Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Since its inception, NRC has been dedicated to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on areas with acute humanitarian needs. NRC has been active in Nigeria since 2015, working to support displacement-affected communities through various core competencies, including Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Livelihoods, and Protection. The organization has a significant presence in the northeast of Nigeria, particularly in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states, where it has reached over 269,000 people with assistance in 2021 alone. NRC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging innovative ideas and professional growth among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager (APM) plays a crucial role in overseeing a significant portion of NRC’s Area Office program in operational areas, particularly in Adamawa and Borno States, Nigeria. The APM is responsible for providing strategic direction and quality assurance for NRC Nigeria’s programs, ensuring that all projects and activities adhere to appropriate quality and compliance standards. This position involves mentoring staff, building their capacity, and ensuring that the Area Office meets its spending and implementation plans and targets. The APM will also represent NRC at relevant coordination forums and contribute to new program development, due diligence, and capacity building with strategic and implementing partners in Northeast Nigeria. The APM is a member of the Area Management Team and is expected to lead the development of Area Office program strategies and specific approaches related to NRC’s core competencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The APM will ensure full compliance with NRC’s policies, handbooks, procedures, and operational guidelines at all levels of program implementation. Key responsibilities include:

• Line management of CC Project Managers/Coordinators, Area Emergency Response Project Manager, and Area M&E Coordinator.
• Leading the development of Area Office program strategies and Core Competency-specific approaches.
• Initiating and contributing to the design of context-relevant projects and interventions.
• Leading effective grant management and full project cycle management (PCM) in line with NRC’s PCM framework and donor requirements.
• Promoting and driving integrated (multi-sector) programs and ensuring adherence to relevant quality standards.
• Overseeing effective grant management and ensuring timely, high-quality reporting to donors.
• Ensuring compliance with contractual commitments and implementing critical learnings from project implementation.
• Developing and implementing a capacity-building plan for all area program staff.
• Ensuring that projects target beneficiaries most in need of protection and exploring new ways to assist. 1
• Ensuring implementation follows the SIP (Safe Inclusive Programming) minimum standards in alignment with the SIP Action Plan.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Area Programme Manager position should possess the following qualifications:

• A postgraduate qualification in a humanitarian-relevant discipline.
• At least 4 years of experience in a management position within a humanitarian and/or recovery context.
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile environments.
• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of Project Cycle Management and team leadership skills.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including strong skills in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience in North-east Nigeria is mandatory, along with knowledge of community-based and participatory program design and planning approaches.
• Ability to think creatively and practically to enhance project quality. 1
• Experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and program development. 1
• Knowledge of multiple core competency programming and expertise in one or more of NRC’s Core Competencies is considered an advantage. 1
• Strong communication skills with the capacity to influence and negotiate with various stakeholders. 1
• Solid leadership skills and a supportive management style. 1
• Experience managing and prioritizing a diverse workload effectively. 1
• Partnership management experience is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Area Programme Manager position are required to have a postgraduate qualification in a humanitarian-relevant discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage programs in a humanitarian context, particularly in complex and volatile environments such as Northeast Nigeria.

Experience:
The position requires at least 4 years of experience in a management role within a humanitarian and/or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating their ability to navigate challenges and deliver results. Experience in North-east Nigeria is mandatory, as it provides the necessary context-specific knowledge and understanding of the humanitarian landscape in the region. Additionally, candidates should have documented results related to the responsibilities of the position, showcasing their effectiveness in program management and leadership.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. This proficiency is essential for effective communication with team members, stakeholders, and donors. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of local languages spoken in Northeast Nigeria may be considered an advantage, as it can facilitate better engagement with local communities and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The Area Programme Manager position is based in Northeast Nigeria, specifically in Maiduguri, and is offered on a 12-month contract. The salary for this position is classified as grade 9 on NRC’s National salary scale. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides opportunities for employees at all levels to take initiative. It is important to note that this position is open only to candidates who have the legal right to work in Nigeria, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships.