Area Manager - Northwest

Introduction

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income-generating activities, and a wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015 and has experience working in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the BAY states. DRC provides life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including IDPs, returnees, and host communities in the sectors of armed violence reduction, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

The operational context in northeastern Nigeria remains challenging, as the ongoing conflict impedes conflict-affected communities’ access to what limited basic services are available, as well as DRC and other humanitarians’ access to persons of concern.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Area Manager represents the Danish Refugee Council at both local and national levels and has the direct responsibility in the management, implementation, and continued development of DRC programme in Sokoto and Zamfara states in Nigeria. She/he directly manages program and support teams of DRC’s interventions and ensure the operation is ongoing, coordinated and planned. In addition, the Area Manager is expected to play a key role in the identification of new projects in close cooperation with the local communities and Authorities. Furthermore, the Area Manager will act as DRC’s Representative in the areas of operations and lead the establishment of the planned field offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate effective, efficient and timely implementation of the DRC programme according to DRC standards and agreed contracts, budgets, policies and in accordance with specific donor requirements for the relevant projects
• Supervise production and submission of regular internal and external reports, and other relevant information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations, based on agreed formats and schedules
• In collaboration with the Country Director, Head of Programs and Head of Support Services enable the development of a sustainable programme strategy for DRC’s multi-sectoral assistance in Nigeria with focus on durable solutions agenda and emergency response where relevant
• Liaise with relevant external local programme partners: government, UN agencies, donors and (I)NGOs
• Follow up timely budgeting and project expenditures and indicators’ achievement with the implementation supervision of the Program Staff, Grants Department and the Support Services Departments in Abuja
• Implement and monitor that required DRC administrative guidelines & policies, safety & security procedures, logistics support and other tasks associated with efficient day-to-day running of the operations
• Responsible for staff appraisal in accordance with DRC’s guidelines.
• As Extended Senior Management Team Member participate in the development of DRC’s strategic programme processes in close consultation with the Head of Programs and Country Director.
• Ensure that RC objectives are reached, and Quarterly Performance are monitored and reported
• Participate in the planning and development of concept papers, budgets, and project proposals with appropriate levels of support from Country Team
• Responsible for safety and security of DRC staff and assets in the Field Office.

Ensure required security measures are adhered to by all staff, including upkeep of minimum operating safety standards as well as the security and evacuation plans.

Experience and technical competencies:

Essential

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Program Management and implementation of projects in emergency context, including quality monitoring and evaluation processes. 
• Experience of independently managing field offices  
• Experience working operations in partnership with UN Agencies 
• Relevant technical expertise/experience in some sectors of humanitarian programming such as Wash, shelter, economic recovery and protection as well as longer term livelihoods/resilience programming, 
• Proven ability to build external relationships with diplomacy, discretion, and professionalism in a complex and demanding environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage and support multi-sector programs including operational planning and problem solving. 
• Demonstrated experience in people management and team building.  
• Demonstrated experience of financial and asset management including multi-donor programming 
• Demonstrated ability to represent DRC in meetings with Local Government officials and other stakeholders. 
• Excellent written and presentation skills in English and ability to work in an isolated and challenging environment.

Education:

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Administration etc.

Key stakeholders:

• Build and maintain close relations with all relevant stakeholders including donors and UN agencies and Local Officials as well as other INGOs, NGOs and CBOs
• Participate in coordination meetings and working-group meetings as deemed appropriate
• Ensure a smooth flow of information between the Field office and Country Office in Abuja. The Area Manager will be based in Sokoto.
• In consultation with the Support and Program Teams ensure correct and timely narrative and financial reporting
• Ensure effective coordination and visibility of DRC Nigeria’s field operation with all humanitarian and development actors and relevant stakeholders
• Together with the Country Director and the DRC country team, identify and pursue new funding opportunities

Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and Organizational skills is a must
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Proven analytical and critical thinking skills
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor

We offer

• Contract length:  12 months with the possibility of extension
• Level: M – E
• Start date: 1st March 2025

General Regulations:

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

Application Process

• All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.
• DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.
• DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
• Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria)

Deadline: Applications close on the 24th of December 2024 at midnight (GMT time).

• Only short-listed applicants will be invited for written tests and oral interviews.
• For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult: www.drc.dk