Area Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an international non-governmental organization founded in Norway, with a mission to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC operates in over 25 countries worldwide, providing essential services to displaced populations. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), NRC has been active since 2001, focusing on various humanitarian programs including education, protection, shelter, water and sanitation, and legal assistance. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality aid and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that their needs are met in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The Area Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the designated Area Office in Bukavu, South Kivu. This role involves coordinating the implementation of programs and ensuring that support services are compliant and of high quality. The Area Operations Manager will work to achieve key program objectives, address operational challenges, and maintain the delivery of services in the area. The position requires effective communication with the country leadership to escalate risks and ensure that program/project implementation is both high quality and cost-effective. The manager will also be involved in building professional networks at the local level to promote NRC's mission and contribute to assessments for new operational areas, developing strategies for program implementation.

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

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Area Operations Manager position should possess a minimum of three years of experience in a senior project and team management role, ideally within a humanitarian or recovery context. A bachelor's degree in political sciences, social studies, business administration, or a related field is required. Fluency in French, both written and verbal, is essential for effective communication in the role. Candidates should also have experience in implementing cash-based interventions and market-based programs, as well as knowledge of the context in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Familiarity with start-up and exit strategies is advantageous, along with proficiency in Swahili and local languages.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Area Operations Manager position includes a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as political sciences, social studies, or business administration. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and effectively managing projects and teams in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a senior project and team management role, particularly within the humanitarian or recovery sectors. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of operational management and the ability to navigate the challenges associated with working in insecure environments.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the region. Additionally, good knowledge of Swahili and local languages is considered beneficial, enhancing the ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Bukavu, South Kivu, and the contract is fixed-term, extending up to December 202

• NRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package, classified as Grade 9 on NRC’s National Salary Scale. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. NRC fosters a supportive culture that encourages employee initiative and professional growth, ensuring that all employees are heard and empowered to contribute to the organization's mission.