Area Manager

The overall purpose of the role

The Area Manager (AM) will provide leadership in the design, delivery and quality of DRC programs 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 and protocols within the area & ensure the safety of all staff and assets in DRC Somaliland operation in line with DRC leadership concept and the core competencies. You actively manage administration HR/Finance, Supply Chain and Program implementation, ensure field teams are prepared to respond to emergencies. You assist in the program coordinators and managers' follow-up of technical departments' field work, promoting program integration while acting as a conduit and focal point for coordination.

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.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Development

• In consultation with the SMT, lead the strategic development of the Area and Field Offices and ensure that DRC remains relevant to the needs of the people of concern in the region.  
• Provide leadership, coordination, and integration of DRC activities in the area, including, but not limited, to protection, emergency response, livelihood, and area based programming.
• 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 our 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 Operations, Head of Programs and Head of Support Services, ensure program strategy and delivery is up to date and well resourced

Program Management

• Be a driving force in terms of developing DRC's program in Somaliland and provide inputs to fundraising efforts, in coordination with the Business Development Unit, HoOps, HoP and the Country Director
• The position will include a specific project focusing on accessing Hard to Reach populations in Somalia and will be working with program managers based in country, as well as at the HQ level
• 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/ /HoSS, oversee project work plans from Tech Specialists 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. Be PFP for certain projects.
• 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 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.

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, salary allocation table and maintain efficient financial control, and tracking, including donor reporting. Monitor and analyze financial risks in line with the financial procedures 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 ensuring asset lists are up to date.
• Ensure that HR activities (recruitments, on boarding, performance) are effectively managed
• 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 DRC Area operations comply with all local labour laws and legislations

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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 act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

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

Conditions

Contract:         12 months with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered by DRC’s Terms of Employment for National Staff; Employment band Management E2

Availability:       1st April 2024

Duty station:    This position is based in Hargeisa – Somaliland

Reporting Line:  Head of Operations

Providing equal opportunities, we are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards: DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP, and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct about DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. DRC conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process

Application and CV

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered

DRC only accepts applications sent via our online application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 21st February 2024