Area Programme Manager at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

Job Title: Area Programme Manager

What we are looking for

• The Area Programme Manager (APM) oversees a significant portion of NRC’s Area Office program in current operational areas, especially in Adamawa and Borno States, Nigeria. 
• You will provide strategic direction and quality assurance, as well as monitor NRC Nigeria’s programs in the Area Office, along with mentoring staff and building their capacity. 
• You will also ensure all projects and activities meet appropriate quality and compliance standards, offer high-quality support and supervision to the Project Managers, and actively contribute to new program development, due diligence, and capacity building with NRC’s strategic and implementing partners in Northeast Nigeria. 
• The APM will ensure the Area Office meets spending and implementation plans and targets.
• They will hold project managers accountable for monthly commitments. 
• The APM will ensure NRC continues to implement a holistic, needs-based, integrated area-based programme and will represent NRC at relevant coordination forums, as delegated by the Area Manager.
• The APM is a member of the Area Management Team.

What you will do

• Ensure full compliance with NRC’s policies, handbooks, procedures, SOPs, and operational guidelines at all levels of programme implementation. 
• Line management of CC Project Managers/ Coordinators, Area Emergency Response Project Manager, and Area M&E Coordinator. 
• Lead the development of Area Office programme strategies and Core Competency–specific approaches. Initiate and contribute to the design of context-relevant projects and interventions. 
• Lead effective grant management and full project cycle management (PCM) in line with NRC’s PCM framework and donor requirements. 
• Responsible for actively promoting, supporting, and driving ‘integrated’ (multi-sector) programmes, cross-sectoral exchange of lessons learned, and adherence to relevant quality standards. 
• 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. 
• Ensure compliance with contractual commitments and extracting and implementing critical learnings from project implementation. 
• Ensure the development and implementation of a capacity-building plan for all area programme staff. 
• Ensure that projects target beneficiaries most in need of protection, explore and asses new and better ways to assist. 
• Ensure the AO implementation is following the SIP (Safe Inclusive Programming) minimum standards in alignment with the SIP Action Plan.

What you will bring
Professional Competencies:

• Postgraduate qualification in a humanitarian-relevant discipline. 
• At least 4 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. 

Context/specific skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience in North-east Nigeria is mandatory 
• Experience in community-based and participatory programme design and planning approaches. 
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and practically to improve the quality of projects. 
• Experience in needs assessment, project monitoring and evaluation, and programme development. 
• Knowledge of multiple core competency programming and expertise in one or more of NRC’s Core Competencies is considered an advantage. 
• Good communication skills, with the capacity to directly influence and negotiate with various stakeholders. 
• Solid leadership skills and a supportive management style. 
• Experience with a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high and diverse workload. 
• Partnership management experience is desirable. 

Behavioural competencies:

• Strategic thinking 
• Managing resources to optimize results. 
• Influencing, and initiating action and change 
• Communicating with impact and respect 
• Empowering and building trust 
• Managing performance and development 
• Handling insecure environment.

What we offer  

• Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s National 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.   

Application Instructions:

The application deadline is on 28th July, 2025; 01:50 PM. Therefore, qualified and interested candidates can: “CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION.” It is important to visit the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply successfully for this vacancy.

Website:
Official Job Website:  https://www.nrc.no/jobs/