Area Manager – Greece

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Area Manager (North Greece).

About the job

The Area Manager is responsible for the overall management, implementation and programme development of DRC’s operations and represents externally DRC in the assigned area of responsibility. S/he will be responsible for all support functions (administration, HR, Finance, Supply Chain, Safety, Advocacy and Programs) as well as for the implementation of DRC’s multisector integrated programme in line with DRC’s strategy in Greece, in close coordination with the Country Office, Head of Support Services and Head of Programme and by receiving technical assistance by the relevant technical experts in the above areas of work.

The position requires a high degree of responsibility, flexibility and understanding of complex organizational charts including horizontal liaising among different senior managers and particularly the Athens based Heads of Departments. S/He reports to the Country Director.

Your main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Act as the main DRC representative in the area and regularly communicate DRC strategy and advocacy messages to all relevant forums/meetings with the objective to strengthen DRC’s position in the area
• Leadership, coordination and integration of DRC activities in the area in line with DRC’s Strategic Programme Document (SPD);
• Direct line management in compliance with the DRC procedures and the Greek Labour Law of the staff based in the designated region, including recruitment, coaching, performance management, appraisal processes, capacity building and ensuring interdepartmental co-ordination;
• Liaise and closely coordinate with the Senior Management Team (SMT) based in Athens to promote strong links between Country Office and Thessaloniki Sub-Office staff and to ensure Technical Line Management is active and functioning;
• Ensure that existing programming and operational guidelines are being applied and followed by all teams in the area of responsibility;
• Ensure a rights-based approach to all DRC programming in his/her area of responsibility;
• Actively contribute to the development of DRC program in the respective area of responsibility and provide inputs to the development of project proposals.
• Regularly analyze and communicate updates to the Senior Management Team (SMT) and other relevant staff of the Country Office on the local context and humanitarian situation.
• Provide budget monitoring and financial control in compliance with DRC policies and donor requirements;
• Comply with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance of external reports related to the area of responsibility.
• Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and suggest relevant accountability initiatives in the field as well as strengthening the effort to document the impact of DRC activities in the area;

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to take on a high degree of responsibility, flexibility and understanding of complex organizational charts including horizontal liaising among different senior managers and particularly the Athens based Heads of Departments.
Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required:

• University degree in international relations, management, human rights, social science or related field;
• Minimum 5 to 8 years’ professional work experience within humanitarian/development work (1-2 years in management positions);
• Minimum 3 years working on Greek context.
• Solid project management experience.
• Extensive experience in representation and networking;
• Solid management skills and ability to manage large team;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff and other stakeholders;
• Knowledge of displacement issues and local context in Greece and/or Europe is a strong asset.
• Excellent negotiation, advocacy and communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are required
• Multi-tasking and organizational skills is a must
• Proven strategic, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to live and work in a demanding working environment.
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
• Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
• Good understanding of displacement issues of refugees and related international standards/frameworks;
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace
• Team-oriented & good sense of humor
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English

Desirable

• Professional fluency in written and spoken Greek

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 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

• Fixed Term Contract under Greek Labor Law (national contract)
• Designation of Duty Station: North Greece: The position will be based in Thessaloniki, with 30% travelling
• All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)
• DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.