Base Manager

The overall purpose of the role

The DRC Base Manager will be responsible for managing the program in Hirshabelle state (Beletweyne) at the field-office level ensuring that the program is well-designed, compliant with donor requirements, efficient, resourced, and adheres to DRC accountability principles (Core Humanitarian Standards). Reporting to the BHB Area Manager, the Base Manager will provide support in program implementation by establishing and managing efficient support and structures.

This role requires collaboration with different actors in the region for effective coordination as the position holder will be responsible for representation of DRC in the area, building and maintaining DRC’s reputation through ensuring quality delivery of programmes and accountability to our beneficiaries, partners, donors and local authorities.

Responsibilities:

Management and Leadership

• Provide stable leadership and guidance to all departments operating in Beletweyne.
• Contribute to essential staff management functions, including recruitment, appraisals, and disciplinary actions.
• Supervise Finance, Admin, HR, Supply Chain, MEAL Officer and CCCM Manager to ensure compliance with DRC procedures, donors’ regulations, and national legislation.
• Ensure the implementation and understanding of accountability tools by staff members in the field office.
• Ensure the safety and security of DRC staff and assets in coordination with the Area Manager and Head of Safety, and Humanitarian Access.

Program and Project Management:

• Maintain understanding of the local context and articulate priority programmatic and geographic areas of intervention by supporting rapid needs assessments, inter agency assessment, and regular information sharing on context dynamics (floods, conflict and drought) updates
• Support and monitor program staff planning of activities and join field visits as an independent eye to monitor the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of DRC’s activities.
• Promote the flow of information between support and program functions, and between field offices and the country office.
• Ensure that project implementation is ongoing to the necessary quality and standards with the relevant project management tools up to date.
• Ensure that implementation goes on with high standards of integrity, while preventing aid diversion and ensuring that all staff are aware of this requirement as a minimum standard.
• Ensure that project reports from the field are submitted on time and of high quality.

Support Service Management

• Have the authority to approve payments and other documents on behalf of the organization, supported by a high level of familiarity with policies, legislation, and internal discussions.
• Support property management needs, including liaising with landlords and identifying new properties as needed.
• Ensure that budgets and budget lines allocated to the Base are designed according to needs and effectively managed.
• Directly responsible for the procurement and management of supplies, vehicles, assets, and stock, ensuring necessary systems in procurement and logistics are in place and continuously followed.
• Manage IT and communications systems in the area and coordinate with the IT department.
• Implement DRC Safety protocols for all activities in the area and ensure adequate measures are in place to mitigate any potential risks.

Representation and Coordination

• Cultivate good relations with key humanitarian actors and represent DRC in stakeholder meetings as required.
• In consultation with the Area Manager, Head of Operations and Technical Leads, lead the strategic development of the field office and ensure that DRC remains relevant to the needs of the beneficiaries in the area, through regular information sharing as relevant.
• Ensure DRC projects in the region and surrounding locations remain aligned to the country’s strategic direction.
• Lead the Area-based Coordination Forum (ABC) in Beletweyne to provide a comprehensive response to humanitarian needs and support affected communities with an integrated response.
• Represent DRC in the base, in coordination with the AM and relevant technical leads, including supporting or leading visits from donors, authorities etc.

About you

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: You act in line with our vision and values.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in implementing integrated programing with an INGO/UN agency in areas of emergency, protection, recovery and CCCM sectors, in a conflict and post conflict environment with 2 years in a management role.
• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in international relations, Social Sciences, or related field from an accredited academic institution.
• Professional background in working with internally displaced persons.
• At least 2 years of experience in managing a diversified national staff.
• Strong hands-on experience of managing safety and security in a conflict zone.
• Proven financial management experience.
• Experience of protocol development for multiple donors’ external in-depth knowledge of project management and all aspects of project cycle.
• Demonstrate experience in representation with donors and external actors and managing emergency responses.
• Basic understanding of conflict resolution and peace building programming.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Interpersonal skill: ability to work with department heads and technical managers to ensure smooth work operations.
• Time management skill: being able to achieve operational objectives within set deadlines.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. 

Competence

• Leadership skills include the ability to build and motivate a team and willingness to deal with conflicts constructively.
• Proven commitment to accountable practices and knowledge of quality assurance systems.
• Experienced with conflict and disaster related displacement issues and experiences in humanitarian advocacy.
• Political and cultural sensitivity, including ability to adapt well to local cultures.
• Proven ability to function and operate is an unstable and restricted environment.
• Human Resource management skills and hands on approach in insecure settings.
• Good communicator with proven diplomatic skills and willingness to engage with all levels of staff, communities, local and national authorities, donors, NGOs, UN Agencies and others as required.
• Proven financial management skills-managing budgets and multiple donors’ contracts.
• Ability to resist external pressures.
• Work with minimal supervision.
• Innovative, creative and out-of-the-box thinking.
• Analytical and reporting skills.

Conditions

Contract:         12 months with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered by DRC’s Terms of Employment for National Staff; Employment band Manager F2

Availability:       1st October 2024

Duty station:    This position is based in Beledweyne- Somalia

Reporting Line:  Area Manager

Direct Reports: CCCM Manager, Support service officers, Protection information management, and MEAL Officer

Providing equal opportunities, we are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Promoting high standards: DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP, and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct about DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. DRC conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process

Application and CV

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

DRC only accepts applications sent via our online application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 24th August 2024