DRC is looking for a highly qualified applicant for the position of Head of*****Base****for the Central African Republic (CAR), to manage one of its 3 field offices in Northern CAR.*The ideal candidate will have solid experience in field office management, project management, coordination and good understanding of one or more of DRC’s key sectors: CCCM,Protection, Food Security, Early Recovery, and WASH.**
Overall objective
The Head of Base has overall responsibility for the implementation of the Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC) projects in Batangafo area in the Central African Republic (CAR). The Head of Base will manage the programme in Batangafo and 2 sub-offices in Bouca and Kabo, as well as all national staff in the area of operation, with direct reference to the Country Director. The Head of Base is responsible for local representation of DRC in Batangafo, security management, and overall budget management for grants implemented in the area of operation. The Head of Base will have a strong focus on security and plays a central role in the strategic planning and development of DRC in the area in operation.
Background
DRC has been operating in CAR since 2007. Since March 2013, CAR has been characterized by a situation of generalized insecurity, recently culminating into a wide range of on-going protection concerns, including physical aggression, targeted assassinations, pillage and rape. DRC’s program currently covers emergency assistance (in IDP sites), protection, social cohesion, education, food security, civil documentation recovery and IDP profiling.
Despite the overall improvement in country over the last month, the area of Batangafo remains unstable and volatile, being at the “border” between areas controlled by opposite armed groups. Security in the area remains a serious issue, and security incidents occur often along the roads. International forces (MINUSCA) are present in the area, and civil authorities are just starting to reestablish their presence in Batangafo.
DRC operates in the area from its main office in Batangafo, and from 2 sub-offices in Bouca & Kabo. DRC has a staff of 5 internationals and 200 nationales in total in the area. The annual budget for the area is of around 4m€, with funding from OFDA, DFID, ECHO, EU, Unicef & CHF. DRC is in charge of CCCM activities for more than 40,000 IDPs, with WaSH, shelter, NFIs and camp management activities. DRC also engages in Protection and Social Cohesion, food security & livelihoods, building rehabilitations, education, localised emergency responses when need occur. While large numbers of IDPs remain, parts of the population have started to return to their villages of origin and need assistance to recover proper livelihoods. Protection of civilians remains one of the main concern in the area.
About the job
Duties and responsibilities
- Oversee the operational management of DRC’s field operations in Batangafo with a strong focus on security, strategic planning and development of DRC in the area in operation in coordination with the Country Director and the different program coordinators (protection, education, early recovery, food security, construction)
- Responsible for management of the field office and emergency response, including the overall financial expenditure budgeting, staff recruitment, management and administrative issues, security, logistics and other aspects related to DRC’s program implementation
- Field level representation with key stakeholders and co-ordination with other NGOs/UN
- Responsible for security planning, including regular updates of evacuation plans and the implementation of safety rules, the gathering and communication of appropriate security information, and liaising with other actors in the area to promote security
- Ensure that DRC’s programmes in Batangafo are implemented in accordance with DRC standard regulations and operational procedures (e.g. Code of Conduct, Accountability Principles, DRC Assistance Framework, DRC Programme handbook; DRC Operations Handbook)
- Responsible for financial management and accounting of all activities in the area (accounting & monthly donor reports)
- Develop project proposals, concept papers and budgets
- Responsible for both internal and donor based narrative reporting
- Ensure coordination with all actors involved in the implementation of the program, including partners and local authorities and other humanitarian actors in the region
- Maintain effective collaboration with donors, partners, other humanitarian actors, local communities and local authorities in the area
- Ensure that contacts with beneficiaries, target groups and representatives of the authorities are done properly and respectfully
- Establish and maintain the Monitoring and Evaluation system, including promoting DRC’s accountability systems and contributing to organizing staff training in M&E
About you
To be successful in this role you must have:
- Relevant educational background (e.g. Master’s degree in political or social science, international development, economics, or similar). Additional, highly relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a higher degree
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in an equivalent position in areas with insecure and volatile security situations
- Significant management experience working in an emergency response contexts or fragile states
- Security management experience in insecure environments
- Significant experience in managing a large volume of operations, finance, administration, logistic and HR activities
- Demonstrable experience of M&E and beneficiary accountability
- Ability to write clear and well-argued assessment, proposal and project reports
- French and English spoken and written fluently
- Excellent communication skills
Ideally, you also have:
- Experience with management of Protection, Food Security, Early Recovery and/or WASH projects an advantage
- A valid Driver’s Licence
- Full ability to work in relevant computer software (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Flexible with regards to travel
- Capacity to take on a high level of responsibilities
- Willingness to be highly flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances
Conditions
Availability: 1st September 2015
Duty station: Batangafo, Central African Republic – Non Family Duty Station
Contract: Until 31st August 2016 (may be extended depending on funding availability and performance).
Please note that this is a non-family duty station. DRC’s policy for rest and recuperation for international staff applies. Salary and conditions in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies. The position will be placed at salary level A11.
Need further information?
For more details on this position please contact Mr. Philippe Conraud at drccar@drc.dk.
Please note that applications sent directly to Mr. Conraud will not be considered.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.dk
About DRC
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a private, independent, humanitarian organization working on all aspects of the refugee cause in more than twenty five countries throughout the world. The aim of DRC is to protect refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) against persecution and to promote durable solutions to the problems of forced migration, on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC works in accordance with the UN Conventions on Refugees and the Code of Conduct for the ICRC and NGOs in Disaster Relief.
The protection and assistance to conflict affected population is provided within a long-term, regional and rights-based approach in order to constitute a coherent and effective response to the challenges posed by today’s conflicts. Assistance consists of relief and other humanitarian aid, rehabilitation, support to return and repatriation as well as promotion of long-term solutions to displacement and its causes. In addition, support and capacity building of local and national authorities and NGOs form an integral part of DRC’s work.
The protection and assistance to conflict affected population is provided within a long-term, regional and rights-based approach in order to constitute a coherent and effective response to the challenges posed by today’s conflicts. Assistance consists of relief and other humanitarian aid, rehabilitation, support to return and repatriation as well as promotion of long-term solutions to displacement and its causes. In addition, support and capacity building of local and national authorities and NGOs form an integral part of DRC’s work.
HOW TO APPLY:
All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) using DRC’s online application system. Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.
If you have questions or face problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk
Applications close on 16th August 2015.
