Area Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. NRC operates in various countries, including Cameroon, where it focuses on delivering humanitarian assistance in challenging environments. The organization is committed to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and fosters a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovation. The organization has a strong commitment to safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contributing to a safe environment free from exploitation and harassment. NRC operates in multiple countries and has a significant number of employees dedicated to humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Area Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the designated Area Office in Kousseri, Cameroon. This role involves coordinating program implementation and ensuring that high-quality support services are provided in compliance with NRC standards. The Area Operations Manager will lead a team of approximately 25 staff members, ensuring effective operational management and program delivery. The position requires strong leadership skills to address operational bottlenecks and maintain the delivery of services while escalating risks to country leadership. The Area Operations Manager will also represent NRC in Area-Based Coordination mechanisms and engage with various stakeholders to promote the organization's mission and objectives. This role is crucial in ensuring that NRC's humanitarian assistance is effectively delivered in a context marked by logistical constraints and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Area Operations Manager include organizing grants opening and closure meetings in coordination with the country office, representing NRC externally at the local level, and building professional networks to promote the organization. The manager will contribute to assessments for new areas of operation, outline potential areas for intervention, and develop program strategies for implementation. Additionally, the Area Operations Manager will contextualize, adapt, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure effective assistance provision. They will ensure that work and development plans are completed by all staff members, conduct regular performance feedback sessions, and maintain NRC's data collection systems. The manager will coordinate periodic reporting to the Country Management Group and provide analysis while escalating high-risk areas as needed. Other tasks relevant to the area office may be assigned by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of three years of experience in office or operations management, preferably within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should demonstrate experience in team leadership and project management, including planning, coordination, and oversight of operational activities. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and support program implementation in complex environments is essential. Fluency in both English and French, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Candidates should also possess context-related skills, knowledge, and experience, including supporting cash-based interventions and market-based programming, as well as knowledge of the humanitarian and socio-political context in Far North Cameroon.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Area Operations Manager position should have a relevant educational background that supports their ability to perform the duties of the role. This may include degrees in fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, business administration, or other related disciplines. The educational qualifications should align with the operational and programmatic needs of NRC in the context of humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of relevant experience in operations management, particularly in humanitarian or recovery settings. Experience in managing teams, coordinating projects, and implementing programs in complex operational environments is crucial. Familiarity with the socio-political dynamics of the Lake Chad Basin region and experience in durable solutions programming will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as effective communication in both languages is essential for coordinating with local authorities, partners, and stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset and may enhance the ability to engage with the community and facilitate program implementation.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kousseri, Cameroon, and is offered as a national fixed-term contract for 12 months, renewable based on funding and performance. The salary is graded at Grade 9 on the NRC Cameroon National salary scale. NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in its workforce, and it encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization provides various benefits to its employees, including opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment. Interested candidates should direct any questions about the application process to the provided email address, but applications sent via email will not be accepted.