Area Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Founded in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year, focusing on the needs of displaced populations and advocating for their rights. NRC has been active in Myanmar since 2008, initially responding to the Nargis cyclone, and has since built a strong reputation for its technical skills and delivery of integrated programs across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager position at NRC in Myanmar is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization's operations in Northern Myanmar, including Rakhine. The role requires a seasoned leader with a strong background in humanitarian work, capable of developing and integrating distinctive strategies while ensuring quality, cost-effective, and accountable implementation of NRC's programs. The Area Manager will be expected to manage both programmatic and support functions, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and procedures, and contributing to the strategic implementation of area-specific initiatives. This position also involves significant networking and representation on behalf of NRC, as well as capacity building for the Area Office Team and local partners. The successful candidate will play a vital role in contributing to humanitarian policy initiatives and ensuring that NRC's operations align with the needs and priorities of affected communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Line management of program and support functions, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration among teams.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and procedures across all operations.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of core competencies strategies and response plans.
• Leading area-specific strategic implementation efforts to achieve NRC's objectives.
• Representing NRC in various forums and networking with stakeholders to enhance the organization's visibility and influence.
• Building the capacity of the Area Office Team and local partners through training and support.
• Contributing to humanitarian policy initiatives and advocating for the rights and needs of displaced populations.
• Managing approximately 70% travel to various locations within the area of responsibility to oversee operations and engage with communities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Area Manager position must possess a strong background in humanitarian work, specifically with experience in program management and leadership roles. Essential qualifications include:

• Proven experience as an Area Manager or in a similar managerial role within the humanitarian sector.
• Strong managerial and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead diverse teams effectively.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage with various stakeholders.
• Experience working in complex and volatile contexts, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, while knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the Area Manager position. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in a field related to humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response, project management, or leadership will be considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in the humanitarian field, with a minimum of several years in a managerial role. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of successfully managing programs and leading teams in challenging environments. Experience in strategic planning, program implementation, and stakeholder engagement is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both written and verbal. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Myanmar is considered a valuable asset and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The Area Manager position is based in Yangon or Sittwe, Myanmar, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on performance, requirements, and funding availability. The role involves approximately 70% travel within the region. NRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with Grade 10 in NRC’s Salary Scale. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented groups. NRC does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and harassment.