Area Manager, South-East

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. Founded in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year, focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations affected by crises. NRC has been active in Myanmar since 2008, delivering humanitarian assistance and protection to those impacted by conflict and displacement, particularly following Cyclone Nargis. The organization has developed a strong reputation for its technical skills and effective program delivery, with a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of affected communities through integrated programming and advocacy.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager for South-East Myanmar will oversee the quality and cost-effective implementation of programs and projects within the region, which includes one Area Office in Hpa-An and two Sub-Offices in Taungoo and Dawei. The role requires a strong leader who can inspire and manage diverse teams while developing and integrating strategic initiatives that align with NRC's mission. The Area Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the country strategy and core competencies are effectively implemented in the area, overseeing operational aspects such as budget management, donor proposals, and reporting. Additionally, the role involves capacity building and training of staff, as well as representing NRC in various networking opportunities. This position is crucial for maintaining the high standards of humanitarian assistance that NRC is known for in Myanmar.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide people leadership and line management for project and support functions within the South-East area.
• Implement country strategy and core competencies strategies, ensuring alignment with NRC's overall mission.
• Oversee operational management, including master support budgets, donor proposals, and reporting requirements.
• Facilitate capacity building and training initiatives for staff to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
• Represent NRC in external meetings and networking events to promote the organization's work and build partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with NRC policies and procedures in all aspects of program implementation.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within the team, encouraging staff to share ideas and take initiative.
• Address the varied and complex needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and affected host populations through complementary programming. 1
• Engage with local and international partners to enhance the effectiveness of NRC's response in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess senior management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, demonstrating strong leadership skills and the ability to navigate complex and volatile environments. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in developing and implementing strategic initiatives, as well as experience in managing diverse teams. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of the humanitarian landscape in Myanmar and the challenges faced by affected populations.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in areas pertinent to humanitarian assistance and program management are highly desirable and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in senior management roles within humanitarian organizations, particularly in contexts similar to that of Myanmar. Experience in program management, strategic planning, and operational oversight is critical. Familiarity with the challenges of working in complex and volatile environments, as well as experience in capacity building and team leadership, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within NRC and with external partners. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Myanmar, such as Burmese or ethnic languages, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Hpa-An, Kayin State, Myanmar, with a contract duration of 24 months. The role involves approximately 30% travel within the region. NRC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, aligned with Grade 10 in NRC’s National Salary Scale. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. NRC does not provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this position, and candidates must have legal eligibility to work in Myanmar. The application process requires candidates to submit their CV in English and complete all required fields in the application system.