Area Manager

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 displacment 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 fulfillment 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. 

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About the Job 

The Area Manager (AM) reports to the Country Director and is responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming in the area of operation.  S/he will oversee program implementation according to DRC strategies in Lebanon 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, National and International NGOs and UN Agencies in their AoR. The AM is the DRC’s primary representative with relevant actors in the area of operation; s/he is the line manager for all staff with area responsibilities and s/he is responsible for ensuring a result oriented team. The incumbent will also ensure a safe environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries and assets through a proactive-acceptance approach using DRC’s security framework.  

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SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Representation and Coordination  

• Represents all aspects of program and operations and has overall accountability for their AOR 

• Act as the primary DRC representative in the area of operation and attend all relevant fora/meetings in order to strengthen DRC’s position in the area, including government authorities, relevant stakeholders; 

• Foster relationships with Government authorities, national and international organizations and other relevant stakeholders in the area of operation; 

• Maintain close working relationships with donors, notably the sub-offices of UNHCR, UNICEF and WFP to  nurture current partnerships and lead negotiations for further partnerships. Organise and host donors during visits to projects sites; 

Management     

• Line manage area support and program staff (Operations Manager, Program Manager, Safety, and Reporting managers/officers) ensuring inter-department co-ordination; 

• Closely coordinate with the senior management team based in Beirut ensuring regular information flows ;  

Programme development 

• Lead the process of adapting DRC national strategy in coordination with the Area Programme Manager, ensure oversite on quality and timeliness of proposals and reports before submission to Beirut; 

• Provide regular analysis on the context and humanitarian situation in the area for the development of project proposals and safety assessments. 

Safety and Security                 

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

Accountability 

• Ensure overall provision of and adherence to DRC policies, procedures, guidelines, systems and standard practices, including commitments under the HAF; 

• Ensure oversite and support to quality programming, monitoring and evaluation and operational integrity;   

Operational  

• Provide leadership in overseeing of all logistical/procurement, HR/administration and office services activities and ensure their timely/efficient delivering.  

Reporting 

• Comply with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance of external reports from area of operation;

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About you 

Essential 

• University degree with advanced training/courses either in management, international relations, development studies, or other related field;  

• Minimum 5 years management experience, overseeing humanitarian and development multi-sector, multi-donor programmes in complex and volatile environments; 

• Proven experience in strategic development and program design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Practical and extensive financial, HR and administration management experience with extensive knowledge of budget development/management and finance documentation, tracking and archiving; understanding of HR and administration principles and ethics. Experience with UN, ECHO, BPRM, DFiD guidelines will be an added advantage; 

• Proven excellent communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English essential. Excellent report writing skills is a must. 

• Commitment to the values, vision and mission of DRC;

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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 act in line with our vision and values.

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Desirable 

• Experience working with the region 

• Experience in livelihoods, housing/infrastructure, protection, governance   

• Experience in security and safety management in highly dynamic security environments  

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We offer 

Contract length: 12 months contract 

Level:  F for Nationals, 5100 USD and A11 for Internationals  

Duty Station: North 

Start date: February 2018

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Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact dolene.khairallah@drclebanon.dk.

Application process 

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button or go to www.drc.ngo under current vacancies. 

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

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Closing date for applications: 31st of January 2018, interviews are expected to take place on rolling basis. Once the candidate is selected, the position will be automatically closed.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk 

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

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