Background
As part of the implementation of the Country Operations and Cooperation Model (CO-OP 3.0), NRC Chad is reorganising its operational presence in eastern Chad to align its structure with the Country Office's geographical and operational priorities.
Under this model, an Area Office serves as the primary operational management hub, with delegated authority for programme implementation and oversight of support functions within a defined geographical area. In contrast, a Field Office is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of projects under the supervision of an Area Office and operates with a lighter management and support structure.
To align its organisational structure with this operating model, NRC Chad has decided to relocate its Area Office to Iriba and redesignate Adré as a Field Office. This transition is expected to be completed by September 2026.
The Area Manager will be based in Iriba to lead and manage the newly established Area Office for Eastern Chad, covering Wadi Fira and Ennedi Est prefectures (Iriba hub) and overseeing the Adré Field Office (Ouaddaï) through the Field Office Manager. This position carries full managerial responsibility for a team of 82 staff and a portfolio of NOK 102M across six Core Competencies.
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What we are looking for
As Area Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring high-quality, cost-effective programme implementation and strong area-level management across Eastern Chad. Additionally, we are seeking a solid Area Manager with a strong understanding of Central and West Africa, ideally with solid negotiation skills and experience navigating the complexities of hardship locations.
What you will do
Lead the operational implementation of the CO-OP 3.0 restructuring in Area Est, ensuring a smooth transition to the new structure by September 2026, including the activation of the Adré Field Office and the onboarding of the APM.
Provide direct management and oversight to 6 direct reports: the APM (Iriba), FOM (Adré), Finance Officer, HAS Officer, HR & Admin Officer, and Coordo Logistique.
Ensure effective remote management of the Adré Field Office through the FOM, including regular field visits and quality oversight.
Represent NRC Area Est in all relevant coordination mechanisms — UN clusters, OCHA, UNHCR — as well as with government authorities in Wadi Fira, Ennedi Est, and Ouaddaï.
Lead area-level needs assessment, emergency preparedness, and response planning in the context of the ongoing Sudan refugee crisis.
Ensure the implementation of Minimum Standards for Safe and Inclusive Programming across all Area Est operations.
Ensure all Area Est staff complete mandatory training on PSEA, anti-corruption, and child safeguarding, and serve as the reference point for case management in line with internal procedures.
Ensure that all staff carry out performance and work development processes within the Area.
Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the _AM Chad Iriba.pdf
What you will bring
1.Professional Competencies
Minimum 3 years of experience in a senior management or leadership role in international cooperation or humanitarian assistance.
Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts.
Demonstrated experience in area or country-level management, including oversight of multi-sector programmes and support functions.
Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal (required).
University degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Administration, or a related field.
Context related skill,s knowledge and experience
Knowledge of the humanitarian context in Chad and/or the Sahel region is a strong asset.
Experience with organisational transitions, start-up, or restructuring in fast-growing operations is an advantage.
Experience in capacity building and development of management teams in national staff-led structures.
Experience managing large, multi-site teams and delivering results under resource constraints.
Knowledge of donor requirements and experience in proposal development and donor reporting.
Knowledge of Chadian Arabic and/or other local languages is an advantage.
Valid driving licence (required).
2.Behavioural Competencies
Handling insecure environments
Planning and delivering results
Working with people
Analysing
Communication with impact and respect
Coping with change
Leadership profile
Building meaningful relations
Acting with integrity
Empowering people
Delivering results
What we offer
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.
We protect displaced people and support them as they build a new future. We started our relief efforts after World War Two. Today, we work in both new and protracted crises across 40 countries. We specialise in six areas: food security, education, shelter, legal assistance, protection from violence, and water, sanitation and hygiene.
We stand up for people forced to flee. NRC is a determined advocate for displaced people. We promote and defend displaced people's rights and dignity in local communities, with national governments and in the international arena. NRC’s Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre in Geneva is a global leader in monitoring, reporting on and advocating for people displaced within their own country.
We work with partners across the world through NORCAP, our global provider of humanitarian, development and peacebuilding expertise. NORCAP collaborates with local, national and international partners on finding sustainable solutions to meet the needs of people at risk.
Around 15,000 humanitarians work with the NRC. Most of us are hired locally to work in the field, and a small number are based at our head office in Oslo. Many of our colleagues were once themselves forced to flee their homes.
NRC assisted almost 9.1 million people worldwide in 2024, and with your support, we can help even more.
In order to meet the needs of more than 120 million displaced people worldwide, we need to unite forces across sectors and work together as one team. Through mutual partnerships we are dedicated to finding unique solutions for people who have been forced to flee, helping them build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.
To find out how you can support our work, please visit nrc.no/corporate or send an e-mail to corporate@nrc.no.
