Area Manager (North Area)

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 opportunity 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 of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.

About the job:

The Area Manager represents the Danish Refugee Council at both local and national levels and has the direct responsibility for the management, implementation, and continued development of DRC programme in in Homs, Hama and Aleppo Governorates in Syria. She/he directly manages program and support operations of DRC’s interventions and ensure the quality and effectiveness of the interventions. In addition the Area Manager is expected to  play a key role in the identification of new projects in close cooperation with the local communities and Authorities. Furthermore, the Area Manager will act as DRC’s Representative in  The areas of operations and lead the establishment of the planned field offices.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise effective, efficient and timely implementation of the DRC programme according to DRC standards and agreed contracts, budgets, policies and in accordance with specific donor requirements for the relevant projects
• Supervise production and submission of regular internal and external reports, and other relevant information on programme activities, policy matters and external relations, based on agreed formats and schedules
• In collaboration with the Country Director, continue the development of a sustainable programme strategy for DRC’s multi-sectoral assistance in Syria with focus on implementation of the solutions agenda where relevant
• Liaise with relevant external local programme partners; government, UN, donors and (I)NGO agencies
• Supervise timely budgeting and project expenditures with assistance from Grants Department and the Support Services Departments in Damascus
• Implement and monitor that required DRC administrative guidelines & policies, safety & security procedures, logistics support and other tasks associated with efficient day-to-day running of the operations
• Responsible for staff assessments in accordance with DRC’s guidelines.
• As SMT Member participate in the development of DRC’s strategic programme processes including the SPDs and Results Contract (RC) in close consultation with the Head of Programs and Country Director.
• Ensure that RC objectives are reached, and Quarterly Performance are monitored and reported
• Lead the planning and development of concept papers, budgets, and project proposals with appropriate levels of support from Country Team
• Responsible for safety and security of DRC staff and assets in the Field Offices
• Ensure required security measures are adhered to by all staff, including upkeep of minimum operating safety standards as well as the security and evacuation plans.
• Responsible of ensuring cost coverage for the area.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Program Management and implementation of projects in emergency context, including quality monitoring and evaluation processes. 
• Experience of independently managing field offices  
• Experience working operations in partnership with UN Agencies 
• Relevant technical expertise/experience in some sectors of humanitarian programming such as Wash, shelter, economic recovery and protection as well as longer term livelihoods/resilience programming, 
• Proven ability to build external relationships with diplomacy, discretion, and professionalism in a complex and demanding environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage and support multi-sector programs including operational planning and problem solving. 
• Demonstrated experience in people management and team building.  
• Demonstrated experience of financial and asset management including multi-donor programming 
• Demonstrated ability to represent DRC  in meetings with Local Government officials. 
• Excellent written and presentation skills in English and ability to work in an isolated and challenging environment.

Education

Degree (Social Sciences, Administration etc)

Languages

• English – excellent
• Arabic – added advantage

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: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: until 31st of December-2025 (Extension based on performance and funds)

Level: Management – E2

Location: Aleppo – Syria

Application process

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

Area Manager (North Area) - Application Form

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.

Applications close in 21st of March-2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Need further information?

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org