Area Operations Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an international non-governmental organization founded in Norway, which has been operational since 194

• NRC is dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a presence in over 25 countries worldwide, NRC focuses on providing assistance in various sectors including education, protection, shelter, water and sanitation, and legal assistance. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, NRC has been active since 2001, working primarily in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, where it aims to address the needs of displaced populations and support their recovery and resilience.

Job Overview:
The Area Operations Manager is responsible for the operational oversight of the designated Area Office in South Kivu. This role involves coordinating the implementation of programs and ensuring that support services are compliant and of high quality. The manager will drive the achievement of key program objectives, address operational challenges, and maintain the delivery of services in the area. The position requires a proactive approach to risk management and the ability to escalate issues to country leadership to ensure effective program implementation. The Area Operations Manager will also represent NRC at the local level, build professional networks, 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 coordination with the country office, representing NRC externally at the local level, contributing to assessments for new areas of operation, contextualizing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring completion of work and development plans by staff, conducting performance feedback sessions, maintaining data collection systems, coordinating periodic reporting to the Country Management Group, and carrying out any other relevant tasks as delegated by the line manager. This role is crucial for ensuring that NRC's operations in South Kivu are effective and responsive to the needs of the displaced populations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of experience in a senior project and team management role, preferably within a humanitarian or recovery context. A Bachelor's degree in political sciences, social studies, business administration, or a related field is required. Candidates should demonstrate fluency in French, both written and verbal, and have experience in implementing cash-based interventions and market-based programs. Knowledge of the context in the Democratic Republic of Congo is essential, along with experience in start-up and exit strategies. Good knowledge of Swahili and local languages is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in political sciences, social studies, business administration, or any other relevant field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and effectively managing projects in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a senior project and team management role, ideally within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing projects, leading teams, and navigating the challenges associated with humanitarian work, particularly in insecure environments.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, both written and verbal. Additionally, knowledge of Swahili and local languages is considered a strong asset, as it enhances communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Bukavu, South Kivu, and the contract is fixed-term, lasting 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 distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. NRC encourages innovative ideas and responsibility among employees at all levels, fostering a supportive culture and open dialogue with management.