Area Manager

We are looking for a highly qualified, self-motivated Area Manager who is able to manage all area office activities and work with diverse teams of both national and international staff.

Background

DRC ‘s 2025 Strategy, focusses on intensifing its fight against systemic inequality and structural discrimination of conflict- and displacement-affected persons by redoubling its focus on the two breakthroughs that guide its work. DRC is focusing on increased protection and enhanced inclusion to be at the centre of all strategic decisions and tactical implementations.

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been operational in South Sudan since 2005, working with the overall aim of achieving durable solutions for displaced populations DRC primarily operates across Upper Nile and Unity states, both of which are heavily affected by conflict and experience high numbers of internally displaced populations as well as refugees in need of humanitarian assistance. DRC has operational bases in Maban, Malakal and Kodok in Upper Nile and in Bentiu, Mayom, Kodok and Ajuong Thok in Unity state, supported by a country-office in Juba.

DRC has a multi-sectorial mobile response team based in Juba able to rapidly respond to new and urgent humanitarian situations countrywide at short notice to conduct assessments and responses. DRC also has a Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding sector which operates across various locations in the country.

Purpose of the post

The Area Manager has the overall responsibility for the strategic leadership, direction, reputation and execution of DRC’s multi-sector response in Ajuong Thok. The Area Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining effective relationships and communication with donors and UN agencies in the field as well as partner NGOs and government agencies operating in the area.

Reporting to the Country Director, the Area Manager is the direct supervisor of an international and national team of operational staff who in turn oversee large teams of international and national programme and support staff. The Area Manager provides support and guidance to project teams on project cycle management, budget management and operational functions, including finance, HR, administration, logistics and procurement. In addition, The Area Manager provides leadership to ensure the successful implementation of all projects, with the support of the country-wide Technical Coordinators and constantly monitors the context to ensure programing is relevant and responsive to priority needs. In this capacity, the Area Manager is also responsible for representing DRC publicly at the field level, including in coordination fora, with other agencies and with donors, and for providing the direct link in communications between DRC’s Ajuong Thok and Juba offices, seeking Juba program direction and input on important programmatic and operational issues in a timely manner. Finally, it is essential that the AM provides strong oversight of security management of the Ajuong Thok team and ensures all safety and security measures, including contingency plans and standard operating procedures, are in place and well understood and observed by all staff

Responsibilities

As the most senior manager for the Ajuong Thok area office, the Area Manager has the following responsibilities:

Coordination/Representation

• Actively participate and represent DRC in coordination meetings with UN agencies, UNMISS and coordination meetings with NGO colleagues, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Liaise with partners, local authorities, and local communities whenever it serves the objectives of the programs
• Engage with other agencies to promote better coordination and partnership
• Identify gaps in service provision to IDPs, proactively referring those gaps to relevant forums or advocating with government authorities or humanitarian partners for additional support

Programme Management

• Oversee the overall portfolio to ensure timely spending and quality implementation of activities
• Promote the effective and efficient use of program funding and project impact through programme integration
• Facilitate area office technical staff have routine interaction with Technical Coordinators in Juba to ensure program quality
• With the support of MEAL staff, monitor the implementation of projects, support research and learning initiatives and ensure the execution of evidence-based improvement plans
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the DRC programs, in close collaboration with the Technical Coordinators in line with the DRC platforms, for instance, initiating strategy planning meetings at field level, and supporting development of corresponding strategic documents
• Maintain regular interaction and consultations with other DRC Area Managers to promote synergy and cross learning among DRC teams and projects in other program areas of the country.
• Coordinate the development for emergency response plans in coordination with the country wide Emergency Manager in case of additional large-scale emergencies.
• Support program staff to create synergies between sectors and cultivate an atmosphere of trust for the creation and delivery of high quality, effective and accountable programming.
• Continuously monitor programme quality and develop relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthen the effort to document the impact of activities and DRC presence
• Develop growth strategy detailing sectorial opportunities and geographical demarcations for future growth.
• Support adherence to key humanitarian and sectors standards.

Finance and Administration

• Develop and maintain an annual area-level budget for DRC support costs and staff.
• In collaboration with the Juba-based HR and Administrative Manager and the Finance Manager supervise locally-based finance and administration staff ensuring processes are conducted in alignment with DRC policies and Operations handbook
• Work with Supply Chain team (Country Office and Roving Manager) to ensure timely procurement, delivery and payment of project supplies and to resolve problems and delays
• Ensure full compliance with DRC and donor financial guidelines and policies while managing the projects

Human Resources

• In collaboration with the Juba-based HR and Administrative Manager, support site-level recruitment processes and ensure that relevant staffing structures are in place, are reflective of appropriate gender balance, and promote opportunities for nationalization.
• Ensure there is a clear staff retention and succession plan in place, especially for local staff
• Promote professional development by identifying training and capacity building opportunities.
• Ensure staff are well versed on DRC’s Code of Conduct, accountability, respectful dialogue with the refugees and host communities, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Collaborate with the Juba Human Resources Department to ensure staff performance plans and evaluations are conducted on a regular basis

Logistics and Procurement

• Effective supervision of the Supply Chain team.
• Review and monitor site-specific procurement plans for each project
• Ensure warehousing inventories are accurate and supplies are stored safely
• Monitor project-specific distribution plans to ensure that supplies are received and delivered in a timely manner
• Ensure the observance of DRC procurement, logistics, fleet, warehousing and asset management procedures procurement and also full compliance with Donor regulations and policies and standards

Safety and Security

• Assume overall responsibility for staff safety in the area of operation.
• Ensure that all relevant information regarding safety, security and the context is collected, updated and shared in a regular and timely manner.
• Ensure that the Security Focal Point manages basic security planning including information gathering and regular updating of risk assessments, standard operating procedures, and evacuation and contingency plans.
• Make decisions and assist the Safety focal point to manage security incidents at local level, in consultation with the Country Director and the Country Safety Coordinator.

About You

Proven experience managing humanitarian programmes and operations in complex environments.

• A university degree in a related subject. A post-graduate qualification or equivalent experience is desired
• Field experience and broad knowledge of characteristics relevant to conflict-affected or post-conflict contexts, and specific operational experience with refugee emergency and recovery programming within a host community.
• Experience in programme management including budget holder oversight, programme implementation and staff management
• Experience of coordinating activities across sectors
• HR staff management of both international and national staff in challenging environments
• Proven experience of capacity building and training, including preparation of materials and facilitation and roll out of a training plan
• Proven experience of financial management and use of financial tracking tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, cross-cultural communication and ease in managing a multi-ethnic team
• Good team leadership and conflict resolution skills, consensus team building, and adaptability
• Experience delivering programmes to tight deadlines
• Good computer and IT skills and strong communication and writing skills
• Ability and willingness to work in remote and isolated location with ever changing security scenarios

Desirable qualifications

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Self-motivated and able to work with a minimum of guidance and supervision.
• Experience working in security-sensitive environments and enforcement of team security protocols is an asset.
• Experience with Protection, CCCM, Shelter and Settlements, Humanitarian Disarmament & Peacebuilding and/or Economic Recovery programming is an asset.

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• Contract Managers,
• Technical Coordinators,
• Support team,
• Communities
• Government officials,
• Juba support teams

Commitments

DRC adheres to the Core Humanitarian Standards. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of these standards

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate each of DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results through the Regional team both to position DRC and ensure excellence in all deliverable.
• Collaborating: You lead regional initiatives and processes by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen to other stakeholders and staff; and you communicate concisely and persuasively.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Conditions

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies. This position will be placed at Employment Band – E2 ( Management).