Area Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members who operate in 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals affected by displacement and conflict. NRC is recognized for its commitment to high-quality aid and advocacy for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that their needs are met in various challenging contexts, including Syria, where they are one of the few agencies providing comprehensive support.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager position is crucial for ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of NRC's programs and projects within the designated geographical area of Aden. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including leading NRC's operations, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and representing NRC at the area level. The Area Manager is expected to contribute to strategic decision-making as a key member of the Country Management Group (CMG). The position requires a strong focus on high-quality programming, resource management, and external coordination, particularly in the humanitarian sector. The Area Manager will oversee the implementation of NRC's core competencies and ensure that projects are designed and executed in a conflict-sensitive manner, with a strong emphasis on beneficiary engagement and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Manager will be responsible for a variety of key tasks, including: providing area-specific input on country strategies and action plans; organizing grant opening and closure meetings to ensure timely operationalization of projects; ensuring high-quality programming for both emergency and durable solutions interventions; strengthening beneficiary-led project design and implementation; delivering evidence-based services that are flexible and inclusive; conducting needs assessments and developing emergency response plans; ensuring optimal resource utilization within project budgets; monitoring budgets and adjusting plans as necessary; representing NRC and coordinating with UN agencies, NGOs, local authorities, and stakeholders; leading initiatives to enhance staff capacity and improve services; ensuring a high-quality response in hard-to-reach areas; and promoting the rights of internally displaced persons and returnees in line with advocacy strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in international relations, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field, with a Master's degree being an added advantage. A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior project management role within a humanitarian or recovery context is required. Proven leadership skills, experience managing large and diverse teams, and strong budget management capabilities are essential. Previous experience in complex and volatile contexts is also necessary, along with fluency in English, both written and verbal. Knowledge of the context in Yemen is preferable, as is experience with restructuring and phase-out processes and coordination with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as international relations, Development Studies, or Business Administration. A Master's degree is considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, specifically in a senior project management role within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership and management of diverse teams, as well as experience in strategic planning and budget management. Familiarity with the challenges of working in complex and volatile environments is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position based in Aden, Yemen, with a fixed-term contract lasting 12 months, subject to renewal based on performance and funding availability. The role involves frequent travel to field locations within the Aden area, with travel requirements of up to 30% nationally and occasional trips to Amman. The salary is based on NRC's grade 10 salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring a work culture that empowers employees at all levels and encourages innovative ideas.