Background/Context

The Central African Republic (CAR) continues to face tremendous humanitarian needs due to years of conflict and instability. As a result of violence against civilians and insecurity in areas outside urban centers, several million people are increasingly vulnerable. Their access to food and basic services, such as health care and water supply, is drastically limited.  Development assistance is also a critical need to address structural concerns and increase access to basic social services in a sustainable way, especially education. The changing international context with a potentially severe impact on the CAR has added another layer to the complex humanitarian situation.

NRC has been present in CAR since 2014 and currently employs 17 international staff and approximately 170 national staff. We cover a large geographic area with activities spread across strategic districts throughout the territory such as Ouham Pende, Mambere Kadei, Sangha-Mbaere and Nana Mambere in the West, Nana Gribizi, Kemo, and Ouaka in the Centre, Basse-Kotto in the Southeast, and Lobaye and Ombella Mpoko in the Southwest. NRC operates from three field offices in Bouar, Kaga Bandoro, and Alindao, and a country coordination office in Bangui, the capital city.

NRC has been contributing to the humanitarian response in the Alindao area office thanks to the generous support of donors like ECHO, NMFA, SIDA, GFFO, ECW and OCHA (CHF).

The program portfolio includes 6 Core Competencies(CCs): ICLA (Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance), Livelihood and Food Security, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), Shelter, Education and Protection from Violence.

About the position

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

Specific responsibilities

• Represent NRC to all appropriate authorities and  in all official work contexts related to the Norwegian Refugee Council operations in Alindao, CAR
• Establish a good working environment based on NRC values
• Coordinate all area-level programs and operational activities
• Conduct regular field missions to monitor project implementation
• Lead the area grant management process (grants opening, review and closing meetings) with the technical support of the Grants Manager and Head of Programs
• Identify, initiate and follow up on advocacy issues at the 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 the area level are made as per the threshold limit stipulated on the authorization table
• In collaboration with the HSS (Health, Safety and Security 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 the area level
• Through close monitoring of the context, develop approaches and activities ensuring the promotion of the Do No Harm principle.

What You will bring

1. Professional competencies 

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

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Knowledge of the context in CAR or West Africa
• Experience with rapidly growing programs or startups
• Experience in supporting fundraising, the development of new proposals is an advantage
• Experience with community mobilization and engagement
• Experience in 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

2. Behavioural competencies  

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

Find more details and Apply!JD-Area Manager CAR Alindao.pdf

Publication closing 11th August 2023

What We Offer

• 24-months contract with possibility of extension
• Grade 10 in NRC’s Salary Scale.
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields

*Location – Alindao CAR is Non-family duty station*

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply but we are also open to external applicants who can show a commitment to NRC and being part of a challenging, but important mission to make a difference.  

**Apply by completing all the system-required fields of your experience in your application**

Kindly send any questions that you may have in relation to the application process to: [email protected]. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile