Job Description
What we are looking for:
The Area Programme Manager (APM) oversees a substantial part of NRC’s Area Office programme in existing operational areas, notably Borno State of Nigeria.
- S/he will ensure strategic direction and quality assurance as well as monitoring of NRC Nigeria’s programme in the Area Office, as well as relevant staff mentoring and capacity development.
- S/he will further ensure that all projects and project activities meet appropriate quality and compliance standards, extend adequate levels of high-quality support and supervision to the Project Managers, and contribute extensively to new program development.
- The APM will ensure the AO meets spending and implementation plans and targets. He/She will also hold the project managers accountable for monthly commitments.
- The APM will ensure that NRC continues implementing the holistic, needs-based, integrated area-based program and will represent NRC at relevant coordination forums, as delegated by the Area Manager.
- The APM is also a member of the Area Management Team.
What you will do:
Programme Development:
- Ensure availability of up-to-date needs assessment (preferably multi-sectoral) to inform programme design and advocacy efforts.
- Develop a one-response Area Office plan incorporating all core competencies.
- Ensure all relevant stakeholders are included in the planning and implementation of projects as appropriate.
- Ensure systems for programme quality control, monitoring, and evaluation, and incorporate key learning in programme development, adjustment, and implementation.
- Coordinate and closely support CC Project Managers/ Coordinators in drawing up plans, proposals, and budgets for new projects/extensions of projects in conjunction with the relevant programme and support staff.
- Coordinate multi-sectoral emergency preparedness and response as context and management require.
- Actively promote drive and closely coordinate with all CC Project Managers/ Coordinators to maximize integrated programming and promote self-reliance.
- Ensure the inclusion of cash- and voucher-based interventions and market-based programmes in area-based strategies and their implementation across and within NRC’s core competencies.
- Consolidation, review, and sign-off of concept notes and proposals input submitted to the country office team.
- Lead area-specific applications with support from the country office.
Programme Management:
- Overall responsibility for effective and efficient management of programming across Borno State consistent with the project management cycle (including reporting to the desired quality and standard);
- Responsible for the programme budget oversight for all projects/portfolio implemented in the Area and ensure appropriate burn-rates are maintained and solutions to over/under expenditure are applied.
- Responsible for providing implementation support and guidance to Project Managers/ Coordinators, including but not limited to providing instructions on work plans, approving expenses/procurement, recruitments, reporting, etc.
- Responsible for providing timely and methodical updates regarding needs and trends specific to the Area Office to the Area Manager and Country Office.
- Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure CC-specific M&E roles and responsibilities are adhered to.
- Provide an enabling environment for implementing cash- and voucher-based interventions, including multi-purpose cash/ voucher assistance and sector-specific cash/ voucher responses.
- Coordinate and oversee donor visits within the Area Office in coordination with the Area Manager
- Coordination and follow-up on any modification requests within the AO.
- Review and signoff Area Office donor reports before submission to Grants.
Logistics, Finance, and Human Resource Management:
- Ensure appropriate Financial and Logistical NRC systems/ procedures are adhered to within the programme team.
- Support Project Managers/ Coordinators and ensure timely and accurate development of procurement plans, recruitment plans, M&E plans, and spending plans per project. Ensure the same is shared with relevant support colleagues.
- In line with project needs and funding availability, continuously and proactively plan programme staff requirements and liaise with HR and Admin to ensure the same.
- Performance management of all direct reports, including regular 1:1 meetings and completion of work and development plans.
- Responsible for ensuring systematic capacity development and training of CC Project Managers/ Coordinators, particularly around implementation and reporting capacities.
Coordination and Representation:
- Responsible for attending relevant cluster meetings and coordination fora, representing NRC strictly within the limit set out by the Country Office, including promoting the rights of IDPs/refugees in line with NRC’s Advocacy Strategy.
- Conduct senior representation at state and locality levels and promote strong working relationships with government counterparts.
- In line with NRC’s standards, ensure communication plans are implemented, stakeholders are informed on NRC’s activities, and the organisation is well accepted by communities.
- Step in as Acting AM (or OIC) as and when required.
What you will bring:
- Postgraduate qualification in a humanitarian-relevant discipline.
- At least four years in a management position in a humanitarian and/ or recovery context.
- Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts.
- Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
- Demonstrated experience and understanding of Project Cycle Management and team leadership skills/ profile, including own.
- Fluency in English is essential, both written and verbal.
- Computer literate in Microsoft Office, including strong Word, Excel, and Outlook skills.