Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Founded in 1946, NRC has been operational in various countries, including the Central African Republic since 201

• The organization focuses on providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC operates in multiple countries, emphasizing a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and fostering a supportive culture for professional growth and innovative teamwork. The organization is dedicated to safeguarding and ensuring the dignity and respect of all individuals it serves, with a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager position in Bouar is pivotal for ensuring the continuity of programs and effective staff leadership within the NRC's operational framework. This role encompasses overseeing the implementation of various programs, including Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Shelter and WASH, and Protection from Violence (PfV). The Area Programme Manager will represent NRC in program coordination forums and is responsible for maintaining a high standard of program quality and compliance with donor standards. The position requires a strategic approach to program management, ensuring that the integrated program approach is effectively executed to maximize the impact of interventions on affected populations. The Area Programme Manager will also play a crucial role in workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development, ensuring that the team is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the operational environment.

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

• Line management of directly reporting staff, overseeing performance management processes, and setting clear goals aligned with the country strategy.
• Managing workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction, and development while ensuring Duty of Care for staff.
• Supporting integrated programs and ensuring technical quality and compliance with project management cycles, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Providing high-level technical oversight for needs assessments, studies, and evaluations at the area level.
• Ensuring compliance with donor standards and effective grant management, including timely reporting to donors.
• Identifying financing opportunities and developing a financing strategy for the area of intervention.
• Liaising with local and national authorities and stakeholders, representing NRC in relevant forums.
• Developing and implementing capacity-building plans for area program staff.
• Promoting the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in line with NRC's advocacy strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of experience in a senior management position within a humanitarian, recovery, or development context, including responsibilities for staff management. They should have documented experience in area management, field operations, program implementation, and support-function coordination in complex and volatile environments. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate experience in grants management, donor compliance, budget monitoring, and multi-department coordination. Knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions, and market-based programs are also essential. Familiarity with NRC systems, procedures, and Core Competencies is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant degree in humanitarian studies, international development, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in program management or humanitarian response are preferred.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience working in complex and volatile contexts, particularly in humanitarian settings. Experience managing multi-site operations across multiple countries is highly desirable, along with a proven track record in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and program development.

Languages:
Fluency in French, both written and verbal, is mandatory, along with a professional working knowledge of English. Additional language skills relevant to the Central African Republic context would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bouar, Central African Republic, and is offered as a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The salary is graded at level 9 on NRC’s salary scale. NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in its workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization emphasizes a supportive culture and open dialogue with management, providing opportunities for professional growth and innovation.