Area Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. NRC has a strong commitment to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on delivering essential services and support to vulnerable populations. NRC is known for its innovative approaches and dedication to fostering professional growth among its employees, promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and has a zero-tolerance policy against exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager position at NRC Chad is a critical role that involves leading and managing the newly established Area Office for Eastern Chad, specifically in Iriba. This position is part of the implementation of the Country Operations and Cooperation Model (CO-OP 3.0), which aims to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness in the region. The Area Manager will oversee a team of 82 staff members and manage a significant portfolio of NOK 102 million across six Core Competencies. The role requires a strong understanding of the humanitarian context in Chad and the Sahel region, as well as the ability to navigate the complexities of working in hardship locations. The Area Manager will be responsible for ensuring high-quality, cost-effective program implementation and strong area-level management, particularly in light of the ongoing Sudan refugee crisis. This includes leading area-level needs assessments, emergency preparedness, and response planning, as well as ensuring compliance with minimum standards for safe and inclusive programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the operational implementation of the CO-OP 3.0 restructuring in Area Est, ensuring a smooth transition to the new structure by September 202
• Providing direct management and oversight to six direct reports, including the Area Program Manager (APM), Field Office Manager (FOM), Finance Officer, Health and Safety Officer, HR & Admin Officer, and Logistics Coordinator.
• Ensuring effective remote management of the Adré Field Office through the FOM, including regular field visits and quality oversight.
• Representing NRC Area Est in all relevant coordination mechanisms, including UN clusters, OCHA, UNHCR, and government authorities in Wadi Fira, Ennedi Est, and Ouaddaï.
• Leading area-level needs assessments, emergency preparedness, and response planning in the context of the ongoing Sudan refugee crisis.
• Ensuring the implementation of Minimum Standards for Safe and Inclusive Programming across all Area Est operations.
• Ensuring all Area Est staff complete mandatory training on PSEA, anti-corruption, and child safeguarding, and serving as the reference point for case management in line with internal procedures.
• Ensuring that all staff carry out performance and work development processes within the Area.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Area Manager position must possess a minimum of three years of experience in a senior management or leadership role within international cooperation or humanitarian assistance. Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts is essential, along with demonstrated experience in area or country-level management, including oversight of multi-sector programs and support functions. Fluency in both French and English, both written and verbal, is required. A university degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Administration, or a related field is also necessary. Candidates should have knowledge of the humanitarian context in Chad and/or the Sahel region, experience with organizational transitions, and the ability to manage large, multi-site teams effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Area Manager position includes a university degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Administration, or a related field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and for effectively managing programs and teams in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of experience in a senior management or leadership role in international cooperation or humanitarian assistance. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex and volatile contexts, demonstrating the ability to manage multi-sector programs and support functions effectively. Experience in capacity building and development of management teams in national staff-led structures is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Knowledge of Chadian Arabic and/or other local languages is considered an advantage, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Iriba, Chad, and the contract is fixed-term for 12 months. The salary is graded at level 10 on NRC’s salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides opportunities for employees to take initiative. Additionally, NRC emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contributing to a safe environment for all.