Area 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 members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of those affected by crises, including refugees and internally displaced persons, and works in some of the most challenging environments globally. NRC is recognized for its high-quality aid and advocacy for the rights of displaced populations, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager position is a senior role within NRC, reporting directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director. The individual in this role will have overall responsibility for the designated area, ensuring that NRC's programs and operations align with the organization's mission, policies, and country-specific strategies. The Area Manager will oversee all direct and partner-based responses in East Libya, ensuring high-quality and cost-effective program implementation. This role requires strong leadership skills, the ability to manage diverse teams, and a strategic approach to program management within a humanitarian context. The Area Manager will also be responsible for maintaining stakeholder engagement and ensuring adherence to humanitarian principles while managing safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks in the area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Manager will lead the development and implementation of NRC's area-level strategy, ensuring that it is responsive to the humanitarian context and aligned with NRC Libya's country strategy. Key responsibilities include ensuring the delivery of evidence-based services that are flexible, safe, and inclusive, and that enhance accountability to affected populations. The Area Manager will also be responsible for delivering high-quality responses to hard-to-reach areas, maintaining diverse stakeholder engagement, and ensuring staff security and safety at the area office. The role includes organizing grants opening and closure meetings, overseeing project implementation in compliance with contractual commitments, assessing needs, developing emergency response plans, and managing partnerships with local actors. Additionally, the Area Manager will have line management responsibilities for directly reporting staff, focusing on performance management and capacity building to equip staff with necessary skills and competencies. The position also involves representing NRC in coordination with external stakeholders at both national and local levels and promoting the rights of internally displaced persons and returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in international relations, Development Studies, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is considered an added advantage. The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in program management at a senior level within a humanitarian or recovery context, particularly in complex and volatile environments. Proven skills in leadership, management of large and diverse teams, strategic planning, and budget management are essential. Experience with remote management and delivering assistance in hard-to-reach areas, as well as change management and policy implementation, is also required. Candidates should have experience in capacity building of staff to prepare them for senior leadership roles and possess knowledge of the context in Libya.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as international relations, Development Studies, Business Administration, or similar disciplines. A Master's degree is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The Area Manager position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in program management at a senior level, specifically within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating their ability to manage large teams and implement effective programs under challenging conditions.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, fluency in Arabic is considered a strong benefit, as it will facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Benghazi, Libya, and is classified as a Fixed-Term Contract at the national level. The role may require travel to operational areas, estimated at 30% of the time. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC's grade 10 salary scale, which includes terms and conditions specific to the organization. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, and fostering a culture of inclusion and support.