Area Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that has been operational in the Central African Republic (CAR) since 201

• NRC's mission is to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises, providing them with essential services and support. The organization is committed to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the aid they need in some of the world's most challenging environments. NRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on delivering high-quality aid and fostering professional growth among its employees. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging innovative ideas and responsibility at all levels. NRC's commitment to safeguarding and ethical practices is central to its operations, ensuring a safe environment for all stakeholders involved.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager position is crucial for providing overall operational leadership in the Central African Republic, particularly in Bouar, which will serve as the main operational hub. The Area Manager will oversee program continuity, staff leadership, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security oversight, and operational readiness while ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines. This role involves managing field-level operations, coordinating support functions, and representing NRC at various levels, including liaising with local authorities, donors, and other stakeholders. The Area Manager will also be responsible for implementing the CAR transition roadmap, ensuring that NRC maintains its institutional credibility and operational continuity during this transition period. The position requires a strategic approach to program delivery, ensuring high-quality implementation of projects and effective resource management.

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

• Line management of directly reporting staff, including performance management, goal setting, and supporting staff achievement.
• Overseeing workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction, and development while ensuring the Duty of Care for staff.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Providing area-specific input to country strategy, Core Competency strategies, transition planning, and program development processes.
• Leading the implementation of projects in the area, ensuring timely delivery, budget monitoring, donor compliance, and optimal resource use.
• Managing area-level grant processes, including grant opening, review, and closure meetings.
• Coordinating effectively between program and support functions to enable accountable and cost-efficient program delivery.
• Representing NRC at the area level and, when delegated, in Bangui with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
• Ensuring safety, security, and duty of care for staff and operations in collaboration with senior management. 1
• Monitoring context changes and contributing to emergency preparedness and response planning. 1
• Promoting the rights of displaced people and affected communities in line with NRC’s advocacy strategy. 1
• Leading staff development, accountability, team cohesion, and change management during the transition period.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management position within a humanitarian, recovery, or development context, with a focus on staff management. Documented experience in area management, field operations, program implementation, and support-function coordination in complex environments is essential. Strong experience in grants management, donor compliance, budget monitoring, and multi-department coordination is required. Candidates should have experience managing multi-site operations, including transitions and restructuring processes, as well as external representation and coordination with various stakeholders. A strong understanding of safety and security management, humanitarian access, and risk management is also necessary. Fluency in French, both written and verbal, is mandatory, along with a professional working knowledge of English. Familiarity with NRC systems and procedures is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, development, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in management or humanitarian response may be preferred, as they can provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in managing humanitarian operations in challenging contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 5 years in senior management roles within humanitarian or development settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing teams, overseeing program implementation, and navigating complex operational environments. Experience in the Central African Republic or similar contexts will be highly regarded, as it demonstrates an understanding of the local dynamics and challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the Central African Republic. A professional working knowledge of English is also required, as it facilitates communication with international stakeholders and partners. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Bouar, Central African Republic, with a contract duration of 12 months. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC’s grade 10 salary scale. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce. The organization encourages innovative thinking and provides opportunities for professional growth and development. Candidates should be aware that safeguarding is a central aspect of NRC’s work, and all employees are expected to contribute to a safe environment, treating everyone with respect and dignity.