Area Programme Manager at Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

The Area Programme Manager (APM) oversees a substantial part of NRC’s Area Office programme in existing operational areas, notably Borno State of Nigeria. S/he will ensure strategic direction and quality assurance as well as monitoring of NRC Nigeria’s programme in the Area Office, as well as relevant staff mentoring and capacity development. S/he will further ensure that all projects and project activities meet appropriate quality and compliance standards, extend adequate levels of high-quality support and supervision to the Project Managers, and contribute extensively to new program development. The APM will ensure the AO meets spending and implementation plans and targets. He/She will also hold the project managers accountable for monthly commitments. The APM will ensure that NRC continues implementing the holistic, needs-based, integrated area-based program and will represent NRC at relevant coordination forums, as delegated by the Area Manager. The APM is also a member of the Area Management Team.

What you will do:.

Programme Development: 

• Ensure availability of up-to-date needs assessment (preferably multi-sectoral) to inform programme design and advocacy efforts.
• Develop a one-response Area Office plan incorporating all core competencies.
• Ensure all relevant stakeholders are included in the planning and implementation of projects as appropriate. 
• Ensure systems for programme quality control, monitoring, and evaluation, and incorporate key learning in programme development, adjustment, and implementation. 
• Coordinate and closely support CC Project Managers/ Coordinators in drawing up plans, proposals, and budgets for new projects/extensions of projects in conjunction with the relevant programme and support staff.
• Coordinate multi-sectoral emergency preparedness and response as context and management require.
• Actively promote drive and closely coordinate with all CC Project Managers/ Coordinators to maximize integrated programming and promote self-reliance.
• Ensure the inclusion of cash- and voucher-based interventions and market-based programmes in area-based strategies and their implementation across and within NRC’s core competencies.
• Consolidation, review, and sign-off of concept notes and proposals input submitted to the country office team.
• Lead area-specific applications with support from the country office. 

Programme Management: 

• Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of programming across Borno State consistent with the project management cycle (including reporting to the desired quality and standard);
• Responsible for the programme budget oversight for all projects/portfolio implemented in the Area and ensure appropriate burn-rates are maintained and solutions to over/under expenditure are applied.
• Responsible for providing implementation support and guidance to Project Managers/ Coordinators, including but not limited to providing instructions on work plans, approving expenses/procurement, recruitments, reporting, etc.
• Responsible for providing timely and methodical updates regarding needs and trends specific to the Area Office to the Area Manager and Country Office.
• Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure CC-specific M&E roles and responsibilities are adhered to.
• Provide an enabling environment for implementing cash- and voucher-based interventions, including multi-purpose cash/ voucher assistance and sector-specific cash/ voucher responses.
• Coordinate and oversee donor visits within the Area Office in coordination with the Area Manager 
• Coordination and follow-up on any modification requests within the AO.
• Review and signoff Area Office donor reports before submission to Grants.

Logistics, Finance, and Human Resource Management:

• Ensure appropriate Financial and Logistical NRC systems/ procedures are adhered to within the programme team.
• Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure timely and accurate development of procurement plans, recruitment plans, M&E plans, and spending plans per project. Ensure the same is shared with relevant support colleagues. 
• In line with project needs and funding availability, continuously and proactively plan programme staff requirements and liaise with HR and Admin to ensure the same. 
• Performance management of all direct reports, including regular 1:1 meetings and completion of work and development plans. 
• Responsible for ensuring systematic capacity development and training of CC Project Managers/ Coordinators, particularly around implementation and reporting capacities. 

 Coordination and Representation: 

• Responsible for attending relevant cluster meetings and coordination fora, representing NRC strictly within the limit set out by the Country Office, including promoting the rights of IDPs/refugees in line with NRC’s Advocacy Strategy.
• Conduct senior representation at state and locality levels and promote strong working relationships with government counterparts.
• In line with NRC’s standards, ensure communication plans are implemented, stakeholders are informed on NRC’s activities, and the organisation is well accepted by communities.
• Step in as Acting AM (or OIC) as and when required. 

What you will bring:

• Postgraduate qualification in a humanitarian-relevant discipline.
• At least four years in a management position in a humanitarian and/ or recovery context.
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of Project Cycle Management and team leadership skills/ profile, including own.
• Fluency in English is essential, both written and verbal.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office, including strong Word, Excel, and Outlook skills.

Context/ Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Experience: 

• Knowledge of the context in North-east Nigeria desirable.
• Experience in community-based and participatory programme design and planning approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and practically to improve the quality of projects.
• Experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and programme development.
• Knowledge of multiple core competency programming and expertise in one or more of NRC’s Core Competencies is considered an advantage.
• Good communication skills, with the capacity to directly influence and negotiate with various stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills and a supportive management style.
• Experience with a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high and diverse workload.