Area Programme Manager

WHO ARE WE?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

Under the supervision of DRC Area Manager, the Area Programme Manager (APM) is responsible for the project and project cycle management as well as overall execution of DRC Programme activities in the central region based on approved funding for areas of operations, maintaining of quality and implementation standards and in compliance with DRC and Donor guidelines.  

The Area Programme Manager oversees teams with staff in different programmatic sectors including Livelihoods/Economic Recovery, Protection & Emergency and guides them to implement Programme activities in the field in line with DRC and Donor guidelines and regulations. The position will have regular communication and liaison with DRC Technical Coordinators (based in DRC country office  Afghanistan)  for quality assurance and technical inputs,    

The Area Programme Manager specifically:

• Works in close cooperation with Area-based Team Leaders and Country Office-based Technical Coordinators in developing context-specific programmatic strategies and designs.
• Is responsible for overall project cycle management working closely with Team Leaders to ensure timely, high-quality implementation, troubleshooting issues and ensuring that the projects deliver against targets, including proactive budget review and financial management.
• Facilitates Programme development in the area and provides inputs for proposal developments in line with DRC sector/ area/and country strategies.
• APM is the main focal point for program stakeholders (internal and external) in all programmatic sectors that Area Office implements.
• APM ensures appropriate sectoral technical expertise are available to the staff in the area office through facilitation with DRC country office technical teams.
• Ensures compliance with the DRC Operations Handbook and guidelines within the area office.                                                                                                                          
• Ensures compliance with Donor guidelines and contractual commitments and requirements.        

Responsibilities

Programme / Project Management, working in close coordination with Team Leaders:

• The APM is overall responsible for the management and implementation of DRC programs and Supporting Team Leaders (and lead where necessary) to carry out detailed project cycle management for all projects, to coordinate, plan and monitor timely and high-quality implementation of project activities, identifying variances to plans, and applying corrective measures and actions where needed.
• Review and approve project / Programme expenditures based on approved and delegated authorization for APM under DRC`s delegation system,  
• Develop and regularly update Budget Forecasts for individual Projects Review project Budget Follow-up (BFU) reports and highlight discrepancies, where correction is required.
• Proactively identify if projects require budget modifications through regular, monthly, budget reviews.
• Support Team Leaders (and lead where necessary) to coordinate the collection of data and development of concept notes and project proposals.
• Support Team Leaders (and lead where necessary) in conducting ongoing needs assessment in the area feeding into Programme development and design of new projects.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the area Programme strategy in line with the overall DRC country strategy.
• Ensure high quality of the sector-specific interventions and take steps towards increasing coherence and interlinkages among all projects, strengthening the programmatic approach to the area strategy.
• Support the development and roll-out of project-related operational tools and training modules in close cooperation with MEAL and sector-specific Technical Coordinators.
• Identify means of enhancing strengths and opportunities, addressing weaknesses and threats and formulating actionable recommendations related to implementation and project cycle management.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the supervisor to facilitate the DRC strategy.

External representation

• In close coordination with Area Manager, represent DRC in external meetings and actively participate in sectoral and other relevant cluster/working groups contributing to advocacy about area-specific needs and the DRC response strategy.
• Support close coordination with relevant stakeholders related to DRC programming (e.g. donors, Government counterparts and other coordination mechanisms).

Administration

• Support Team Leaders and lead where necessary to ensure Programme documents are complete, up to date, and stored appropriately

Monitoring, accountability, and reporting

• Work closely with MEAL colleagues to ensure appropriate monitoring of implementation in accordance with MEAL plans and donor guidelines.
• Lead / Coordinate inputs to any reports required at project or Programme level – internal and external.
• Ensure appropriate filing of documentation by project staff is in place for audit purposes.
• In line with DRC operations handbook, continuously monitor and ensure effective upwards and downwards accountability mechanisms are put in place within each project implemented in the area.
• Oversee continuous knowledge sharing across teams contributing to development of technical competencies in the area team.
• Oversee and coordinate the process of narrative and financial reports development, while ensuring compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.
• Compile and quality check regular Programme progress reports to be shared internally and externally as needed.
• Ensure that referred feedback from Area office and country office are responded upon in a timely manner.

Staff management

• Assume leadership of staff and programme, in close liaison with Area Manager, to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
• Hold regular meetings with Programme team, do effective delegation of tasks and responsibilities.
• Supervise Programme team members and influence them to take positive action and assume responsibility and accountability for their assigned work.
• Provide staff with direction in the field and provide technical support where needed.
• Ensure staff capacity building and capacity development in all areas of the program.
• Ensure appropriate and timely performance management of staff based on DRC HR guidelines.
• Provide direct line management to staff, coaching and capacity development.
• Support recruitment and talent management processes within the area Programme team.  
• Ensure compliance with the DRC Code of Conduct and other accountability mechanisms by yourself and your direct reports.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies: 

• At least 5 years of proven experience in an international NGO with the focus on Programme development and implementation.
• Experience in providing support to displaced, conflict-affected and other vulnerable communities, including emergency and development interventions is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in project cycle management and management of projects and programmers.
• Demonstrated experience in representation.
• Proven knowledge and application of gender, age and disability mainstreaming strategies.
• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management, including multi-cultural teams.
• High professional proficiency in English / Dari / Pashto.
• Good writing and reporting skills for external audiences (including governments and donors).
• Experience in working with donors such as Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund, European Union (Europe aid and ECHO), DANIDA, SIDA, UK Aid and various UN agencies.

Education/qualifications:

• Relevant university degree (e.g. political science, international development, management of humanitarian aid, economics, etc.)
• Good  management and leadership skills
• Essential knowledge of IDPs/returnees populations.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks; proven self-initiative and problem solving abilities

Languages:

• High professional proficiency in English / Dari / Pashto.

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking the below Apply link:

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.