Area Manager

DRC has been operational in Somalia since 1998 and is currently among the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in the country, with country-wide programmes implemented through six main offices and nine sub-offices in South Central Somalia, Somaliland, Puntland and Galmudug regions. Somalia is vulnerable to extreme weather patterns and remains in a protection crisis where armed conflict, insecurity and natural disasters trigger the displacement of thousands of people.

About the job

The Area Manager (AM) will provide leadership in the design, delivery and quality of DRC programs/projects in the area and is responsible for compliance with DRC policies and procedures. S/he shall be responsible for the planning and implementation of safety procedures/protocols within the area & ensure the safety of all staff and assets in South Central region of Somalia in line with DRC leadership concept and the core competencies. You actively manage administration HR/Finance, Supply Chain and Program implementation, ensure field teams are prepared to respond to emergencies. You assist in the program coordinators and managers' follow-up of technical departments' field work, promoting program integration while acting as a conduit and focal point for coordination.

As DRC’s primary representative and senior manager in the area, the AM is responsible for the coordination, management, development and representation of DRC programming in the area. S/he will oversee program implementation according to DRC strategies in the area and ensure that operations are implemented within DRC’s regulations, procedures, guidelines and strategy; enable a productive and accountable relationship with beneficiaries, communities’ leaders/representatives, relevant governmental authorities, donors, national and International NGOs and UN Agencies.

The Area Manager provides direct oversight, strategic direction, and technical leadership for DRC Somalia’s emergency response operations, including mobile emergency response teams, and oversees the implementation of DRC’s emergency Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) portfolio in both static locations and Hard to reach The Area Manager is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of emergency projects to the most vulnerable conflict-affected and displaced populations through enhanced targeting modalities.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Development

• In consultation with the SMT, 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, but not limited, to protection, emergency response, livelihood, and area-based programming.
• Ensure DRC projects in the area remain aligned to DRC global strategy and Country strategic direction.
• Implement an area-based approach to respond to the needs of the population in our areas of operation.
• 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 pf Operations in time.
• Positively contribute to the teambuilding 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 pf Operations.
• The position will include a specific project focusing on accessing Hard to Reach populations in Somalia and will be working with program managers based in country, as well as at the HQ level.
• 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.

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:

Required

• 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: Area Manager, 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. A pplications 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.