About the Context

As the Central African Republic continues to face significant humanitarian, protection and recovery needs resulting from years of conflict, displacement and limited access to basic services. NRC has been present in CAR since 2014 and continues to implement programmes through a reduced but strategic footprint.

In the context of the CAR–Cameroon transition, NRC will move from a standalone CAR Country Office model to an integrated operational presence under the Cameroon Country Office. The transition is not a withdrawal from CAR. It is an adaptation of the operating model to maintain a targeted, compliant and programme-driven presence while improving cost-efficiency, supervision and sustainability.

The 2027 operating model is expected to be centred on Bouar as the main operational hub, with operational coverage of Paoua/Bocaranga and Kaga Bandoro according to confirmed grants and operational needs. Bangui will no longer function as a full Country Office but will require delegated liaison, representation, compliance and administrative follow-up with authorities, donors, banks, tax and social security institutions, partners and coordination mechanisms.

The Area Manager based in Bouar will therefore play a central role in ensuring programme continuity, staff leadership, security oversight, operational readiness, representation and disciplined transition management across the CAR footprint.

Find out more about NRC https://www.nrc.no/  and Watch this short video to see NRC in action https://vimeo.com/736782633 

What we are looking for 

The purpose of the Area Manager position is to provide overall operational leadership and ensure high-quality, safe, compliant and cost-effective programme implementation across NRC’s CAR operational area, with Bouar as the main hub and coverage of Paoua/Bocaranga and Kaga Bandoro.

The Area Manager is responsible for field-level leadership, programme delivery, support-function coordination, security and access management, area-level representation, staff management, and implementation of the CAR transition roadmap within the area of responsibility.

The position will ensure that NRC maintains operational continuity and institutional credibility in CAR during and after the transition to the integrated CAR–Cameroon management model.

What you will do

  • Line management responsibilities for directly reporting staff. This includes the:

    • Performance management process; setting clear goals aligned to country strategy and priorities, and to follow up and support staff’s achievement. 

    • Responsible for key processes as workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction and development and ensure Duty of Care for own staff

  • Ensure compliance with NRC policies, guidelines, and procedures.

  • Provide area-specific input to country strategy, Core Competency strategies, transition planning, annual plans and programme development processes.

  • Ensure high-quality implementation of projects in the area, including timely delivery, budget monitoring, donor compliance, synergies between projects and optimal use of resources.

  • Lead area-level grant management processes, including grant opening, review and closure meetings, with support from Grants, Finance, M&E and programme teams.

  • Ensure effective coordination between programme and support functions to enable accountable, timely and cost-efficient programme delivery.

  • Represent NRC at area level and, when delegated, in Bangui with relevant authorities, coordination mechanisms, donors, partners, local leaders and other stakeholders.

  • Ensure overall safety, security and duty of care for staff, assets and operations in the area, in collaboration with HSS and senior management.

  • Assess needs, monitor context changes and contribute to emergency preparedness, access analysis and response planning.

  • Promote the rights of displaced people, returnees and affected communities in line with NRC’s advocacy strategy and the principle of Do No Harm.

  • Lead and support staff development, accountability, team cohesion and change management during the transition period.

What you will bring 

1.Professional Competencies

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior management position in a humanitarian, recovery or development context, including staff management responsibility.

  • Documented experience in area management, field operations, programme implementation and support-function coordination in complex and volatile contexts.

  • Strong experience in grants management, donor compliance, budget monitoring and multi-department coordination.

  • Experience managing multi-site operations, including office opening, transition, scale-up, restructuring, closure or handover processes.

  • Experience in external representation and coordination with authorities, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, local leaders and community structures.

  • Strong understanding of safety and security management, humanitarian access, duty of care and risk management.

  • Fluency in French, both written and verbal; professional working knowledge of English required.

  • Knowledge of NRC systems, procedures and Core Competencies is an advantage.

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience: 

  • Knowledge of the CAR context, particularly western and central CAR, including Nana Mambéré, Ouham-Pendé and Nana-Gribizi.

  • Experience working with displacement, return, durable solutions, civil documentation, education, protection, ICLA, WASH, livelihoods or social cohesion programming.

  • Experience coordinating with local authorities, traditional leaders, partners and communities in sensitive environments.

  • Experience managing change processes involving staff uncertainty, programme transition, funding constraints or new operating models.

  • Ability to analyse operational, political, security, financial and reputational risks and translate them into practical mitigation measures.

  • Ability to lead teams remotely and across multiple locations while maintaining accountability, communication and performance.

2.Behavioural competencies 

  • Handling insecure environments

  • Planning and delivering results

  • Working with people

  • Analysing

  • Communication with impact and respect

  • Coping with change

Leadership profile

  • Building meaningful relations

  • Acting with integrity

  • Empowering people

  • Delivering results

Find more details JD_Area Manager Bouar.docx

What we offer 

  • Duty station: Bouar, CAR
  • Contract: 12 months 
  • Salary&benefits: grade 10 on NRC’s salary scale 
  • NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. 
  • We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative. 
  • Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC https://www.nrc.no/career/what-we-offer/   
  • Kindly send any questions about the application process to: cwa.recruitment@nrc.no. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile. 
At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
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