Background

As The Central African Republic continues to face significant humanitarian, protection and recovery needs resulting from years of conflict, displacement and limited access to basic services. NRC has been present in CAR since 2014 and continues to implement programmes through a reduced but strategic footprint.

In the context of the CAR–Cameroon transition, NRC will move from a standalone CAR Country Office model to an integrated operational presence under the Cameroon Country Office. The transition is not a withdrawal from CAR. It is an adaptation of the operating model to maintain a targeted, compliant and programme-driven presence while improving cost-efficiency, supervision and sustainability.

The 2027 operating model is expected to be centered on Bouar as the main operational hub, with operational coverage of Paoua/Bocaranga and Kaga Bandoro according to confirmed grants and operational needs. 

Key programmatic areas that will be strengthened in the upcoming period cover Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Shelter and WASH, Protection from Violence (PfV). NRC in CAR is now promoting an integrated programme approach that aims at providing a holistic response to affected people in order to maximize the impact of our interventions. This approach requires strong and close coordination capacity and technical support to core competencies, enabling communication and synergies between sectors to meet the expected quality of programme implementation.

Find out more about NRC https://www.nrc.no/  and Watch this short video to see NRC in action https://vimeo.com/736782633 

What we are looking for 

The Area Programme Manager based in Bouar plays a central role in ensuring programme continuity, staff leadership, overseeing the implementation of programmes in the areas of operation, and representing NRC at programme coordination forums, as delegated by the Area Manager.

What you will do 

  1. Line management responsibilities for directly reporting staff. This includes:

  • Performance management process; setting clear goals aligned to country strategy and priorities, and to follow up and support staff’s achievement. 

  • Responsible for key processes as workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction and development and ensure Duty of Care for own staff.

  1. Responsible for support to integrated programs, coordination and technical quality of the field office, PCM, monitoring and evaluation of projects.

  2. Provide specific and relevant inputs from the field on Key Competency strategies

  3. Provide high level technical oversight of needs assessments, studies, evaluations at area level 

  4. Ensure compliance with donor standards and oversee effective grant management and regular, timely, and high-quality reporting to donors of the Area program within the Country Office grants management structure and PCM flowchart. 

  5. Identify financing opportunities and develop a financing strategy and forecast in the area of intervention and contribute to the management of grants and BPO allocations in the area

  6. Comply and abide by NRC policies, procedures and guidelines

  7. Ensure that the appropriate frameworks are in place for a successful program and financial audit.

  8. Liaise and collaborate with relevant local and national authorities and stakeholders and represent NRC in relevant forums.

  9. Ensure the development and implementation of a capacity-building plan for all area programme staff. 

  10. Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the Job Description - Area Programme Manager CAR Bouar.pdf

What you will bring 

1.Professional Competencies

  • Minimum 4 years of experience in a senior management position in a humanitarian, recovery or development context, including staff management responsibility.

  • Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts.

  • Documented experience in area management, field operations, programme implementation and support-function coordination in complex and volatile contexts.

  • Demonstrate experience in grants management, donor compliance, budget monitoring and multi-department coordination.

  • Experience managing multi-site operations across multi-countries 

  • Knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions and market-based programmes

  • Fluency in French, both written and verbal; professional working knowledge of English required.

  • Knowledge of NRC systems, procedures and Core Competencies is an advantage.

Context related skills, knowledge and experience

  • Knowledge of the CAR context, particularly western and central CAR, including Nana Mambéré, Ouham-Pendé and Nana-Gribizi.

  • Experience working with displacement, return, durable solutions, civil documentation, education, protection, ICLA, WASH, PfV programming.

  • Demonstrated ability to think creatively and practically to improve the quality of projects.

  • Experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and programme development.

  • Good communication skills, with the capacity to directly influence and negotiate with various stakeholders.

  • Strong leadership skills and a supportive management style.

  • Experience with a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high and diverse workload.

  • Experience coordinating with local authorities, traditional leaders, partners and communities in sensitive environments.

  • Ability to lead teams remotely and across multiple locations while maintaining accountability, communication and performance.

2. Behavioural competencies

  • Strategic thinking

  • Managing resources to optimize results.

  • Handling insecure environments

  • Working with people

  • Analysing

  • Communication with impact and respect

  • Coping with change

Leadership profile

  • Building meaningful relations

  • Acting with integrity

  • Empowering people

  • Delivering results

What we offer 

  • Duty station: CAR, Bouar
  • Contract: Fixed term for 12 months with possibility of extension
  • Salary&Benefits: Grade 9 on NRC’s salary scale 
  • NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. 
  • We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative. 
  • Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC https://www.nrc.no/career/what-we-offer/   
  • Kindly send any questions about the application process to: cwa.recruitment@nrc.no. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile.
At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
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