Area Support Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in regions experiencing crises, and aims to uphold the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC's mission is to ensure that displaced individuals receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity.

Job Overview:
The Area Support Manager position is crucial for providing comprehensive support to various programs at the area level and within sub-offices. This role involves leading and managing support units to ensure compliance with NRC and donor guidelines. The Area Support Manager will oversee all support functions, including finance, human resources, logistics/procurement, administration, and ICT, ensuring they operate efficiently and effectively across the area office and its sub-offices. This position serves as a vital link between program implementation teams and support departments, facilitating the timely and compliant delivery of NRC’s projects to affected populations. The Area Support Manager will also play a strategic role in developing operational support aligned with the Country Strategy and Plan of Action, ensuring that all support functions contribute to the overall success of NRC’s mission in South Sudan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Support Manager will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: managing directly reporting staff across finance, HR & Admin, logistics, and ICT; ensuring compliance with NRC policies and donor requirements; facilitating strategic input for the development of the Country Strategy; providing operational support in proposal development; monitoring and reporting on budget expenditures; training staff in financial management; collaborating with finance teams to develop project budgets; ensuring compliance with local financial regulations; and maintaining a standard filing and referencing system for all transactions. The role also involves capacity building of support staff, ensuring that all staff are trained on mandatory courses, and developing new area-specific technical SOPs and guidelines. The Area Support Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all support functions are aligned with program plans and that adequate resources are allocated for effective program implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university master's degree or equivalent in management or business administration. A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management position within a humanitarian or recovery context is required. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile environments, with expertise in resource allocation and cost management. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with fluency in English and working knowledge of Arabic. Familiarity with the regional context, particularly in Greater Upper Nile, is advantageous. Candidates should also have solid knowledge of HR, finance, and logistics routines in a humanitarian context, as well as experience in implementing humanitarian projects and programs.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university master's degree or equivalent in management, business administration, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of managing support functions in a humanitarian context and for effectively leading teams in achieving organizational goals.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing support functions, including finance, HR, logistics, and administration, in challenging environments. Experience in resource allocation, budgeting, and compliance with donor regulations is also necessary. Familiarity with the specific challenges faced in South Sudan and the ability to navigate complex operational landscapes will be critical for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Working knowledge of Arabic is also required, as it will facilitate communication with local staff and stakeholders. Additional language skills relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bor, South Sudan, and is offered as a national contract for a duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension based on available funds and performance. The role involves approximately 40% travel within the region. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC’s national salary scale, specifically at grade

• NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, particularly women. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, innovation, and responsibility among its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development. Candidates must have the legal right to work in South Sudan, as NRC will not sponsor visas or work permits.