Area Manager Ecuador Quito

The purpose of the Area Manager position is to ensure high quality and cost-effective program/project implementation within Ecuador, from the base in Quito. The area has 11 offices in 14 provinces. The new Area Manager will contribute to the scale up and consolidation of the NRC program in this area as well as monitor possibilities for expansion in Perú, representing the organization with donors and government representatives at the national and local levels

NRC is present in Ecuador since 2014, and in the last few years substantially increased its operations and program. The Ecuador area office is part of a larger operation which covers Colombia, Ecuador, and Panamá, where NRC has presence through three area offices in Colombia, one in Ecuador and a field office in Panamá. In Ecuador NRC operates in the following provinces Pichincha, Guayas, Manabí, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Azuay, El Oro, Sucumbíos, Carchi, Esmeraldas, Imbabura, Orellana, Manabí and Tungurahu, implementing projects which strive to monitor the protection needs of migrants at the borders while strengthening community-based protection mechanisms.NRC is present in Ecuador since 2014, and in the last few years substantially increased its operations and program. The Ecuador area office is part of a larger operation which overs Colombia, Ecuador, and Panamá, where NRC has presence through three area offices in Colombia, one in Ecuador and a field office in Panamá. In Ecuador NRC operates in the following provinces Pichincha, Guayas, Manabí, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Azuay, El Oro, Sucumbíos, Carchi, Esmeraldas, Imbabura, Orellana, Manabí and Tungurahu, implementing projects which strive to monitor the protection needs of migrants at the borders while strengthening community-based protection mechanisms.

The organization’s strategy in Ecuador is part of the wider strategy of the operation, which follows three objectives:

1. We will satisfy the immediate survival needs of people affected by emergencies, helping them to restore their physical security and protect their rights.
2. We will help affected people to recover from emergencies; increase their capacity to deal with shocks and adversity with greater resilience; maintain their physical security and reduce their exposure to future risks.
3. We will contribute to durable solutions so that people Returned, Resettled or in process of Local Integration no longer require assistance or protection and can enjoy their Human Rights without discrimination and in places where they do not run risks to their lives, security, freedom or health.

Moreover, throughout the upcoming strategic period, the CO shall strive to continue improving its operational efficacy through six strategic enablers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Generic Responsibilities:

These responsibilities shall be the same for all positions with the same title. The responsibilities shall be short and essential. Details belong in the Work and Development plan.

1. Supervision and leadership of the management staff and key technical staff of programs, support and security of the Ecuador Area office.
2. Member of the Country Management Team (CMG) for Colombia, Ecuador and Panama.
3. Ensure compliance and adherence to NRC policies, manuals, and procedures.
4. Contribute to the Country Strategy, and lead on the Ecuador Area Strategy, as well as the Action Plan, aligning it to the CO’s 2025 Strategy Plan.
5. Organize grants opening and closure meetings at area level
6. Guarantee the implementation of projects (including the general/master support budget and contribution to proposals and reports) in Ecuador, in compliance with contractual commitments (quality, synergies, timelines and use of resources).
7. Assess needs, develop emergency response and implement response plans, including cash-based interventions and market-based programs.
8. Ensure the optimal use of resources within the budgets of the Area’s projects and in accordance with the NRC, Area and CC strategies.
9. Represent NRC and networking at the Ecuador Area level.
10. Ensure that capacity building is provided to all staff in the area.
11. Ensure overall security and safety of staff in the area.
12. Promote the rights of refugees/ IDPs/ returnees in line with NRC’s advocacy strategy.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Represent institutionally and legally NRC in Ecuador, ensuring compliance with laws and obligations with the different entities in the country.
• Ensure that legal registry/operating agreement of the NRC with the Ecuador Government is kept up to date, lead the renewal process and compliance with the obligations contained in the agreement.
• Guarantee the analysis, annual planning and continuous review of the structure (personnel) and operation of the NRC (sub-offices, activities) in Ecuador, identifying its cost and functionality, to guarantee financing (coverage of the general/master budget) and/or to take measures preventively due to changes.
• Promote evaluations of the relevance of the continuity of NRC’s actions and new sectors of intervention.
• Establish and maintain working relationships in Ecuador with relevant stakeholder such as donors, United Nations agencies, NGOs, public and government entities.
• Oversee and accompany quality and timely delivery of reports to donors, internal reports and annual reports to the government/Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Ensure that Area staff have access to information and have the opportunity of training on PSEA, corruption, child safeguarding, on the NRC’s reporting and case management mechanisms. Moreover, he/she will serve as a point of reference in the Area for case management according to internal procedures.
• Ensure that all Area staff carry out the performance and work development process (work and development plans, feedback, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS

Generic professional competencies for this position

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a high-level management/leadership position (management, direction) in the context of international cooperation/humanitarian assistance.
• Previous experience of working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Verifiable experience related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in Spanish is a requirement.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Context/skills, knowledge and experience:

• University degree in Social Sciences, Economic Sciences and Administration or similar.
• Fourth level degree in Project Management, Management or related field of work (desirable).
• Knowledge of the Ecuadorian context and the refugee and migrant population.
• Experience in capacity building and development of management teams.
• Experience leading large teams and managing personnel with favorable results.
• Knowledge/experience in strategic direction, budget planning and management, and project management.
• Experience working with donors and/or cooperation agencies.

Behavioral competencies (max 6)

These are personal qualities that influence how successful people are in their job. NRC’s Competency Framework states 12 behavioral competencies, the following are essential for this position:

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