Area Manager

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Area Manager Venezuela to be based between Caracas and Bogotá. As Area Manager Venezuela you will be responsible for developing the DRC program in Venezuela, proposal writing with the support of the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) program unit in Colombia, and the overall management of the existing operation.

DRC/DDG has been present in Colombia since 2011, focused on capacity-building, mine action programming and providing support to conflict-affected populations in the south of the country. The onset of large mixed migration crisis from Venezuela required both, a major integrated humanitarian response to meet the urgent needs of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, Colombian returnees, and host communities in Colombia, and humanitarian efforts inside Venezuela to meet basic needs of the most vulnerable population. While DRC has already developed and it is implementing an integrated large humanitarian response program in Colombia to the mixed migrants flow in the country, DRC – through partner national organizations – is currently starting targeted food security and protection activities in Venezuela (Caracas and Maracaibo).

About the job

As Area Manager Venezuela you will oversee and guide the national partner organizations, and line manage at least one international staff and 3 national staff. The role also includes an extensive coordination with DRC Colombia finance and support units, as well as program unit.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Management

• Manage the humanitarian program activities and ensure the achievement of the expected results in Venezuela.
• Ensure that DRC´s set-up in the country, including financial, supply, HR start up is compliant with local rules and regulation.
• Coordinate with DRC Colombia program, finance, and procurement units, ensuring regular information flows.
• Coordinate and liaise with national partner organizations in-country.
• Conduct assessments of needs as required.
• Budget management.

Representation, coordination, and external reporting

• Primary DRC representative in the country of operation and attend all relevant fora/meetings to strengthen DRC’s position.
• Foster relationships with Government authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the areas of operation.
• Following up on the last stage of DRC registration vis a vis with local relevant
• Maintain close working relationships with donors, national, and international organizations, and local counterparts.
• Timely submission of internal and external reporting.

Project Development and Reporting

• Develop further DRC and national partner´s humanitarian program in Venezuela in cooperation with DRC program unit for LAC based in Bogotá.
• Comply with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance of external reports from area of operation.
• Lead the process of adapting DRC humanitarian strategy to the local context and circumstances.
• Provide regular analysis on the context and humanitarian situation for the development of project proposals

Safety

• Under the supervision of the Country Director of DRC Colombia, to ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets by keeping updated local security procedures.
• With support of DRC Safety and Security unit provide regular security analysis and assessments.

As Manager the post-holder is responsible for the following:

• Accountable for achieving DRC’s strategic goals and objectives within the areas of responsibility.
• Accountable for making significant decisions on what the unit does: its purpose, functions and role, and for making commitments and decisions that require the expenditure of significant unit resources.
• Accountable for people management of direct reports, generally up to 4 employees. This includes hiring & firing, objective setting, probation, performance appraisal, development of staff, managing performance, including poor performance, etc.
• Accountable for making sound decisions based on DRC policies, MOPs, standards, and the advice of technical experts in DRC.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a Master’s degree in political science, international development, humanitarian assistance, economics or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields with at least 7 years’ working experience in similar position. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Minimum 6 years’ experience in relevant field overseeing humanitarian and development multi-sector, multi-donor programs in complex environments.
• Proven experience in developing emergency response in difficult environments
• Experience in people management.
• Extensive experience in developing and managing humanitarian programs through partner organizations.
• Extended experience in managing integrated humanitarian programs including protection, food security, WASH and livelihood.
• Practical and extensive financial, Human Resources and administration management.
• Substantial work experience in the areas of emergency operations in rural and urban settings.
• Experience un external stakeholder liaising.
• Experience with relevant donor guidelines (ECHO, UNHCR, DFID, OFDA/BHA, BPRM).
• Proven excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Full proficiency in Spanish and English is compulsory.

Desirable

• Calm and diplomatic in nature.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and to meet deadlines.
• Effective team-player.
• Flexible and able to adapt to a difficult and changing environments.
• Previous experience with DRC in emergency context is an asset.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Acting in line with DRC’s vision and values

We offer

Contract length: 10 months renewable depending on funding

Level: Senior Management, E

Designation of Duty Station: Caracas mainly, and Bogotá – unaccompanied

Start date: 23 May 2021

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates.