Area Manager

Overall purpose of the role:

The Area Manager has the overall responsibility for the strategic leadership, direction, reputation and execution of DRC’s multi-sector response in Bentiu. The Area Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining effective relationships and communication with donors and UN agencies in the field as well as partner NGOs and government agencies operating in the area.

Reporting to the Country Director, the Area Manager is the direct supervisor of an international and national team of operational staff who in turn oversee large teams of international and national programme and support staff. The Area Manager provides support and guidance to project teams on project cycle management, budget management and operational functions, including finance, HR, administration, logistics and procurement. In addition, The Area Manager provides leadership to ensure the successful implementation of all projects, with the support of the country-wide Technical Coordinators and constantly monitors the context to ensure programing is relevant and responsive to priority needs. In this capacity, the Area Manager is also responsible for representing DRC publicly at the field level, including in coordination fora, with other agencies and with donors, and for providing the direct link in communications between DRC’s Bentiu and Juba offices, seeking Juba program direction and input on important programmatic and operational issues in a timely manner. Finally, it is essential that the AM provides strong oversight of security management of the Bentiu team and ensures all safety and security measures, including contingency plans and standard operating procedures, are in place and well understood and observed by all staff.

Responsibilities:

As the most senior manager for the Bentiu area office, the Area Manager has the following responsibilities:

Coordination/Representation

• Actively participate and represent DRC in coordination meetings with UN agencies, UNMISS and coordination meetings with NGO colleagues, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Liaise with partners, local authorities, and local communities whenever it serves the objectives of the programs
• Engage with other agencies to promote better coordination and partnership
• Identify gaps in service provision to IDPs, proactively referring those gaps to relevant forums or advocating with government authorities or humanitarian partners for additional support

Programme Management

• Oversee the overall portfolio to ensure timely spending and quality implementation of activities
• Promote the effective and efficient use of program funding and project impact through programme integration
• Facilitate area office technical staff have routine interaction with Technical Coordinators in Juba to ensure program quality
• With the support of MEAL staff, monitor the implementation of projects, support research and learning initiatives and ensure the execution of evidence-based improvement plans
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the DRC programs, in close collaboration with the Technical Coordinators in line with the DRC platforms, for instance, initiating strategy planning meetings at field level, and supporting development of corresponding strategic documents
• Maintain regular interaction and consultations with other DRC Area Managers to promote synergy and cross learning among DRC teams and projects in other program areas of the country.
• Coordinate the development for emergency response plans in coordination with the country wide Emergency Manager in case of additional large-scale emergencies.
• Support program staff to create synergies between sectors and cultivate an atmosphere of trust for the creation and delivery of high quality, effective and accountable programming.
• Continuously monitor programme quality and develop relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthen the effort to document the impact of activities and DRC presence
• Develop growth strategy detailing sectorial opportunities and geographical demarcations for future growth.
• Support adherence to key humanitarian and sectors standards.

Finance and Administration

• Develop and maintain an annual area-level master budget for DRC support costs and staff.
• In collaboration with the Juba-based HR and Administrative Manager and the Finance Manager supervise locally-based finance and administration staff ensuring processes are conducted in alignment with DRC policies and Operations handbook
• Work with Supply Chain team (Country Office and Roving Manager) to ensure timely procurement, delivery and payment of project supplies and to resolve problems and delays
• Ensure full compliance with DRC and donor financial guidelines and policies while managing the projects

Human Resources

• In collaboration with the Juba-based HR and Administrative Manager, support site-level recruitment processes and ensure that relevant staffing structures are in place, are reflective of appropriate gender balance, and promote opportunities for nationalization.
• Ensure there is a clear staff retention and succession plan in place, especially for local staff
• Promote professional development by identifying training and capacity building opportunities.
• Ensure staff are well versed on DRC’s Code of Conduct, accountability, respectful dialogue with the refugees and host communities, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Collaborate with the Juba Human Resources Department to ensure staff performance plans and evaluations are conducted on a regular basis

Logistics and Procurement

• Effective supervision of the Supply Chain team.
• Review and monitor site-specific procurement plans for each project
• Ensure warehousing inventories are accurate and supplies are stored safely
• Monitor project-specific distribution plans to ensure that supplies are received and delivered in a timely manner
• Ensure the observance of DRC procurement, logistics, fleet, warehousing and asset management procedures procurement and also full compliance with Donor regulations and policies and standards

Safety and Security

• Assume overall responsibility for staff safety in the area of operation.
• Ensure that all relevant information regarding safety, security and the context is collected, updated and shared in a regular and timely manner.
• Ensure that the Security Focal Point manages basic security planning including information gathering and regular updating of risk assessments, standard operating procedures, and evacuation and contingency plans.
• Make decisions and assist the Safety focal point to manage security incidents at local level, in consultation with the Country Director and the Country Safety Coordinator.

Experience and technical competencies:

• A minimum 5 years of proven experience managing humanitarian programmes and operations in complex environments.
• Field experience and broad knowledge of characteristics relevant to conflict-affected or post-conflict contexts, and specific operational experience with refugee emergency and recovery programming within a host community.
• Experience in programme management including budget holder oversight, programme implementation and staff management
• Experience of coordinating activities across sectors
• 6 or more years experience in HR staff management of both international and national staff in challenging environments
• Proven experience of capacity building and training, including preparation of materials and facilitation and roll out of a training plan
• Proven experience of financial management and use of financial tracking tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, cross-cultural communication and ease in managing a multi-ethnic team
• Good team leadership and conflict resolution skills, consensus team building, and adaptability
• Experience delivering programmes to tight deadlines
• Good computer and IT skills and strong communication and writing skills
• Ability and willingness to work in remote and isolated location with ever changing security scenarios

Desirable qualifications

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Self-motivated and able to work with a minimum of guidance and supervision.
• Experience working in security-sensitive environments and enforcement of team security protocols is an asset.
• Experience with Protection, CCCM, Shelter and Settlements, Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding and/or Economic Recovery programming is an asset.

Education:

• A university degree in a related subject
• A post-graduate qualification or equivalent experience is desired;

Languages:

English

Key stakeholders:

Contract Managers, Technical Coordinators, support team, communities, government officials, Juba support teams;

What we offer

Contract: 1 Year Contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance.

Salary**:** In accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment, Management Band/ E.

Availability: 1st April, 2024.

Duty station: Bentiu

Reporting Line: Country Director

Providing equal opportunities We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply. DRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff within its programs. As such, we strongly encourage national and diaspora candidates to apply for this position.

Promoting high standards : DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual

exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

Application and CV

Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered.

DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under JOB/ View Vacancies.

Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 29th January, 2024.

The screening process for this position is on rolling basis, so early submission of applications is encouraged

DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants regardless of race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status. We have a strong ambition to further enhance the diversity of our workforce and our goal is to achieve 50% gender balance and at least 50% representation of national staff in management roles. We acknowledge the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive team to successfully achieve our organizational goals and positively impact the communities we serve.