Area Manager

Duty Station : Sittwe, Rakhine State

Report to : Country Director

Overall purpose of the role:

Area Manager (AM) will lead the implementation of programme activities and creation of results, which impacts Rohingya IDP’s and host community in the entire Rakhine state. AM will be responsible for the effective and accountable implementation of policies, programmes and/or activities of short-term and operational nature within the area of operation. As for representation, AM will be accountable for the relationship with beneficiaries, community representatives, relevant governmental authorities, NGOs and UN Agencies. Finally, Area Manager will contribute to the strategic direction of programming through active and ongoing participation to strategic planning meetings and development of strategic documents.

The responsibilities listed in the Job description are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.

Responsibilities:

Strategic and Programmatic Leadership

• Provide continual context analysis and lead area level programme and operational strategy development.
• Ensure strategic positioning of DRC in relevant forums, including sector coordination, donor engagement, and engagement with local authorities.
• As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), contribute to the overall Myanmar and Bangladesh country strategies.
• Contribute to the advancement of DRC’s localization agenda.
• Support the development of new programme initiatives and contribute to fundraising efforts.

Management

• Ensure programme implementation adheres to DRC policies, Global Minimum Standards, and sectoral guidelines, with the support of Sector Coordinators.
• Hold overall accountability for effective programme delivery and budget management at the area level.
• Ensure effective management of teams, including planning, implementation, and monitoring of workplans.
• Coordinate across programme and support departments to identify and resolve operational challenges and bottlenecks in a timely manner.

• Line manage Area Support and Programme staff, ensuring strong inter departmental coordination.
• Participate actively in the Senior Management Team, ensuring regular information sharing and timely decision making.
• Be accountable for people management of direct reports (7–8 staff), approximately 180 indirect reports, and approximately 500 incentive-based workers in camps and villages, including recruitment, performance management, staff development, and disciplinary processes.
• Ensure adherence to DRC policies, procedures, systems, and standard operating practices across all functions.

Representation, Coordination and Reporting

• Act as DRC’s primary representative in the area of operation and participate in relevant coordination forums and meetings to strengthen DRC’s strategic positioning.
• Foster and maintain constructive relationships with government authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Build and sustain close working relationships with donors, national and international NGOs, and local counterparts.
• Ensure compliance with internal reporting requirements and provide quality assurance for external reports originating from the area of operation.
• Lead DRC advocacy at the area level, including the development of programming red lines, and ensure consistency in DRC’s messaging and external representation, particularly in Rakhine.

Safety

• Assume overall responsibility for staff safety and security within the area of operation.
• Ensure that relevant safety, security, and contextual information is systematically collected, updated, and shared in a timely manner.
• Work closely with the Rakhine Safety Team and Senior Management Team to manage security incidents and make informed security decisions at the area level.

Compliance and Risk Management

• In close coordination with the Head of Support Services (HoSS), ensure that all DRC administrative, financial, HR, procurement, and logistics policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.
• Ensure compliance with the DRC Code of Conduct.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial forecasting and reporting, with overall responsibility for all area level budgets.
• Proactively identify, manage, and escalate risks as appropriate.

Required experience and technical competencies

• Master’s degree in relevant subject e.g. Social Sciences, International Development, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 5 years of senior management level experience in relevant fields overseeing humanitarian and development multi-sector, multi-donor programme in complex and volatile environments
• At least 5 years' experience in people management
• Proven track record in strong leadership skills and competence in people management
• Practical and extensive financial, Human Resources and administration management
• Substantial work experience in managing programme in the areas of emergency, protection, camp management, development sector, especially with displaced/refugees' communities
• Experience in partnership modalities is an asset
• External stakeholder management (especially with local authorities)
• Experience with relevant donor guidelines (ECHO, UNHCR, DANIDA)
• Proven excellent communication and report writing skills
• Full professional proficiency in English
• Knowledge of Bangla is added advantage

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking 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.

Condition

Contract: DRC will offer the successful applicant a DRC’s Regular contract including 3-month probation. Renewable depends on both funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment. The position is placed in Employment Band E management.

Application and CV

Interested? Click the button to apply. Please send your application, in English, no later than 23rd April 2026.

CV only applications will not be considered.

(Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interview/an offer made before the advertised closing date)

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