Area Programme Manager (Darfur) – NRC

Job Description

Organization	The Norwegian Refugee Council
Job Identification	12721
Job Category	Management
Location	Al Geneina, El Fashir
Apply Before	12/11/2023, 10:59 PM
Job Schedule	Full time

As the Area Programme Manager (APM), you will be responsible for overseeing a substantial part of NRC’s Darfur Area Office programme in existing operational areas, notably Geneina, Ardamata, Krinik, Fashe, Kutum and other new assessed locations. You will ensure strategic direction and quality assurance as well as monitoring of NRC Sudan’s programme in the Area Office, as well as relevant staff mentoring and capacity development. You will further ensure that all projects and project activities meet relevant quality and compliance standards, extend adequate levels of high-quality support and supervision to the Project Managers, and contribute extensively to new programme development. As APM, you will ensure that NRC continues to implement holistic, needs-based, integrated area-based programme and will represent NRC at relevant coordination forums, as delegated by the Area Manager and you will be a member of the Area Management Team.

Specific responsibilities

Programme Development: 

• Ensure availability of up-to-date needs assessment (preferably multi-sectoral) to inform programme design and advocacy efforts;
• Ensure all relevant stakeholders are included in the planning and implementation of projects as appropriate; 
• Ensure systems for programme quality control, monitoring and evaluation, and incorporate key learning in programme development, adjustment, and implementation; 
• Coordinate and closely support CC Project Managers/ Coordinators in drawing up plans, proposals, and budgets for new projects/extensions of projects in conjunction with the relevant programme and support staff; 
• Coordinate multi-sectoral emergency preparedness and response as required by the context and management;
• Actively promote and drive as well as closely coordinate with all CC Project Managers/ Coordinators to maximise on integrated programming and promote self-reliance;
• Ensure the inclusion of cash- and voucher-based interventions and market-based programmes in area-based strategies and their implementation across and within NRC’s core competencies.
• Ensure drafting Technical agreements for all projects and having them timely signed by HAC and the related ministries.
• Supervise local partners performance through the support of the CC PM/PCs and provide regular feedbacks and progress reports.

Programme Management: 

• Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of programming across Darfur State consistent with the project management cycle (including reporting to the desired quality and standard);
• Overall programme budget oversight for all projects/portfolio implemented in the Area and ensure appropriate burn-rates are maintained and that solutions to over/under expenditure are applied;
• Responsible for providing implementation support and guidance to Project Managers/ Coordinators, including but not limited to providing instructions on work plans, approving expenses/procurement, recruitments, reporting, etc.;
• Responsible for providing timely and methodical updates regarding needs and trends specific to the Area Office to the Area Manager and Country Office;
• Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure CC-specific M&E roles and responsibilities are adhered to;
• Provide an enabling environment for the implementation of cash- and voucher-based interventions, including multi-purpose cash/ voucher assistance, sector-specific cash/ voucher responses.

Logistics, Finance, and Human Resource Management:

• Ensure appropriate Financial and Logistical NRC systems/ procedures are adhered to within the programme team;
• Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure timely and accurate development of procurement plans, recruitment plans, M&E plans, and spending plans per project and ensure the same is shared with relevant support colleagues; 
• In line with project needs and funding availability, continuously and proactively plan programme staff requirements and liaise with HR and Admin to ensure the same; 
• Performance management of all direct reports, including regular 1:1 meetings and completion of work and development plans; 
• Responsible for ensuring systematic capacity development and training of CC Project Managers/ Coordinators, particularly around implementation and reporting capacities. 

Coordination and Representation:

• Responsible for attending relevant cluster meetings and coordination fora, representing NRC strictly within the limit set out by the Country Office, including promoting the rights of IDPs/refugees in line with NRC’s Advocacy Strategy;
• Conduct senior representation at state and locality levels and promote strong working relationships with government counterparts;
• In line with NRC’s standards, ensure communication plans are implemented, stakeholders are informed on NRC’s activities, and the organization is well accepted by communities;
• Step in as Acting AM (or OIC) as and when required. 

Your value Add: We require that you will bring

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of Project Cycle Management and team leadership skills/ profile, including own;
• Experience in community-based and participatory programme design and planning approaches;
• Experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and programme development;
• Knowledge of multiple core competency programming and expertise in one or more of NRC’s Core Competencies (an advantage) 

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC, we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative

• 12 months renewable fixed term contract subject to terms and conditions 
• We aim to attract internationally experienced candidates with a starting monthly fee of NOK 57, 744 (currently paid in USD)
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause; Learn more about NRC
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields
• Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

 Internal candidates are encouraged to apply but we are also open to external applicants who can show a commitment to NRC and being part of a challenging, but important mission to make a difference.  

“To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity MarketPlace”

ABOUT US

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. We work in crises across more than 31 countries, providing emergencies and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. We stand up for people forced to flee, advocating their rights. NORCAP, our global provider of expertise, helps improve international and local ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from crises. NRC also runs the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva, a global leader in reporting on and advocating for people displaced within their own country.

Employment with NRC may lead to employment in or deployment to Regions, Countries, Areas or Offices that may be host to considerable health, safety and security risks. NRC takes this very seriously and we have procedures in place to reduce known risks, but will never be able to take away all risks.

NRC is an equal opportunities employer and aims to have staffing diversity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, nationality and physical ability.