Area Manager

About the Position

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been operational in Somalia since 1998 and is currently one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in the country. We are seeking an Area Manager for our Somalia operations, responsible for program implementation, team management, and ensuring compliance with DRC policies.

Responsibilities

Strategic Development

• Lead the strategic development of the Area/ Field Offices and ensure that DRC remains relevant to the needs of the people of concern in the region.
• Provide leadership, coordination, and integration of DRC activities in the area, including protection, emergency response, livelihood, and area-based programming.
• Ensure DRC projects in the area remain aligned to DRC global strategy and Country strategic direction.
• Represent DRC at all relevant forums in the area & liaise with local authorities & different stakeholders.
• Ensure that the reputation of DRC in the area remains high and issues of concern are raised with Head of Operations in time.
• Positively contribute to the team-building efforts and ensure that effective coordination exists inter program teams and between program and support teams at area and country level.
• In close collaboration and consultations with the Head of Programs and Head of Support Services, ensure program strategy and delivery is up to date and well resourced.

Program Management

• Be a driving force in terms of developing DRC's program in south Central Somalia and provide inputs to fundraising efforts, in coordination with the Business Development Unit, HoP and the Head of Operations.
• Supervise effective, efficient, and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets, and donor requirements.
• Provide clear and coherent guidance and synergies to DRC’s multi-sectoral emergency and longer-term projects in the area.
• In consultation with Head of Operations oversee project work plans from Tech Specialists and PFPs in accordance with annual planning and funding.
• In close consultation with the MEAL Manager, ensure that relevant beneficiary data is collected, compiled, analysed, and distributed and that relevant assessments are conducted in the project area and learning institutionalized.
• Monitor budgets in coordination with area program leads to ensure there is no overspending or underspending and flag any issues at the monthly CO project review meetings.
• Provide regular area information and flash reports on programme activities, policy matters and external relations, based on agreed formats and schedules.
• Ensure complaint handling mechanisms are in place in all projects and promote accountability concepts.
• Oversee preparation of program portfolios by area teams for presentation at quarterly meetings and identify opportunities for new projects in coordination with country program teach leads.
• Manage all area program managers and coordinators and ensure all program leads have clear work plans in place and are following them.
• Quality control and monitoring of key result contract performance indicators in their areas.
• Coordinate with Head of Operations, Head of Programme and Program Managers on technical gaps and obtain support from technical sector managers/coordinators/ specialist’s staff.
• Develop and monitor detailed operational plans for all emergency response related project activities in accordance with the overall EPRP and other relevant emergency action and response plans in coordination with the SMT and relevant Technical Programme Managers.
• Update Somalia EPRP based on current context.
• Identification and prioritization of geographical areas for assessment and innovative response, especially those with high needs and access constraints in HCT Priority 1 areas, in close collaboration with Project/Programme/Sector Managers/Technical Programme Managers.

Support Management

• Manage DRC staff and resources in the area and coordinate with support sector managers as be required.
• Ensure that the activities of support teams are conducted in compliance to DRC policies, procedures, and operations handbook.
• Ensure all key staff functions (program and Support) are adequately staffed, including master budgets for both program and support staff are available for effective management of area/field offices.
• Ensure that monthly technical and support function reports are sent timely to the CO senior management team.
• Lead on all financial management, area master budget management and maintain efficient financial control, and tracking, including donor reporting. Monitor and analyse financial risks in line with the financial procedure’s handbook.
• Oversight and management of the Bank Accounts including deposits, withdrawals, preparation of bank reconciliations and revision/negotiation in regard to bank charges on a yearly basis.
• Proactively engage in proposal budget development, implementation and revision as may be required and requested from the program team and CO finance.
• Directly responsible for control on procurement and management of supplies, vehicles, assets & stock and ensure necessary systems in procurement and logistics are in place and continuously followed.
• Coordinate with CO IT department and manage IT and communications systems in the area ensuring asset lists are up to date.
• Ensure that HR activities (recruitments, on boarding, performance) are effectively managed.
• Ensure that national staff are continuously developing their ability to fulfil job descriptions and acquiring new skills as much as possible through internal and external trainings.
• Responsible for ensuring DRC Safety protocols are implemented in conducting all activities in the area and adequate measures are in place to mitigate any potential risk to office, staff & Council.
• Continuously review security situation in the area and coordinate with country safety team on all matters related to safety & security.
• Ensure DRC Area operations comply with all local labour laws and legislations.

Requirements

About You

To be successful in this role we expect you to demonstrate Minimum 5 years of work experience in a similar or equivalent role in an INGO in areas of humanitarian/development sector, in a conflict & post conflict environment. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a similar or equivalent role in an INGO in areas of humanitarian/development sector, in a conflict & post conflict environment.
• At least 5 years of experience in managing large and diversified teams consisting of national & international staff.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing humanitarian emergency response programmes, including leading teams and implementing interventions in complex and rapidly changing environments.
• Demonstrated experience working in hard-to-reach and access-constrained locations, delivering assistance to conflict-affected and displaced populations while ensuring effective programme implementation and operational oversight.
• Strong hands-on experience of managing safety & security in a high intensity conflict zone.
• Experience of proposal development for multiple donors and in-depth knowledge of project management and all aspects of project cycle.
• Demonstrated experience in representation with donors & external actors and managing emergency response.
• Experience with strategy development and understanding of linkage between strategy and programming. Experience of advocacy and communications.
• Basic understanding of conflict resolution and peace building programming.
• University degrees; Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Interpersonal Skill: Ability to work with department heads & technical managers to ensure smooth work operations.
• Time management Skill: being able to achieve operational objectives within set deadline.

Languages

• Fluency in spoken and written English required.
• Somali language is an added advantage.

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

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We Offer

• Contract length: 12 Months
• Band: Management Band E2
• Work location: Mogadishu with frequent travel to all locations in Somalia
• Designation of Duty Station: Non-Family Duty Station
• Start date: August 2026
• Reports to: Head of Operations
• Direct Reports: Base Managers, Support Services Team leaders, Finance Specialists, MERT Manager, Safety.

This position is open to both national and international candidates. The relevant terms and conditions of employment will apply.

Application Process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 17th June 2026.

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.

About the Company

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 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. 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.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.