Area Manager

Background:

The DRC Somalia Programme is the largest programmes in East Africa region. DRC is among the INGOs with the largest presence in Somalia, with country-wide programmes implemented through six main sub offices in Somaliland, Puntland, Hiran Region, Gedo Region, Bay Region and Banadir Region

Overall Purpose of the role

The Area Manager (AM) will provide leadership in the design, delivery and quality of DRC programs/projects in the area and is 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 senior manager in the area, the 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:

Strategic Development

• In consultation with the SMT, lead the strategic development of the Area/ Field Offices and ensure that DRC remains relevant to the needs of the people of concern in the region.
• Ensure DRC projects in the area remain aligned to DRC global strategy and Country strategic direction.
• Implement an area-based approach to respond to the needs of the population in are areas of operation
• Represent DRC at all relevant forums in the area & liaise with local authorities & different stakeholders.
• Ensure that the reputation of DRC in the area remains high and issues of concern are raised with Country Director in time.
• Positively contribute to the teambuilding efforts and ensure that effective coordination exists inter program teams and between program and support teams at area and country level.
• In close collaboration and consultations with the Head of Programs and Head of Support Services, ensure program strategy and delivery is up to date and well resourced

Program & project Management

• Supervise effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets and donor requirements.
• Provide clear and coherent guidance and synergies to DRC’s multi-sectoral emergency and longer-term projects in the area.
• In consultation with HoPs/ PMs/HoSS, oversee project work plans from Tech leads and PFPs in accordance with annual planning and funding;
• 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 and learning institutionalised.
• Monitor budgets in coordination with area program leads to ensure there is no overspending or underspending and flag any issues at the monthly CO project review meetings.
• Provide regular area information and flash reports on programme activities, policy matters and external relations, based on agreed formats and schedules;
• 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 quarterly meetings and identify opportunities for new projects in coordination with country program teach leads.
• 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 HoP and PMs on technical gaps and obtain support from technical sector managers/coordinators/ specialists’ staff.

Support Management

• Manage DRC staff and resources in the area and coordinate with support sector managers as 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 master budgets for both program and support staff 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.
• 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 procedure’s handbook.
• Oversight and management of the Bank Accounts including deposits, withdrawals, preparation of bank reconciliations and revision/negotiation in regards to bank charges on a yearly basis.
• Proactively engage in proposal budget development, implementation and revision as may be required and requested from the program team and CO finance.
• Directly responsible for control on procurement and management of supplies, vehicles, assets & stock and ensure necessary systems in procurement and logistics are in place and continuously followed.
• Coordinate with CO IT department and manage IT and communications systems in the area (laptops, printers, telephone and other means related to information and communication technology) ensuring asset lists are up to date.
• Ensure that HR activities (recruitments, on boarding, performance) are effectively managed. Coordinate with CO HR team on technical matters or for support.
• Ensure that national staff are continuously developing their ability to fulfill job descriptions and acquiring new skills as much as possible through internal and external trainings.
• Responsible for ensuring 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 standard procedures and legal formalities are complied with when using services of third-party agencies or contractors.
• Ensure DRC Area operations comply with all local labour laws and legislations

Experience, Education and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a similar or equivalent role in an INGO/UN agency 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.
• Advanced University degree.
• 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.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Languages:

• Fluency in written and spoken Somali & English

ABOUT YOU

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 are a strong networker and enjoy working with many different types of stakeholders, you involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while balancing the role of advisor and taking leadership
• Communicating: You write and speak effectively and honestly and display political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Conditions

Availability: May 2022
Duty station: Galkayo
Reporting to: Country Director

Duration: 8 Month with possibility of extension based on performance and funding

Contract: This position is graded as Band E-Management for qualified national staff and the terms of employment will be in accordance with DRC terms for national staff.

The position is open to Nationals ONLY

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.
Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.

Commitments

DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html). All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.