Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC has been operating in the Middle East (ME) region for over a decade, running a combination of emergency, livelihood, protection and advocacy programmes through Country Offices (COs) in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey with a Regional Office (RO) in Amman.

DRC Yemen’s response

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been operating in Yemen since 2008 using a protection of human rights framework. DRC initially worked in Yemen with mixed migrants coming from the Horn of Africa who are displaced by conflict and drought. Since then, DRC expanded its sectors of intervention and is now providing humanitarian assistance in nineteen governorates throughout the country. Current programme sectors include protection, food security & livelihoods, WASH, Shelter, humanitarian mine action and CCCM.

About the job

Overall purpose of the role:

The Area Manager will provide leadership in the design, delivery and quality of DRC programs/projects in the area and would be responsible for compliance to DRC policies and procedures. S/he shall be responsible for the planning and implementation of safety procedures/protocols within the area & ensure the safety of all staff and assets.

As DRC’s primary representative and line manager of all staff in the area, the Area Manager (AM) is responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming in the area. S/he will oversee program implementation according to DRC strategies in the area and ensure that operations are implemented within DRC’s regulations, procedures, guidelines and strategy; enable a productive and accountable relationship with beneficiaries, communities’ leaders/representatives, relevant governmental authorities, donors, national and International NGOs and UN Agencies

Main responsibilities :

Program Management:

• Supervise effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets and donor requirements.
• In close collaboration with Heads of Programmes, contribute to project design, proposal development and donor reporting for projects within geographical area
• In consultation with HoOps, HoPs and HoSS, prepare project work plans in accordance with annual planning and funding cycles with support from the technical managers and the Heads of Programs;
• In close consultation with the MEAL Manager, ensure that relevant beneficiary data is collected, compiled, analysed and distributed and that relevant assessments are conducted in the project area.
• Monitor budgets in coordination with area program leads to ensure there is no overspending or underspending and flag any issues with SMT in a timely manner.
• Provide regular area information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations, based on agreed formats and schedules;
• Assist in implementation of DRC’s M&E plans for the projects and ensure complaint handling mechanisms are in place in all projects and promote accountability concepts.
• Oversee preparation of program portfolios by area teams for presentation at Area Monthly BFU meetings and Country Quarterly Meetings and identify opportunities for new projects in coordination with country program teams (DRC/DDG).
• Ensure that DRC’s program policies as enshrined in the program handbook and other program manuals are followed.
• Manage all area program managers and coordinators and ensure all program leads have clear work plans in place and are following them.
• Quality control and monitoring of key result contract performance indicators in their areas.
• Coordinate with DRC HoOps/HoP and DDG HoP on technical gaps and support from technical Sector managers/coordinators/specialist staff.

Operations Management:

• Manage DRC/DDG staff and resources in the area and coordinate with Technical sector managers/coordinators/specialists as it may be required.
• Ensure that the activities of support teams are carried out in compliance to DRC policies, procedures and operations handbook.
• Ensure all key staff functions (Program and Support) are adequately staffed, including minimum yearly requirements for both program and support staff and budgets are available for effective management of area/field offices.
• Ensure that monthly technical and support function reports are sent timely to the CO senior management team/RO.
• Lead on all financial management, Area master budget management and maintain efficient financial control, and tracking, including donor reporting. Monitor and analyze financial risks in line with the financial procedures handbook.
• Supervise Base Managers on control of programs, procurement and management of supplies, vehicles, assets & stock and ensure necessary systems in are in place and continuously followed.
• Ensure that the national staff policies – instruments and systems – are in place and adhered to.
• Ensure coordination with CO HR team on technical matters or for support for HR activities (recruitments, on boarding, performance) are effectively managed.
• Ensure that national staff are continuously developing their ability to fulfil job descriptions and acquiring new skills as much as possible through internal and external trainings.
• Ensure standard procedures and legal formalities are complied with when using services of third party agencies or contractors.
• Ensure DRC/DDG Area operations comply with all local labour laws and legislations

Safety

• DRC Safety protocols are implemented in carrying out all activities in the area and adequate measures are in place to mitigate any potential risk to office, staff & assets.
• Continuously review security situation in the area and coordinate with country safety team on all matters related to safety & security.
• Ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries and assets by ensuring SOPs are being followed in line with the SMP and DRC policy, promoting regular staff training, providing safety and security analysis, recommendations and follows-ups

External Relations

• Responsible for building and maintaining good relations with key stakeholders including: Local Authorities, UN/INGOs, Clusters
• In close collaboration with Heads of Programmes and Operations, responsible for relations with field-level donor focal points.
• In collaboration with Security & Liaison team, coordinating access negotiations for geographical priority areas.

About you

Experience and technical competencies

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a similar or equivalent role in an INGO in areas of humanitarian/development sector, in a conflict & post conflict environment.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing large and diversified teams consisting national & international staff.
• Strong hands-on experience of managing safety & security in a high intensity conflict zone.
• Experience of proposal development for multiple donors and in-depth knowledge of project management and all aspects of project cycle.
• Demonstrated experience in representation with donors & external actors and managing emergency response.
• Experience with strategy development and understanding of linkage between strategy and programming. Experience of advocacy and communications.
• Basic understanding of conflict resolution and peace building programming.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Interpersonal Skill: Ability to work with departmental heads & technical manager to ensure smooth work operations
• Time management Skill: being able to achieve operational objectives within set deadline.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in insecure locations;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff and other stakeholders;
• Excellent analytical and strategic skills;

Education:

• Advanced University degree.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic desirable

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: 2 Years

Band: E

Designation of Duty Station: Non-Family Duty Station

Start date: 15 September 2023

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application process:

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 3rd July 2023

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected], If you are facing problems with the online application process, please contact [email protected]

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo