Area Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is DRC (Danish Refugee Council), which is a leading humanitarian organization that works to support displaced people and communities affected by conflict and disaster. DRC was established in 1956 and has since grown to operate in over 40 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and protection to those in need. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, protection, and development, aiming to create lasting solutions for displaced individuals and communities. DRC is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in its operations, ensuring that its mission aligns with the needs of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager (AM) position is a critical leadership role within DRC, responsible for overseeing the implementation of program activities that directly impact the Rohingya internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in Rakhine State, Myanmar. The AM will lead the operational strategy and ensure that all programs are executed effectively and in accordance with DRC policies and standards. This role requires a strong focus on strategic planning, program development, and stakeholder engagement, as the AM will represent DRC in various forums and coordinate with local authorities, NGOs, and UN agencies. The AM will also play a key role in contributing to the overall strategic direction of DRC's programming in Myanmar and Bangladesh, ensuring that the organization's localization agenda is advanced and that new program initiatives are developed in line with funding opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Manager will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing strategic and programmatic leadership by conducting continual context analysis and leading the development of area-level program and operational strategies; ensuring that program implementation adheres to DRC policies and sectoral guidelines; managing teams effectively, including planning, implementation, and monitoring of work plans; coordinating across departments to resolve operational challenges; representing DRC in relevant coordination forums; maintaining relationships with government authorities and stakeholders; ensuring compliance with internal reporting requirements; leading advocacy efforts at the area level; overseeing staff safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security; ensuring adherence to administrative, financial, HR, procurement, and logistics policies; and managing risks proactively. The AM will also be responsible for people management, overseeing a team of direct reports and a larger group of indirect reports, ensuring strong inter-departmental coordination and effective performance management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Area Manager position must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences or International Development, or have equivalent work experience. A minimum of 5 years of senior management experience in humanitarian and development programs is required, with a proven track record in overseeing multi-sector, multi-donor programs in complex environments. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in people management, demonstrating strong leadership skills and competence in managing teams. Practical experience in financial, human resources, and administration management is essential, along with substantial work experience in emergency, protection, camp management, and development sectors, particularly with displaced or refugee communities. Familiarity with donor guidelines and external stakeholder management is also important, as is the ability to communicate effectively and produce quality reports.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant subject area such as Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field. Candidates with equivalent work experience may also be considered. The emphasis is on having a strong academic foundation that supports the responsibilities of the Area Manager role, particularly in understanding the complexities of humanitarian and development work.

Experience:
The Area Manager position requires a minimum of 5 years of senior management level experience in relevant fields, particularly in overseeing humanitarian and development programs in complex and volatile environments. Candidates should have a proven track record in people management, demonstrating the ability to lead and develop teams effectively. Experience in managing programs related to emergency response, protection, and camp management, especially in contexts involving displaced or refugee communities, is essential. Additionally, familiarity with donor guidelines and external stakeholder management is highly valued.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for the role. Knowledge of Bangla is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate better engagement with local communities and stakeholders in the area of operation.

Additional Notes:
The contract for the Area Manager position will be a regular contract with DRC, including a 3-month probation period. The contract is renewable based on funding availability and performance. The salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment, and the position is classified within Employment Band E management. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting their application in English by the deadline of 23rd April 202

• It is important to note that applications consisting solely of a CV will not be considered, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with shortlisted candidates potentially contacted for interviews before the closing date.