Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. NRC has been operational in various countries, including Chad, where it has been providing aid and support to refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality assistance and advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations. NRC promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. The organization operates in numerous countries and employs a significant number of staff dedicated to humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager (APM) is a pivotal role within NRC, responsible for overseeing the implementation of various programs in the designated area of operation. The APM will represent NRC at program coordination forums, working closely with the Area Manager and the Head of Programme. This position requires strong leadership and management skills, as the APM will be responsible for directly managing staff, ensuring their performance aligns with the organization's strategic goals. The APM will also play a crucial role in promoting integrated programming, ensuring that all Core Competencies are effectively coordinated and that technical quality is maintained across projects. The role involves significant interaction with local and national authorities, ensuring compliance with donor standards, and contributing to the overall financing strategy for the area. The APM will also be responsible for advocating for the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, ensuring that NRC's mission is upheld in all activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Area Programme Manager include:

• Line management of directly reporting staff, including performance management, goal setting, and staff development.
• Overseeing workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction, and ensuring Duty of Care for all staff members.
• Supporting integrated programming and ensuring technical quality across Core Competencies, including Project Cycle Management (PCM) and monitoring and evaluation of projects.
• Ensuring compliance with donor standards and grant management, including regular reporting and identifying financing opportunities.
• Contributing to the management of grants and BPO allocations, ensuring frameworks are in place for successful audits.
• Liaising with local and national authorities and representing NRC in relevant coordination forums.
• Leading engagement with humanitarian access authorities to secure movement and program authorizations.
• Promoting the rights of IDPs and returnees in line with NRC's advocacy strategy.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and procedures throughout all operations.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Area Programme Manager position include:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a senior-level project implementation role within a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Proven experience working in complex and volatile environments, particularly in response to emergencies.
• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position, demonstrating effective project management and implementation.
• Knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions, and market-based programs.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Fluency in French, both written and verbal, is required, along with good working proficiency in English.
• Context-related skills and knowledge, particularly regarding the eastern Chad/Sudan refugee response context, are considered an asset.
• Familiarity with donor regulations, especially those of ECHO, NORAD, SDC, and BHA.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Area Programme Manager position should possess a Master's degree in social or economic sciences, development, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in the same fields combined with a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience is acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage programs and lead teams in a challenging humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 3 years in a senior-level project implementation role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile environments, particularly in emergency response situations. Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position are essential, demonstrating the candidate's ability to manage projects effectively and achieve desired outcomes.

Languages:
Fluency in French, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, good working proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is required. Knowledge of other languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, but French and English are the primary languages needed for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Iriba, Chad, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The salary for this position is classified as grade 9 on NRC’s salary scale, and the contract can be national/resident and/or international/mobile depending on the final selected profile. 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 and contribute to the organization's mission.