Area Manager at Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

Job Identification Number: 5842
Location: Jos, Plateau
Job Category: Information Technology and Systems
Reports To: Country Director
Supervision of: Project Manager, Security Officer, Logistics Officer, Finance Officer, HR/Admin Officer, ICT Officer, M&E Officer
Project Number: NGFP0000
Duration and type of contract: 1 year, fixed term contract (with possibility of extension)
Travel: 25%

Roles and Responsibilities

• The purpose of the Area Manager position is to ensure high quality and cost effective programme/project implementation within the designated geographical area.
• In Nigeria, this position is a member of the County Management Group (CMG). The following is a brief description of the role.

Generic Responsibilities:

• Line management for senior project staff and support functions in the area
• Compliance with and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures
• Provide area specific input on CC strategies, Country Strategy and Plan of Action
• Organize grants opening and closure meetings at area level
• Implementation of projects (including master support budget and coordinating input for donor proposals and reports) in the area, in compliance with contractual commitments (i.e. quality, synergies, timeliness, use of resources).
• Ensure optimal use of resources within the allocated project budgets and CC strategies
• Represent NRC and networking on area level
• Ensure that capacity building is provided to all staff in the area
• Ensure overall security and safety of staff in the area
• Assess needs, develop emergency response and implement response plans
• Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Represent to all appropriate authorities and act in all official work concerning the Norwegian Refugee Council in Plateau State, Nigeria
• Establish a good working environment based on the NRC values
• Coordinate all area level programme and operational activities
• Conduct regular field missions to monitor project implementation
• Lead the area Grants management (Grants Opening, Review and Closing meeting) with the coordination and technical support of the Grants Manager and Head of Programs.
• Identify, initiate and follow up on advocacy issues at area level in close coordination with the Advocacy Manager and Country Director.
• Ensure support functions are managed according to NRC policies
• Ensure legally binding financial contracts and payments at area level are made as per the threshold limit stipulated on the authorization table.
• In collaboration with the HSS Manager, ensure that the Security Plan for the area is updated regularly
• Report to the Country Director any violations of NRC’s Personnel policies and Code of Conduct
• Ensure that NRC staff adheres to NRC´s security rules and guidelines
• Ensure quality documentation of all NRC activities at area level
• Through close monitoring of the context, develop approaches and activities ensuring promotion of the Do No Harm principle

Critical Interfaces:

• Strategy and project planning: Head of Programmes, Protection and Advocacy Manager, HSS Manager, Head of Support
• Programme development: Head of Programmes, Grants Manager
• Protection and Advocacy Manager
• Finance and logistics department and HR administration: Head of Support

Scale and Scope of Position:

• Staff: 1 Project Manager, 1 Security Officer, 1 Logistics Officer, 1 Finance Officer, 1 HR/Admin Officer 1 M&E Officer, 1 Finance Officer, 1 RH/Admin Officer, 1 ICT Officer, Field Coordinators (when recruited)
• Stakeholders: State Government Officials, Local Community Leaders UN agencies and INGOs.
• Budgets: (GIZ, NMFA)
• Information: GORS, Agresso, Webcruiter, Intranet
• Legal or compliance: Compliance with donor policies and reporting responsibilities, Code of Conduct, Security Policies.

Professional Competencies:
Generic Professional Competencies:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of 4 years experience in a senior management level position in a humanitarian/recovery or development context
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge on own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Some Knowledge/experience of at least two of the following program areas could an advantage: cash-based interventions, market based programing, food security and livelihoods, education (vocational training), protection, peace building

Context / Specific Skills, Kowledge and Experience:

• Knowledge of the context in Nigeria or West Africa
• Experience with rapidly growing programs or startups
• Experience in supporting fundraising, development of news proposals is an advantage
• Experience with community mobilization and engagement
• Experience establishing relationships and coordinating with government and traditional leaders
• Experience with community-based development and grants management
• Able to train and manage teams for effective quality implementation (to listen, advise, support, solve conflicts, motivate, etc.)
• Proven skills and experience in successfully managing field teams.

Behavioural Competencies (max 6):

• Managing resources to optimize results
• Managing performance and development
• Empowering and building trust
• Handling insecure environments.

Performance Management:

• The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the NRC Performance Management Manual.
• The following documents will be used for performance reviews:
  • The Job Description
  • The Work and Development Plan
  • The Mid-term/End-of-trial Period Performance Review Template
  • The End-term Performance Review Template
  • The NRC Competency Framework.