Area Manager

Introduction to DRC Lebanon:

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis. DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in Protection (with a specific focus on Gender Based Violence, Child Protection and Legal Assistance and a strong emphasis on capacity building of partners), Economic Recovery (Livelihoods and Basic Assistance) Mine Risk Education, Accountability and Effectiveness of the Response through Coordination and Analysis of Referrals nationally and looking into further engagement into the Social Stability sector. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

In this exciting and challenging role, you will lead all of DRC’s multi-sectorial humanitarian programmes in northern Lebanon. You will be accountable for programme delivery, operational effectiveness, and the safety, welfare and effectiveness of in excess of 100 staff working across multiple sectors.

Supported by a strong operations team and skilled programme managers you will ensure DRC delivers high quality results for displacement-affected communities across northern Lebanon, while ensuring that the programmes balances the needs of both host and refugee communities.

As a member of the country Senior Management Team, you will contribute to DRC Lebanon strategic directions and be a strong leader who values humanitarian principles and is focused on developing staff to deliver results for the communities DRC serves.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Area Manager (AM) is accountable for all of DRC’s results, impact and strategic goals in northern Lebanon. The AM is responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of all DRC’s work in northern Lebanon.  Working hand-in-hand with the Programme Manager(s), the AM oversees multi-sectoral programme implementation according to DRC’s commitments and strategies in Lebanon, while working with the Support Services teams to also ensure that they are implemented in accordance with DRC’s regulations, procedures and guidelines.

The AM is accountable for enabling a productive and accountable relationship with beneficiaries, community leaders/representatives, relevant governmental authorities, national and international NGOs and UN Agencies. As DRC’s primary representative in northern Lebanon, the AM also ensures a safe environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries and assets through a proactive, acceptance-building approach.

Responsibilities:

Representation and Coordination

• Represent all aspects of programmes and operations and have overall accountability for the area
• Foster relationships with Government authorities, national and international organisations and other relevant stakeholders in the area
• Maintain close working relationships with donors and lead negotiations to further partnerships.
• Develop, implement and regularly revise DRC’s engagement strategy and acceptance in the area
• Ensure that the DRC programme in the area contributes to DRC´s advocacy efforts
• Ensure collaboration and coordination with the other Area Manager(s) to ensure programmatic integration and learning

Management    

• Line manage area support and program staff, ensuring inter-department coordination
• Enable an effective team through results-oriented management systems and leadership
• People management of direct reports (including development, people planning and performance)
• Encourage a positive, innovative and mutually supportive team spirit amongst the area team
• Ensure overall provision of and adherence to DRC policies, Code of Conduct, procedures, guidelines, systems and standard practices, including commitments under the CHS

Programme development

• Lead the process of adapting DRC national strategy in coordination with the Programme Manager(s)
• Provide guidance to the Programme Manager(s) in developing DRC’s program in the area and provide technical and context-specific input for fundraising efforts
• Provide regular analysis of the context and humanitarian situation in the area for the development of project proposals, organisational strategies and safety assessments.

Safety and Security                       

• Ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries and assets by ensuring local security procedures are up to date and are being followed by promoting regular staff training, providing safety analysis, recommendations and follows-ups.   

Reporting

• Comply with internal reporting requirements and contribute to, and provide, quality assurance of external reports from area.
• Participate in DRC internal coordination mechanisms as required.
• Strengthen efforts to document the impact of DRC activities in the area

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• Country Director and Senior Management Team
• External Partners
• Donors

Practical information:

• Salary: Band E, Level 2
• Duty Station: Family duty station
• Length of contract: 1 year
• Start date if hired:  August 2019

About you:

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience) 

• Minimum 5 years management experience overseeing humanitarian and development multi-sector, multi-donor programmes in complex environments
• Strong leadership skills and a competence in people management
• Practical and extensive financial, human resources and public procurement experience
• Proven excellent communication skills and report writing skills is a must
• Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)
• University degree with advanced training/courses either in management, international relations, development studies, or other related field.
• Languages: (indicate fluency level)
• Fluency in written and spoken English essential
• Spoken Arabic an advantage

Application process

The position is vacant for both national and international staff.

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

Closing date for applications: 15th of July 2019

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.