Area Manager

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 fulfilment 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 our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC has been implementing emergency response projects in Tanzania since the onset of the Burundi refugee crisis in 2015 in the three refugee camps in the Kigoma region, at the border with Burundi. DRC’s integrated projects for refugees, asylum seekers and host communities comprise sectors such as Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), Protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter and infrastructure, General Food Distribution (GFD) and Livelihoods. The establishment of an office in Bujumbura, Burundi in 2018 aimed at strengthening a cross border response and at enhancing the impact of its interventions to the Burundian returnees. Currently, DRC Burundi is implementing integrated protection and economic recovery and livelihood programming for returnees, Internally Displaced People, and vulnerable host Community members in several provinces at the border with Tanzania.

Overall purpose of the role: 

The Area Manager is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of DRC’s response in Burundi under the direct supervision of the Country Director (CD) Tanzania-Burundi who is based in Tanzania. The Area Manager oversees programme and support implementation, fosters positive stakeholder relationships (government, donors, UN agencies, I/NGOs and CSOs), ensures compliance with DRC and donor regulations and promotes a culture of accountability and transparency.

Responsibilities:

Management, Coordination and Representation:

• Overall responsibility for the recruitment and daily management of the Burundi-based program and support teams, with an emphasis on promoting positive and collaborative working relationships in line with DRC's Code of Conduct
• Manage the Burundi office, ensuring compliant financial operations, administration, human resources, logistics, procurement, and security in line with DRC and donor regulations and in coordination with HoSS and CD.
• As required represent DRC externally including in coordination fora with other agencies, donors, and funders, and for providing the direct link in communications between DRC's Burundi and Tanzania offices.
• Strengthen DRC’s position nationally and enhance cross-border programming with DRC country offices including Tanzania, DRCongo and Uganda.
• As a general guideline, the Area Manager will represent DRC with Burundi-based stakeholders, while the Country Director will manage relationships with stakeholders who are based outside of Burundi, though this function may be delegated to the Head of Programme.

Programming and Technical Support:

• Provide oversight of all programming in Burundi in compliance with core protection principles and best practices, and DRC and donor regulations, while upholding rigorous project cycle management standards in coordination with HoP and Grants.
• Provide oversight to Project Team Leaders on project implementation and reporting responsibilities.
• Together with HoP, Grants and CD, develop project proposals and budgets in line with country strategy with a focus around cross-border and reintegration.
• Identify initiatives to respond to needs of conflict-affected communities as well as specific strategies which build upon existing assets within the population. 
• Contribute to the strategic direction of programming through active and ongoing participation in and contribution to strategic planning meetings and development of strategic documents.
• Implement the vision developed for the Burundi program, identify opportunities, and liaise with donors and partners. 
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality program and project reports to donors and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure humanitarian accountability to DRC's beneficiary populations through effective project monitoring and community engagement. 
• Ensure mainstreaming of protection and migration concerns and awareness into other sectors as relevant.
• Support REDSS project implementation in the Great Lakes Region.

Finance and Administration:

• Together with HoSS, provide support in the daily management of the Country finance staff.
• Together with HoSS, oversee and regularly update a comprehensive master budget of all of DRC’s operations in Burundi.
• Assume responsibility as primary budget holder of all projects and lead in the development of new budgets and spending plans.
• Collaborate regularly with the Country finance team, Project Team Leaders and HoSS to monitor spending and ensure the timely utilization of all grants, including ensuring regular monthly budget and proposal follow-up is conducted in Burundi and feedback shared with the Country office.
• Support HoSS in ensuring that all finance staff are fully compliant with operating in DRC’s cloud-based ERP accounting and project management software by conducting regular spot checks of the financial postings. 

Human Resources:

• Manage the Burundi programme team and dotted line management to support staff to ensure respectful and positive working relationships which allow for the effective implementation of all activities.
• Lead in-country recruitment processes and ensure that relevant staffing structures are in place and are reflective of appropriate gender balance in coordination with HR.
• Promote professional development by identifying training and capacity building opportunities and ensure staff are well versed in core protection and livelihoods concepts, DRC's code of conduct, accountability, respectful dialogue with the refugee population, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Oversee staff evaluations, HR records management and adherence to DRC standards (Code of Conduct and accountability).
• Ensure staff evaluations are conducted on a regular basis and are uploaded onto DRC’s cloud-based ERP HR software. 
• Provide leadership support to staff and promote best practices in HR management.

Logistics and Procurement:

• Collaborate with the HoSS, the Supply Chain and programme teams to develop and implement procurement plans for all projects.
• Support with ensuring that supply chain processes are in place and fully compliant with DRC and donor policies and standards.
• Collaborate with HoSS Burundi/Tanzania to ensure field-based records are well managed, fulfil DRC and donor requirements, and are always uploaded into DRC’s cloud-based ERP system and available for use in donor reports.
• Ensure all procurement requests are submitted using DRC’s ERP supply chain system and approvals are done in accordance with DRC’s budget holder policy, with relevant follow-up and adjustments.
• Enforce DRC’s East Africa and Great Lakes procurement lead times and DRC’s warehousing/distribution policies accordingly. 

Safety and Security:

• Assume responsibility for staff safety, collaborating with SFP and Regional Safety Coordinator.
• Collect, update, and share relevant safety and security information in a timely manner and updating SoPs/tools accordingly.
• In coordination with CD, provide recommendations and solutions to security incidents.

About you

To be successful in this role, we expect you to be a positive, mature leader with a proven track record of developing effective initiatives, programmes, and impact.

• Master’s degree in law, social sciences, international development, or other relevant field.
• Minimum of 6 to 8 years of work experience within the field of protection, particularly within the field of humanitarian response and refugee protection, with experience working for an international NGO
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior project management position.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken French and English (both are mandatory)
• Knowledge of Kirundi an added advantage.
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principles.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task and cope with competing demands under tight deadlines.
• Identify priority activities and assignments, adjust priorities as required.
• Ability to operate and think strategically, coupled with proven analytical skills and the use of these to problem solve and make firm decisions.
• Prior experience in fundraising for Humanitarian and Development focussed activities with EU, US, and British donors.

Preferred additional qualifications:

• Prior experience with DRC in a similar role
• Prior experience with DRC’s ERP system
• Experience with fundraising for a mission
• Experience working in the Economic Recovery and Climate resilience programming

About Burundi:

Burundi is a small country with a warm climate, equally warm hospitality, and interesting places to visit due to its vast natural wildlife. The country is safe and secure nowadays and you can find everything you need in terms of fresh vegetables, fruits and fish directly from the Lake. Recreational services are available, however the country is not without it difficulties like shortages of fuel and electricity.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate each of DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results through the Regional team both to position DRC and ensure excellence in all deliverables.
• Collaborating: You lead regional initiatives and processes by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen to other stakeholders and staff; and you communicate concisely and persuasively.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Conditions

Availability: 1st July 2024

Duty station: Bujumbura - Burundi, this is a non-family and unaccompanied position.

Duration: 1-year contract possibility of extension, subject to performance and funding.

Contract: Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates available at under Vacancies graded as M.E level 2 for qualified National staff the terms of employment will be in accordance with DRC terms for National staff in Burundi.

Commitments: DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework ( All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.

Applications

All applicants must send a cover letter (max 1 page) and an updated CV (max 3 pages) in English. The cover letter should outline your personal motivation for applying and your key qualifications for the position. Apply online on our page Current Vacancies at   Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 10th of May 2024

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport

Area Manager

General introduction:

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 fulfilment 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 our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC has been implementing emergency response projects in Tanzania since the onset of the Burundi refugee crisis in 2015 in the three refugee camps in the Kigoma region, at the border with Burundi. DRC’s integrated projects for refugees, asylum seekers and host communities comprise sectors such as Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), Protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter and infrastructure, General Food Distribution (GFD) and Livelihoods. The establishment of an office in Bujumbura, Burundi in 2018 aimed at strengthening a cross border response and at enhancing the impact of its interventions to the Burundian returnees. Currently, DRC Burundi is implementing integrated protection and economic recovery and livelihood programming for returnees, Internally Displaced People, and vulnerable host Community members in several provinces at the border with Tanzania.

Overall purpose of the role: 

The Area Manager is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of DRC’s response in Burundi under the direct supervision of the Country Director (CD) Tanzania-Burundi who is based in Tanzania. The Area Manager oversees programme and support implementation, fosters positive stakeholder relationships (government, donors, UN agencies, I/NGOs and CSOs), ensures compliance with DRC and donor regulations and promotes a culture of accountability and transparency.

Responsibilities:

Management, Coordination and Representation:

• Overall responsibility for the recruitment and daily management of the Burundi-based program and support teams, with an emphasis on promoting positive and collaborative working relationships in line with DRC's Code of Conduct
• Manage the Burundi office, ensuring compliant financial operations, administration, human resources, logistics, procurement, and security in line with DRC and donor regulations and in coordination with HoSS and CD.
• As required represent DRC externally including in coordination fora with other agencies, donors, and funders, and for providing the direct link in communications between DRC's Burundi and Tanzania offices.
• Strengthen DRC’s position nationally and enhance cross-border programming with DRC country offices including Tanzania, DRCongo and Uganda.
• As a general guideline, the Area Manager will represent DRC with Burundi-based stakeholders, while the Country Director will manage relationships with stakeholders who are based outside of Burundi, though this function may be delegated to the Head of Programme.

Programming and Technical Support:

• Provide oversight of all programming in Burundi in compliance with core protection principles and best practices, and DRC and donor regulations, while upholding rigorous project cycle management standards in coordination with HoP and Grants.
• Provide oversight to Project Team Leaders on project implementation and reporting responsibilities.
• Together with HoP, Grants and CD, develop project proposals and budgets in line with country strategy with a focus around cross-border and reintegration.
• Identify initiatives to respond to needs of conflict-affected communities as well as specific strategies which build upon existing assets within the population. 
• Contribute to the strategic direction of programming through active and ongoing participation in and contribution to strategic planning meetings and development of strategic documents.
• Implement the vision developed for the Burundi program, identify opportunities, and liaise with donors and partners. 
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality program and project reports to donors and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure humanitarian accountability to DRC's beneficiary populations through effective project monitoring and community engagement. 
• Ensure mainstreaming of protection and migration concerns and awareness into other sectors as relevant.
• Support REDSS project implementation in the Great Lakes Region.

Finance and Administration:

• Together with HoSS, provide support in the daily management of the Country finance staff.
• Together with HoSS, oversee and regularly update a comprehensive master budget of all of DRC’s operations in Burundi.
• Assume responsibility as primary budget holder of all projects and lead in the development of new budgets and spending plans.
• Collaborate regularly with the Country finance team, Project Team Leaders and HoSS to monitor spending and ensure the timely utilization of all grants, including ensuring regular monthly budget and proposal follow-up is conducted in Burundi and feedback shared with the Country office.
• Support HoSS in ensuring that all finance staff are fully compliant with operating in DRC’s cloud-based ERP accounting and project management software by conducting regular spot checks of the financial postings. 

Human Resources:

• Manage the Burundi programme team and dotted line management to support staff to ensure respectful and positive working relationships which allow for the effective implementation of all activities.
• Lead in-country recruitment processes and ensure that relevant staffing structures are in place and are reflective of appropriate gender balance in coordination with HR.
• Promote professional development by identifying training and capacity building opportunities and ensure staff are well versed in core protection and livelihoods concepts, DRC's code of conduct, accountability, respectful dialogue with the refugee population, and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Oversee staff evaluations, HR records management and adherence to DRC standards (Code of Conduct and accountability).
• Ensure staff evaluations are conducted on a regular basis and are uploaded onto DRC’s cloud-based ERP HR software. 
• Provide leadership support to staff and promote best practices in HR management.

Logistics and Procurement:

• Collaborate with the HoSS, the Supply Chain and programme teams to develop and implement procurement plans for all projects.
• Support with ensuring that supply chain processes are in place and fully compliant with DRC and donor policies and standards.
• Collaborate with HoSS Burundi/Tanzania to ensure field-based records are well managed, fulfil DRC and donor requirements, and are always uploaded into DRC’s cloud-based ERP system and available for use in donor reports.
• Ensure all procurement requests are submitted using DRC’s ERP supply chain system and approvals are done in accordance with DRC’s budget holder policy, with relevant follow-up and adjustments.
• Enforce DRC’s East Africa and Great Lakes procurement lead times and DRC’s warehousing/distribution policies accordingly. 

Safety and Security:

• Assume responsibility for staff safety, collaborating with SFP and Regional Safety Coordinator.
• Collect, update, and share relevant safety and security information in a timely manner and updating SoPs/tools accordingly.
• In coordination with CD, provide recommendations and solutions to security incidents.

About you

To be successful in this role, we expect you to be a positive, mature leader with a proven track record of developing effective initiatives, programmes, and impact.

Essential qualifications:

• Master’s degree in law, social sciences, international development, or other relevant field.
• Minimum of 6 to 8 years of work experience within the field of protection, particularly within the field of humanitarian response and refugee protection, with experience working for an international NGO
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior project management position.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken French and English (both are mandatory)
• Knowledge of Kirundi an added advantage.
• Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principles.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task and cope with competing demands under tight deadlines.
• Identify priority activities and assignments, adjust priorities as required.
• Ability to operate and think strategically, coupled with proven analytical skills and the use of these to problem solve and make firm decisions.
• Prior experience in fundraising for Humanitarian and Development focussed activities with EU, US, and British donors.

Preferred additional qualifications:

• Prior experience with DRC in a similar role
• Prior experience with DRC’s ERP system
• Experience with fundraising for a mission
• Experience working in the Economic Recovery and Climate resilience programming

About Burundi:

Burundi is a small country with a warm climate, equally warm hospitality, and interesting places to visit due to its vast natural wildlife. The country is safe and secure nowadays and you can find everything you need in terms of fresh vegetables, fruits and fish directly from the Lake. Recreational services are available, however the country is not without it difficulties like shortages of fuel and electricity.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate each of DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results through the Regional team both to position DRC and ensure excellence in all deliverables.
• Collaborating: You lead regional initiatives and processes by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen to other stakeholders and staff; and you communicate concisely and persuasively.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Conditions

Availability: 1st July 2024

Duty station: Bujumbura - Burundi, this is a non-family and unaccompanied position.

Reporting: Country Director Tanzania-Burundi

Duration: 1-year contract possibility of extension, subject to performance and funding.

Contract: Salary and conditions in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Global Expatriates available at under Vacancies graded as M.E level 2 for qualified National staff the terms of employment will be in accordance with DRC terms for National staff in Burundi.

Commitments: DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework ( All DRC staff must be committed to the Red Cross Code of Conduct, as well as the Core Humanitarian Standards.

Applications

All applicants must send a cover letter (max 1 page) and an updated CV (max 3 pages) in English. The cover letter should outline your personal motivation for applying and your key qualifications for the position. Apply online on our page Current Vacancies at   Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 10th of May 2024

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport

DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

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

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers .

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants regardless of race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status. We have a strong ambition to further enhance the diversity of our workforce and our goal is to achieve 50% gender balance and at least 50% representation of national staff in management roles. We acknowledge the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive team to successfully achieve our organizational goals and positively impact the communities we serve.

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APPLY FOR POSITION
Application due:
5/10/2024

Workplace:
Bujumbura

Department/Country:
Burundi

Contract type:
Expatriate or national contract

Homepage:
drc.ngo

ABOUT DRC Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 40 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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