Area Manager at Danish Refugee Council (DRC)

Contract type: Expatriate contract

Job Summary

• We are currently looking for a highly qualified and motivated candidate to take up the position of Area Manager for Borno and Yobe states in Nigeria in a highly collaborative and emulating work environment

About the job

• You will be responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming in Borno and Yobe states, with a focus on Borno state, Nigeria.
• The position requires a high degree of responsibility, flexibility and understanding of complex organisational charts including horizontal liaising among different senior managers. 
• You will be reporting to the DRC Country Director.

Job Responsibilities
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• In coordination with the HoSS, you will oversee administration (HR/Finance), logistics (Procurement, Supply) and support programme implementation.
• Ensure that field teams are prepared to respond to emergencies and ensure the safety and security of DRC staff and assets in her/his area of responsibility.
• Assist  the Programme Managers and follow-up on the technical departments field work

More especifically:
Management:

• Provide, together with Head of Programmes DRC and DDG, coordination and integration of DRC activities in the area including, but not limited, to protection, emergency response, food security and WASH;
• Direct line management of the non-programme staff (HR, Finance, Logistics & Procurement, and Safety)  based in Borno and Yobe States - including recruitment, coaching, capacity building and ensuring interdepartmental co-ordination;
• Liaise and closely coordinate with the senior management team members based in Abuja, Yola and and fellow Area Managers in other states.
• Encourage a positive, innovative and mutually supportive team spirit amongst the Borno and Yobe State teams.

Representation:

• Act as the main DRC representative in Borno & Yobe State and attend all relevant forums/meetings including active participation in the Humanitarian Regional Team (HRT) with the objective to strengthen DRC’s position in the area;
• Develop, implement and regularly revise a DRC engagement  strategy and acceptance in the area;
• Identify and build relationships with authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the area.

Safety and Security:

• Ensure adherence to security procedures and monitoring developments in the security situation;
• Actively support the country safety department to develop and regularly update the local security plan for his/her area of responsibility;
• Be a member of and/or actively support the Crisis Management Team as required and if requested;
• Develop and maintain a security focal persons' network in his/her area of responsibility.

Finance and Administration:

• Provide budget monitoring of assigned budgets, financial control in compliance with DRC country office requirements and as per the Operations Handbook;
• Ensure necessary systems in procurement are followed according to DRC Operations Handbook for all projects in the state.

Reporting & Accountability:

• Ensure compliance with internal reporting requirements and participate in the DRC internal coordination mechanisms as required.
• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and suggest relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthen the effort to document the impact of DRC activities in the area.

About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to demonstrate your leadership and capacity for this position which is key for timely and qualitative aid delivery.  Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required:

• University Degree in International Relations, Management, Human Rights, Social Science or related field;
• Minimum 5 years professional work experience within international humanitarian/development work;
• Good understanding of displacement issues of both internally displaced and refugees and related international standards/frameworks;
• Solid project management experience;
• Extensive experience in representation and networking;
• Excellent negotiation, advocacy and communication skills;
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable:

• Experience or knowledge of the Northeast Nigerian context;
• Previous experience of working in insecure locations;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff and other stakeholders;
• Knowledge of local languages a plus
• Excellent analytical and strategic skills

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: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We Offer

• Contract length: 12 months renewable depending on funding/ performence
• Band: Management: E
• Designation of Duty Station: Non Family Duty Station- Unaccompanied position
• Start date: 01-06-2020