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.
Overall purpose of the role
DRC is looking to hire Area Manager who is responsible for coordinating, managing, developing, and representing DRC programming in Gaza, Palestine. S/he will oversee program implementation according to DRC strategies in Palestine and ensure that operations are implemented within DRC’s regulations, procedures, guidelines, and strategy; enable a productive and accountable relationship with beneficiaries, communities’ leaders/representatives, relevant governmental authorities, donors, national and International NGOs and UN Agencies. The AM is DRC’s primary representative with relevant actors in the area of responsibility; s/he is the line manager for all staff with area responsibilities, and s/he is responsible for ensuring a result-oriented team. The incumbent will also ensure a safe environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets through a proactive acceptance approach using DRC’s security framework.
Duties and Responsibilities
Representation and Coordination
- Participate in SMT representing Area of Responsibility (AOR).
- Represent DRC all aspects of programs and operations and is accountable before relevant donors, local authorities and coordination bodies or delegate to other managers as appropriate
- Act as the primary DRC representative in Gaza and actively participate in relevant fora/meetings.
- Foster relationships with government authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the area of operation
- In coordination with the CD/HoO, Head of Program/Program Managers, and Advocacy Advisor/Coordinator, ensure that the DRC program in the area contributes to DRC´s advocacy efforts nationally, regionally, and internationally.
- Maintain close working relationships with donors, national and international organizations, and local counterparts.
Management
- Line manages area support and program staff, ensuring inter-department coordination.
- Enable an effective team through result-oriented management systems, providing leadership, on-job capacity building, and designing staff development strategies.
- Closely coordinate with the senior management team and sector coordinators, ensuring regular information flows, adherence to sector strategies, proposal development processes, and safety regulations
- Encourage a positive, innovative, and mutually supportive team spirit amongst the area team.
- Ensure a detailed capacity-building plan for staff is in place, including plans for nationalizing key management positions.
Program management and development
- Ensure that project cycle management is carefully applied (needs assessment, planning, resources allocation, beneficiary selection, monitoring, reporting) within the AoR.
- Lead the process of adapting the DRC national strategy to the local context and circumstances.
- Provide guidance in developing DRC’s program in the area of operation and provide technical and context-specific input for fundraising efforts;
- Provide regular analysis of the context and humanitarian situation in the area for developing project proposals and safety assessments.
- Provide oversight of project implementation through management of Project Managers to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, meet project objectives, and adhere to DRC’s Policies and SOPs.
Safety and Security
- Ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets by ensuring the local security procedures are up to date and SOPs are followed in line with the SRMS and DRC policy, promoting regular staff training, providing safety and security analysis, recommendations and follow-ups.
- Take the lead in managing security incidents in coordination with the CD and Safety Coordinator when required.
Accountability
- Oversee M&E team and practices, ensuring that managers apply M&E practices in all projects, in coordination with the CO-based M&E Coordinator.
- Ensure overall provision of and adherence to DRC policies, procedures, guidelines, donor regulations, systems, and standard practices.
- Promote compliance with DRC policies and practice with respect to child safeguarding, code of conduct, safety and security, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, and other relevant policies and procedures.
- In coordination with the Country Director, address and implement appropriate management measures in response to Code of Conduct reports.
Operational
- Provide leadership in overseeing all logistical/procurement, HR/administration, finance, and office services activities and ensure their timely/efficient delivery, including office scale-up/scale-down based on funding and contextual changes.
- Lead on recruitment of senior staff in coordination with SMT, as appropriate.
- Maintain oversight of narrative and budget development of proposals and concept notes.
- Overall budget holder for AOR and responsible for ensuring optimal use of financial resources in line with DRC SOPs and shared cost allocation policy.
- Responsible for ensuring Gaza Area Office compliance with internal procedures and donor regulations.
Reporting
- Comply with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance and timeliness of external reports from area of operation.
- Lead DRC internal coordination mechanisms in the AOR (e.g. Team Meetings, Grant Review Meetings) and participate in country-level mechanisms (e.g. SMT, Programme meetings, etc.) as required.
- Strengthen efforts to document the impact of DRC
Experience and technical competencies:
- Minimum five years of experience managing humanitarian and development programs with NGOs.
- Minimum two years of experience in generalist project and operations/support management in complex settings
- Experience working in fragile contexts and insecure environments.
- Can do attitude, ability to work independently but able to work in a team and see the bigger picture
Languages
- Excellent communication skills in English is required.
- Arabic language will be considered as added value
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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.
Education:
Postgraduate degree in relevant subject area.
We offer
Contract length: contract till 30 Sep 2025 and with a possibility of extension based on performance and funding
Position Band: This position will be placed at Management band (E management)
Start date: 1 April
Duty station: Gaza
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriate.
Application process
Interested to apply? All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right of conducting tests and interviews before the closing date, and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.
Closing date for applications: March 11, 2025
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.