Area Manager, North

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. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. NRC Afghanistan is one of the largest humanitarian response agencies in the country, with a presence of 12 offices and over 1,000 staff across 14 provinces. The organization is dedicated to protecting and assisting vulnerable populations affected by displacement, ensuring that immediate humanitarian needs are met while also working towards durable solutions for those affected.

Job Overview:
The Area Manager for North Afghanistan will be responsible for ensuring high-quality and cost-effective program and project implementation within the Area Office. This role requires an action-oriented and execution-driven individual with a proven track record in defining, planning, and shaping strategies and initiatives. The Area Manager will be expected to build constructive relationships with external parties and meet new challenges effectively. The position is focused on fostering a collaborative environment and building effective teams, making it essential for the candidate to possess strong leadership skills and experience in humanitarian contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Manager will be responsible for ensuring compliance with policies, guidance, and procedures. They will provide input for strategy and action plans, oversee project implementation including budget management and donor reporting, and conduct needs assessments for emergency responses. The role includes people leadership, line management, and capacity building of staff. The Area Manager will also represent NRC at the area level, ensuring that the organization's mission and values are upheld in all interactions and operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have senior management experience in a humanitarian, recovery, or emergency context. Expertise in cash-based interventions and market-based programs is essential, along with exposure to principled humanitarian negotiations. Experience working in high-risk, insecure, and complex environments, particularly with displaced populations, is required. Familiarity with the Afghan context and the humanitarian response in Afghanistan is crucial. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, and knowledge of Pashto and/or Dari is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response or project management will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in senior management roles within humanitarian organizations, with a proven track record of successful program implementation and team leadership in challenging environments. Experience in Afghanistan or similar contexts will be highly regarded.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Knowledge of Pashto and/or Dari is considered a strong advantage, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Mazar, Afghanistan, and is a permanent contract with approximately 50% travel required. The role is classified as Grade 10 in NRC’s Salary Scale, which comes with a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility. Applications are only accepted from internal NRC employees who have the legal eligibility to work in Afghanistan, as NRC cannot provide work permits or visa sponsorships.