Area Programme Manager at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance within the shelter, emergency food security, and water, sanitation and hygiene sectors.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Area Programme Manager

Job Identification: 18727
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Employment Type: Contract
Duration of contract: 12 months  
Job Category: Coordination

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 Closing Date
28th July, 2025; 07:50 PM.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online