Context

Since 2015, NRC Nigeria has been working to help displacement-affected communities meet their basic needs, improve their livelihoods, access essential services, and enhance their resilience to future shocks through our six core competencies: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. NRC provides immediate assistance during the onset of emergencies through the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM)..

The crisis in Nigeria is marked by brutal violence against civilians, causing acute humanitarian needs and displacement. In the northeast, the 13-year conflict has shattered lives, infrastructure, essential services, and social fabric.

Two million people are internally displaced across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. Approximately half of these live within local communities, increasing pressure on scarce resources. Access to food is limited, particularly in Borno state, where most families are already facing crisis levels of food insecurity. Civilians, including aid workers, continue to be the target of deadly attacks by non-state armed groups, and transport corridors are persistently insecure.

In the northwest and north-central regions, violence and displacement are rooted in disputes over land and resources, which have been worsened by climate change. Criminality is on the rise.

Livelihood opportunities are scarce, and children face an uncertain future and are unable to access quality education. Many families have lost identity papers while fleeing or never obtained them, hindering their access to essential services.

What we are looking for:

The Area Programme Manager (APM) oversees a substantial part of NRC’s Area Office programme in existing operational areas, notably Borno State of Nigeria. S/he will ensure strategic direction and quality assurance as well as monitoring of NRC Nigeria’s programme in the Area Office, as well as relevant staff mentoring and capacity development. S/he will further ensure that all projects and project activities meet appropriate quality and compliance standards, extend adequate levels of high-quality support and supervision to the Project Managers, and contribute extensively to new program development. The APM will ensure the AO meets spending and implementation plans and targets. He/She will also hold the project managers accountable for monthly commitments. The APM will ensure that NRC continues implementing the holistic, needs-based, integrated area-based program and will represent NRC at relevant coordination forums, as delegated by the Area Manager. The APM is also a member of the Area Management Team.

What you will do:.

Programme Development: 

1. Ensure availability of up-to-date needs assessment (preferably multi-sectoral) to inform programme design and advocacy efforts.
2. Develop a one-response Area Office plan incorporating all core competencies.
3. Ensure all relevant stakeholders are included in the planning and implementation of projects as appropriate.
4. Ensure systems for programme quality control, monitoring, and evaluation, and incorporate key learning in programme development, adjustment, and implementation.
5. Coordinate and closely support CC Project Managers/ Coordinators in drawing up plans, proposals, and budgets for new projects/extensions of projects in conjunction with the relevant programme and support staff.
6. Coordinate multi-sectoral emergency preparedness and response as context and management require.
7. Actively promote drive and closely coordinate with all CC Project Managers/ Coordinators to maximize integrated programming and promote self-reliance.
8. Ensure the inclusion of cash- and voucher-based interventions and market-based programmes in area-based strategies and their implementation across and within NRC’s core competencies.
9. Consolidation, review, and sign-off of concept notes and proposals input submitted to the country office team.
10. Lead area-specific applications with support from the country office.

Programme Management: 

1. Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of programming across Borno State consistent with the project management cycle (including reporting to the desired quality and standard);
2. Responsible for the programme budget oversight for all projects/portfolio implemented in the Area and ensure appropriate burn-rates are maintained and solutions to over/under expenditure are applied.
3. Responsible for providing implementation support and guidance to Project Managers/ Coordinators, including but not limited to providing instructions on work plans, approving expenses/procurement, recruitments, reporting, etc.
4. Responsible for providing timely and methodical updates regarding needs and trends specific to the Area Office to the Area Manager and Country Office.
5. Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure CC-specific M&E roles and responsibilities are adhered to.
6. Provide an enabling environment for implementing cash- and voucher-based interventions, including multi-purpose cash/ voucher assistance and sector-specific cash/ voucher responses.
7. Coordinate and oversee donor visits within the Area Office in coordination with the Area Manager
8. Coordination and follow-up on any modification requests within the AO.
9. Review and signoff Area Office donor reports before submission to Grants.

Logistics, Finance, and Human Resource Management:

1. Ensure appropriate Financial and Logistical NRC systems/ procedures are adhered to within the programme team.
2. Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure timely and accurate development of procurement plans, recruitment plans, M&E plans, and spending plans per project. Ensure the same is shared with relevant support colleagues.
3. In line with project needs and funding availability, continuously and proactively plan programme staff requirements and liaise with HR and Admin to ensure the same.
4. Performance management of all direct reports, including regular 1:1 meetings and completion of work and development plans.
5. Responsible for ensuring systematic capacity development and training of CC Project Managers/ Coordinators, particularly around implementation and reporting capacities.

Coordination and Representation: 

1. Responsible for attending relevant cluster meetings and coordination fora, representing NRC strictly within the limit set out by the Country Office, including promoting the rights of IDPs/refugees in line with NRC’s Advocacy Strategy.
2. Conduct senior representation at state and locality levels and promote strong working relationships with government counterparts.
3. In line with NRC’s standards, ensure communication plans are implemented, stakeholders are informed on NRC’s activities, and the organisation is well accepted by communities.
4. Step in as Acting AM (or OIC) as and when required.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the role.

What you will bring:

• Postgraduate qualification in a humanitarian-relevant discipline.
• At least four years in a management position in a humanitarian and/ or recovery context.
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of Project Cycle Management and team leadership skills/ profile, including own.
• Fluency in English is essential, both written and verbal.
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office, including strong Word, Excel, and Outlook skills.

Context/ Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Experience: 

• Knowledge of the context in North-east Nigeria desirable.
• Experience in community-based and participatory programme design and planning approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and practically to improve the quality of projects.
• Experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and programme development.
• Knowledge of multiple core competency programming and expertise in one or more of NRC’s Core Competencies is considered an advantage.
• Good communication skills, with the capacity to directly influence and negotiate with various stakeholders.
• Strong leadership skills and a supportive management style.
• Experience with a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high and diverse workload.

What we offer:

• Location: Jos
• Contract: 12 months contract
• Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s 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.

We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates who have the legal right to work in Nigeria. Please note that we are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this position.

Send in your application by 14th July (included).

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process:

• To apply as an internal candidate*, log in with your official email,* or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, ensuring to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• We receive many applications for each vacant position, as a result only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.