Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to providing assistance and protection to those in need, particularly in conflict zones. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members and implementing emergency responses across various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's approach involves direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). As the situation evolves, DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the changing needs of affected populations.

Job Overview:
In the role of Area Programme Manager, you will be responsible for leading the implementation of DRC's area programming, with a focus on enhancing protection and resilience for displaced and conflict-affected populations. This position requires you to train and support DRC teams and partners to deliver timely, high-quality, and accountable assistance, ensuring compliance with DRC's Project Cycle Management (PCM) standards throughout all stages of the program. You will represent DRC in key humanitarian forums, engage with various stakeholders, and contribute to shaping agendas that align with DRC's strategic priorities. Additionally, as a member of the Area Senior Management Team, you will play a crucial role in fostering internal coordination and communication across area and country teams, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the organization's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include leading multi-sectoral geographical needs assessments in collaboration with Technical Coordinators and the MEAL unit, ensuring that assessment practices meet quality standards. You will contribute to project design and proposal development, ensuring integration across sectors and alignment with the area-based strategy. You will coordinate project preparation, implementation, and closure, supporting Sector Managers in delivering high-quality projects within scope and budget. Additionally, you will manage and build the capacity of Sector Managers and the Partnership Team Leader, ensuring effective team management and performance. You will also engage in internal and external coordination, maintaining updated mappings of DRC's partners and activities, and representing DRC in area coordination forums to enhance the organization's reputation and advocacy efforts.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, you must have at least 3 years of experience in project/programme or base/area management roles, preferably within the sectors of Humanitarian response, Livelihoods, Economic Recovery, or Protection. You should also have a minimum of 2 years of experience in people management, with a proven track record of identifying capacity gaps and providing mentoring and training to enhance performance. Expertise in one or more sectors such as protection, livelihoods, shelter, or education is essential, along with strong analytical skills to identify issues and implement solutions in dynamic environments. Full professional proficiency in English is required, and professional proficiency in Ukrainian is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background that supports their ability to manage complex programs effectively. This may include degrees in fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or other related disciplines that provide a strong foundation for understanding the challenges faced by displaced populations and the strategies needed to address them.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience overseeing large-scale multisectoral programming and managing teams. A strong understanding of Project Cycle Management tools and standards is crucial, as is the ability to ensure timely and high-quality project delivery. Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders and maintaining effective relationships is also essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Mandatory language requirements include full professional proficiency in English. While not mandatory, professional proficiency in Ukrainian is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders and partners effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a 1-year contract following a successful 3-month probation period, with the possibility of extension based on funding and satisfactory performance. The duty station for this role is Mykolaiv, and the expected start date is July 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council's Terms of Employment for both national and international employees. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis, and DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.