Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Area Manager to provide leadership in the design, delivery and quality of DRC programs/projects in Somalia. S/He will also be responsible for compliance to DRC policies and procedures, and for the planning and implementation of safety procedures/protocols within the area & ensure the safety of all staff and assets.

The DRC/DDG Somalia Programme is the largest programmes in East Africa region. DRC/DDG is among the INGOs with the largest presence in Somalia, with country-wide programmes implemented through six main sub offices in Somaliland, Puntland, Hirran Region, Gedo Region, Bay Region and Banadir Region.

About the job

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Strategic Development

• In consultation with the SMT, Lead the strategic development of the Area/field offices and ensure that DRC/DDG remains relevant to the needs of the beneficiaries in the region.
• Ensure DRC/DDG projects in the area remain aligned to DRC/DDG global strategy and Regional/Country SPD.
• Represent DRC/DDG at all relevant forums in the area & liaise with local authorities & different stakeholders.
• Ensure that the reputation of DRC/DDG in the area remains high and issues of concern are raised with Country Director in time.
• Positively contribute to the teambuilding efforts and ensure that effective coordination exists between program and support teams at area & country level.
• In close collaboration and consultations with the Deputy Country Director/Heads of Programs/DDG Program Manager/Head of Support Services, ensure program strategy and delivery is up to date and well resource in the Area office.

Program & Project Management

• Supervise effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets and donor requirements.
• Provide clear and coherent guidance to DRC’s multi-sectoral emergency and longer term projects in the area.
• In consultation with DCD/HoPs/DDG PM/HoSS, prepare project work plans in accordance with annual planning and funding cycles with support from the technical managers and the Heads of Programs;
• In close consultation with the MEL Manager, ensure that relevant beneficiary data is collected, compiled, analysed and distributed and that relevant assessments are conducted in the project area.
• Monitor budgets in coordination with area program leads to ensure there is no overspending or underspending and flag any issues with SMT in a timely manner.
• Provide regular area information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations, based on agreed formats and schedules;
• Assist in implementation of DRC’s M&E plans for the projects and ensure complaint handling mechanisms are in place in all projects and promote accountability concepts.
• Oversee preparation of program portfolios by area teams for presentation at Area quarterly meetings and identify opportunities for new projects in coordination with Country program teams (DRC/DDG).
• Ensure that DRC’s program policies as enshrined in the program Hand book and other program manuals are followed.
• Manage all area program managers and coordinators and ensure all program leads have clear work plans in place and are following them.
• Quality control and monitoring of key result contract performance indicators in their areas.
• Coordinate with DRC DCD/HoP and DDG PM/HoP on technical gaps and support from technical Sector managers/coordinators/specialists’ staff.

Support Management

• Manage DRC/DDG staff and resources in the area and coordinate with Technical sector managers/coordinators/specialists as it may be required.
• Ensure that the activities of support teams are carried out in compliance to DRC policies, procedures and operations handbook.
• Ensure all key staff functions (program and Support) are adequately staffed, including minimum yearly requirements for both program and support staff and budgets are available for effective management of area/field offices.
• Ensure that monthly technical and support function reports are sent timely to the CO senior management team/RO.
• Lead on all financial management, Area master budget management and maintain efficient financial control, and tracking, including donor reporting. Monitor and analyse financial risks in line with the financial procedures handbook.
• Oversight and management of the Bank Accounts including deposits, withdrawals, preparation of bank reconciliations and revision/negotiation in regards to bank charges on a yearly basis.
• Proactively engage in proposal budget development, implementation and revision as may be required and requested from the program team and CO finance.
• Directly responsible for control on procurement and management of supplies, vehicles, assets & stock and ensure necessary systems in procurement and logistics are in place and continuously followed.
• Manage IT and communications systems in the area (laptops, printers, telephone and other means related to information and communication technology), with support of IT officer & coordinate with CO IT department.
• Ensure that the national staff policies – instruments and systems – are in place and adhered to.
• Ensure that HR activities (recruitments, on boarding, performance) are effectively managed. Coordinate with CO HR team on technical matters or for support.
• Ensure that national staff are continuously developing their ability to fulfill job descriptions and acquiring new skills as much as possible through internal and external trainings.
• DRC Safety protocols are implemented in carrying out all activities in the area and adequate measures are in place to mitigate any potential risk to office, staff & assets.
• Continuously review security situation in the area and coordinate with country safety team on all matters related to safety & security.
• Ensure standard procedures and legal formalities are complied with when using services of third-party agencies or contractors.
• Ensure DRC/DDG Area operations comply with all local labour laws and legislations

About you

To be successful in this role we expect the following experience and technical competencies:

• Advanced University Degree in International Development, Conflict Resolution, Management, Economics or other relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a similar or equivalent role in an INGO/UN agency in areas of humanitarian/development sector, in a conflict & post conflict environment.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing large and diversified teams consisting national & international staff.
• Strong hands-on experience of managing safety & security in a high intensity conflict zone.
• Experience of proposal development for multiple donors and in-depth knowledge of project management and all aspects of project cycle.
• Demonstrated experience in representation with donors & external actors and managing emergency response.
• Experience with strategy development and understanding of linkage between strategy and programming.
• Experience of advocacy and communications.
• Basic understanding of conflict resolution and peace building programming.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Interpersonal Skill: Ability to work with departmental heads & technical manager to ensure smooth work operations
• Time management Skill: being able to achieve operational objectives within set deadline
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of Somali would be an added advantage

Moreover, in this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Duration: September -December 2020 renewable subject to Performance and Funding.

Contract: Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Somali National Staff graded as Band M.E level 2.

Start Date: 1st September 2020

Duty Station: Mogadishu – Somalia

Reporting: This position reports to Country Director

Commitments: DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html). All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.

DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development
  Read more here about what our employees say about working in DRC.

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms.