Area Manager

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Position Title: Area Manager
Location: Mexico City
Country: Mexico
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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, violence, and natural disasters. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization has been active in the North of Central America since 2014, addressing the needs of those affected by violence and natural disasters, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and deported individuals. NRC is committed to advocating for the rights of displaced people and seeks to influence policy and increase humanitarian funding to facilitate structural changes in protection and assistance in the region. The NRC North of Central America and Mexico Country Office was established in January 2021, and the organization has expanded its presence in Mexico since 2023, with programs running in various locations including Veracruz, Mexico City, and Chiapas.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager position at NRC is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the establishment and operation of the NRC Area Office in Mexico. The Area Manager will ensure the effective implementation of high-quality and cost-effective programs and projects within the designated geographical area. This role involves collaborating with the Country Office and Regional Office to assess new operational areas, develop program strategies, and ensure that all activities align with NRC's policies, donor regulations, and relevant strategies. The Area Manager will also be responsible for managing the internal structure of both programmatic and support functions, ensuring efficient operations, and overseeing the recruitment of qualified staff for key positions. The position requires regular liaison with external stakeholders, including authorities, donors, UN agencies, and other humanitarian actors, to foster collaboration and coordination in the humanitarian response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Manager will have overall responsibility for the Mexico Area Office, which includes the following key duties and responsibilities:

• Establish and manage the internal structure of the Area Office, ensuring effective coordination between programs and support functions.
• Conduct assessments for new areas of operation in conjunction with the Country Office and Regional Office, outlining potential areas for intervention and developing program strategies for implementation.
• Ensure that programs are scaled up efficiently and effectively, adhering to relevant country, regional, and global strategies, as well as donor rules and NRC policies and procedures.
• Oversee the timely recruitment of qualified staff for key positions within the Area Office, both for existing roles and newly introduced positions.
• Liaise regularly with external stakeholders, including government authorities, donors, UN agencies, and other humanitarian actors, to ensure effective coordination and collaboration.
• Monitor and evaluate program implementation to ensure compliance with NRC's Project Cycle Management framework and other relevant guidelines.
• Ensure cost-effective operations and resource management within the Area Office.
• Represent NRC in relevant coordination meetings and forums to advocate for the needs of affected populations and promote NRC's mission and values.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Area Manager position should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience working as a Senior Manager in a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Previous experience in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
• A strong understanding of the context in Latin America, particularly regarding the challenges faced by displaced populations.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to perform well in a highly fluid environment where both context and organizational structure are subject to continuous change.
• Experience with program start-ups is considered an advantage.
• A valid driver's license is required for this position.

Educational Background:
Candidates applying for the Area Manager position should have a relevant educational background, typically including a degree in international relations, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response, project management, or leadership may be advantageous and enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in a senior management role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing programs and leading teams in challenging environments. Experience in Latin America and familiarity with the specific challenges faced by displaced populations in the region will be highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is essential. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The Area Manager position is based in Mexico City and is offered as a national contract for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and the ongoing need for the position. The role may require travel of up to 40% to various program locations. NRC offers a competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with grade 10 on NRC's salary scale, and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices. The organization encourages innovative thinking and empowers employees at all levels to take initiative and contribute to the mission of assisting displaced populations.