)

Strategy and Fundraising

• In close cooperation with the Head of Programme, contribute to the identification and development of new programme initiatives in your designated area, including facilitating assessments and overseeing preparation of concept notes and proposals
• Support the National Coordinators (for example protection, MRE, Livelihoods) in proactively identify areas for collaboration and integrative programming between teams and sectors
• Work with the Country Director and Head of Programme to continue developing  the DRC strategy for designated area

Team and People Management

• People management of direct reports and overall responsibility for all staff in the area (including recruitment, development, people planning and performance)
• Maintain a positive, collaborative and enabling work environment
• Ensure positive staff management, including proactive staff capacity building and ensuring performance reviews are conducted

About you

You have direct programming experience in one of DRC’s programmatic sectors, as well as experience in management and oversight of a large office. You are familiar with humanitarian principles and practices, have a strong background in representing an international organization to external partners and authorities and excellent networking skills.

To be successful in this role you must have:

• A minimum of 7 years relevant project and/or programme management experience with an international NGO
• A minimum of 5 years of experience of managing a team of both Expatriate and National Staff, ideally across different locations
• Practical experience of implementing multi-sectoral projects, ideally within the fields of emergency response, protection and livelihoods or humanitarian mine action preferably in a conflict-related context
• Experience with writing project proposals and concept notes to mobilize resources and complement and expand current programming
• Experience of managing an office/team where you have had responsibility for ensuring that all finance, supply chain and HR procedures are being followed according to organisational procedures
• Experience with representation of the agency with government, UN, and donor audiences for coordination and advocacy
• Strong diplomatic skills in communicating with stakeholders, fellow heads of office and staff

• Professional fluency in English (depending on the designated area proficiency in other language might be mandatory) 
• University Degree in humanitarian/development studies, social sciences  or other relevant field
• Prior knowledge of working with DRC and/or International NGO in relevant region will be considered an asset
• Prior knowledge of cooperation with local partners will be considered an asset

All staff are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking 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.