The overall purpose of the role:

The Area Manager (AM) is responsible for coordinating, managing, developing, and representing DRC programming in Northern Iraq. S/he will oversee program implementation according to DRC strategies in Iraq 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. The AM is DRC’s primary representative with relevant actors in the area of responsibility; s/he is the line manager for all staff with area responsibilities, and s/he is responsible for ensuring a result-oriented team. The incumbent will also ensure a safe environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets through a proactive acceptance approach using DRC’s security framework.

Location: Tel Afar (Ninewa) (frequent travel to programming sites in Northern Iraq (Ninewa and KRI) and Erbil.

Reporting to: Country Director

Direct reports: Area Support Services Manager, Project Managers, Safety Team Leader

Responsibilities:

Representation and Coordination

• Participate in SMT representing AOR.
• Represents all aspects of programs and operations and is accountable for their AOR.
• Act as the primary DRC representative in Northern Iraq Governorates and actively participate in relevant fora/meetings.
• Foster relationships with government authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the area of operation
• In coordination with the CD, Head of Program, and Advocacy Advisor, ensure that the DRC program in the area contributes to DRC´s advocacy efforts nationally, regionally, and internationally.
• Maintain close working relationships with donors, national and international organisations, and local counterparts.

Management

• Line manage area support and program staff, ensuring inter-department coordination;
• Enable an effective team through result-oriented management systems, providing leadership, on-job capacity building, and designing staff development strategies; Ensure detailed capacity building plan for staff is in place, including plans for nationalising key management positions.
• Closely coordinate with the senior management team and sector coordinators, ensuring regular information flows, adherence to sector strategies, proposal development processes, and safety regulations
• Encourage a positive, innovative, and mutually supportive team spirit amongst the area team.

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Programme management and development

• Lead the process of adapting the DRC national strategy to the local context and circumstances.
• Provide guidance in developing DRC’s program in the area of operation and provide technical and context-specific input for fundraising efforts;
• Provide regular analysis of the context and humanitarian situation in the area for developing project proposals and safety assessments.
• Provide oversight of project implementation through management of Project Managers to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, meet project objectives, and adhere to DRC’s SOPs.

Safety and Security

• Ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets by ensuring the local security procedures are up to date and SOPs are followed in line with the SRMS and DRC policy, promoting regular staff training, providing safety and security analysis, recommendations and follow-ups.
• Take the lead in managing security incidents in coordination with the CD and Safety Coordinator when required.

Accountability

• Ensure overall provision of and adherence to DRC policies, procedures, guidelines, donor regulations, systems, and standard practices.
• Promote compliance with DRC policies and practice with respect to child safeguarding, code of conduct, safety and security, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, and other relevant policies and procedures.
• In coordination with the Country Director, address and implement appropriate management measures in response to Code of Conduct reports.

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Operational

• Provide leadership in overseeing all logistical/procurement, HR/administration, finance, and office services activities and ensure their timely/efficient delivery, including office scale-up/scale-down based on funding and contextual changes.
• Lead on recruitment of senior staff in coordination with SMT, as appropriate.
• Maintain oversight of narrative and budget development of proposals and concept notes.
• Overall budget holder for AOR and responsible for ensuring optimal use of financial resources in line with DRC SOPs and shared cost allocation policy
• Responsible for ensuring North Area Office compliance with internal procedures and donor regulations.

Reporting

• Comply with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance and timeliness of external reports from area of operation;
• Lead DRC internal coordination mechanisms in the AOR (e.g. Team Meetings, Grant Review Meetings) and participate in country-level mechanisms (e.g. SMT, Programme meetings, etc.) as required.
• Strengthen efforts to document the impact of DRC activities in the area.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum five years of experience managing humanitarian and development programs with NGOs.
• Minimum two years of experience in generalist project and operations/support management in complex settings
• Experience working in fragile contexts and insecure environments.
• Can do attitude, ability to work independently but able to work in a team and see the bigger picture.

Education: Postgraduate degree in relevant subject area.

Languages:

• English fluent (to a high standard)
• Arabic an advantage

Key stakeholders:

• Iraq Country Office (Erbil)
• Government
• Donors
• Community

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: 1 year
• Salary Band: E Level 2 (senior management team)
• Start Date: 15 December 2023
• Comprehensive health insurance for staff, spouse, and up to two children under 18.
• Personal Accident insurance coverage in the event of work-related accidents during working hours.
• Psychosocial support for staff and family members.
• Learning & Development opportunities for professional growth.

Diversity & Inclusion: DRC Iraq is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment according to our Age, Gender, and Diversity approach (AGD). We aim to have a more diversified leadership structure creating opportunities for qualified women to take on managerial roles. We also continuously work to make our workplace more accessible for persons with specific needs. We offer benefits related to psychosocial support, health insurance, maternity and paternity leave, child sick leave, and lactation breaks. As part of our commitment to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from female candidates, persons living with disabilities, as well as representatives of minorities.