Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Area Manager.
About the job
The Area Manager (AM) is responsible for coordinating, managing, developing, and representing DRC programming in Tripolitania. S/he will oversee program implementation according to DRC strategies in Libya 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 AM is DRC’s primary representative with relevant actors in the areas of responsibility (AoR); s/he is the line manager for all staff with AoR, and s/he is responsible for ensuring a results-oriented team. The incumbent will also ensure a safe environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries and assets through a proactive acceptance approach using DRC’s security framework.
Your main duties and responsibilities will be:
Representation and Coordination
- Participate in senior management team (SMT) representing areas of operation.
- Represents all aspects of programs and operations and is accountable for their AOR.
- Act as the primary DRC representative in Tripolitania and participate in relevant fora/meetings.
- Foster relationships with government authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the areas of operation
- In coordination with the CD and Head of Program, ensure that the DRC program in the area contributes to DRC´s advocacy efforts nationally, regionally and internationally.
- Maintain close working relationships with donors, national and international organisations and local counterparts.
Management
- Line manage area support and program staff, ensuring inter-department coordination;
- Enable an effective team through result-oriented management systems, providing leadership, on-job capacity building and designing staff development strategies; Ensure detailed capacity building plan for staff is in place, including plans for nationalising key management positions.
- Closely coordinate with SMT and sector coordinators, ensuring regular information flows, adherence to sector strategies, proposal development processes and safety regulations.
- Encourage a positive, innovative, and mutually supportive team spirit amongst the area teams.
Programme management and development
- Lead the process of adapting DRC national strategy to the local context and circumstances.
- Provide guidance in developing DRC’s program in the areas of operation and provide technical and context-specific input for fundraising efforts; promote harmonization of approaches across areas of operation.
- Provide regular analysis on the context and humanitarian situation in the areas for developing project proposals and safety assessments.
- Provide oversight of project implementation through management of Project Managers to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, meet project objectives and adhere to DRC’s SOPs.
- Facilitating donors’ visits and supporting the Country Director and Head of Program in fundraising efforts.
Safety and Security
- Ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets by ensuring the local security procedures are up to date and SOPs are followed in line with the SRMS and DRC policy, promoting regular staff training, providing safety and security analysis, recommendations and follow-ups.
- Take the lead in managing security incidents in coordination with the Country Director and Safety Coordinator when required.
Accountability
- Ensure overall provision of and adherence to DRC policies, procedures, guidelines, donor regulations, systems, and standard practices.
- Promote compliance with DRC policies and practice with respect to child safeguarding, code of conduct, safety and security, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, and other relevant policies and procedures.
- In coordination with the Country Director, address and implement appropriate management measures in response to Code of Conduct reports.
Operational
- Provide leadership in overseeing all logistical/procurement, HR/administration, finance, and office services activities and ensure their timely/efficient delivery, including office scale-up/scale-down based on funding and contextual changes.
- Lead on recruitment of senior staff in coordination with SMT, as appropriate.
- Maintain oversight of narrative and budget development of proposals and concept notes.
- Overall budget holder for AOR and responsible for ensuring optimal use of financial resources in line with DRC SOPs and shared cost allocation policy.
- Responsible for ensuring area offices are in compliance with internal procedures and donor regulations.
Reporting
- Comply with internal reporting requirements, contribute to, and provide quality assurance and timeliness of external reports from areas of operation;
- Lead DRC internal coordination mechanisms in the AOR (e.g. Team Meetings, Grant Review Meetings, BFUs) and participate in country-level mechanisms (e.g. SMT, Programme meetings, etc.) as required.
- Strengthen efforts to document the impact of DRC activities in the area.
About you
To be successful in this role we expect you to have a minimum of Seven years of experience managing humanitarian and development programs with NGOs.
Moreover, we also expect the following:
- Project and Operations Experience: Minimum 7-10 years’ experience in relevant field overseeing humanitarian and development multi-sector, multi-donor programmes in complex and volatile environments
- Senior Management Experience: At least Five years in a senior management role, demonstrating leadership and strategic oversight.
- Educational Background: Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., international development, social sciences, public administration, or related disciplines).
- Language Skills: Fluency in English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills, and proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
- Personal Attributes: Strong “can-do” attitude, ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a strategic perspective and the ability to see the bigger picture.
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
- End Of Contract: December, 2026
- Band: ME2
- Designation of Duty Station: Tripoli
- Suggested starting date: June 2026
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees; please refer to our website. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected].
How to 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.
Click here to apply: Area Manager
Closing date for applications: 31 May 2026
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.
DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 6000 employees in approximately 30 countries. 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.
More Information
- Job City Libya
