The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading NGOs, with a focus on responding to displacement, have been registered in Bangladesh since 2013. In 2017, in response to the Rohingya influx, DRC launched an integrated program of support to the government in site management, shelter/NFI and protection. In 2018, DRC started implementing aid projects in support of the host communities most affected by the influx of refugees. As a key part of this, DRC opened an area office in Cox’s Bazar, and a country office in Dhaka.

POSITION PROFILE

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) assists Rohingya refugees and their host communities by providing humanitarian and emergency aid, supporting individuals in advocating for their rights, and strengthening opportunities for a brighter future. We work in Cox’s Bazar, along the displacement routes and in cooperation with local communities. to strive for responsible and sustainable solutions.

The Area Programme Manager is the deputy of the Area Manager and will provide support to him/her on the overall management and oversight responsibility for the design, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Rohingya refugee response programme in Cox’s Bazar. This includes ensuring quality programme performance and alignment with technical and programme management standards in the following sectors: Protection including GBV, Economic Recovery, Shelter, CCCCM and Site Development and Climate and Environment.

The Area Programme Manager will ensure adequate support and capacity to the overall programmes teams to ensure the highest levels of performance, while ensuring adherence to DRC’s Project Cycle Management (PCM) standards at all programme stages. The position will line manager the Sector Programme Managers, as well as MEAL Team Leader and IM Specialist. Where Technical Coordinators are in place, they will be responsible for technical dotted line management of the relevant Sector Programme Managers. The Area Programme Manager will also work closely with the Area Partnership, Finance, Supply Chain and HR teams, and other relevant focal points based in the country office, including the Head of Programme.

Geographic scope: Cox’s Bazar Area Office

This role has an area focus and ensures compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the area. The role contributes to taking lead in development of area strategies of all sectors in line with ISCG guidance and DRC Global/country Strategy, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and guidance to all the area’s operations in Cox’s Bazar. Additionally, as a member of the Area Senior Management Team, you will contribute to internal coordination and communication across areas and country teams.

The Area Programme Manager will take the lead in exploring new opportunities in new areas with Camps and Host Communities and work closely with Area Manager to pitch ideas to local donors in consultation with the Head of Programme. This position is based in Cox’s Bazar with frequent travel trips to Camps and Host Community Project sites.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Program Development:

• Along with the Area Manager and Head of Programmes, responsible for developing the overall programmatic strategy and integration across the entire area operation, ensuring that program design and implementation is in line with the overall country program strategy.
• Strengthen partnership with local and community-based organizations in line with the overall country program strategy.
• Ensure strategic program planning in line with response shifts and priorities, available funding, and identify funding gaps where needed.
• Responsible for developing policies, processes and standards within respective areas.
• Deliver inputs to program strategy and identify opportunities for new projects.
• Lead assessments for emergency or longer-term programming in existing or new project locations.
• Contribute to and/or lead on the development of concept papers, budgets and proposals with support from Grants unit and Project Managers. Coordinate project preparation at the area level by ensuring Sector Managers/Team Leaders (TLs) update the project management tools with clear and realistic implementation plans and forecasting.
• With support from Area Manager, ensure the incorporation of the on-going context analysis and scenario planning as part of programs' strategy and planning.
• Along with Technical Coordinators and Area Manager, responsible for supporting the development of technical strategies in line with overall country technical program strategy.

People Management:

• Lead and manage the program staff (including people planning, performance, well-being and development).
• Identify and develop capacity development support to program teams with focus on national capacity development.
• Provide clear guidance and support and ensure implementation plans, policies and requirements are properly communicated to all program staff.

Program Management and Quality Assurance:

• Support Sector Managers in ensuring timely, high-quality project implementation within scope, indicators, and budget. Enabling and overseeing effective, efficient and timely implementation of all projects according to agreed contracts, budgets, policies and in accordance with specific donor requirements.
• Ensure adherence to DRC’s Project Cycle Management (PCM) standards at all program stages, including lead on grants opening, close out and monthly program performance meetings for all area programs, with support from the Grants Team.
• Support programme managers in developing programme budgets.
• Assist in updating project monitoring tools and forecasting plans to mitigate delays or budget issues, ensuring that program implementation plans and budget monitoring tools and plans are up to date.
• Develop and modify/adapt program management tools as needed.
• Ensure financial management of all programs budget, ensuring budget forecast, reviews and procurement plans are integrated at each of program cycle management phase.
• Implement and oversee the DRC administrative guidelines and policies, safety and security procedures, logistics support and other tasks.
• Support programs in adapting program approaches for areas of reduced humanitarian access.
• Support programs in the establishment and management of responsible partnership with local NGOs and Civil society groups as needed.
• Regular coordination with Technical Coordinators to ensure implementation of technical approaches for quality programming.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

• Support the MEAL team in developing and managing MEAL plans, and monitoring and evaluations tools and indicators.
• Ensure quality control processes and tools are developed ensuring technical and performance quality standards are upheld.
• Support the team in developing monthly, Quarterly and final donors report with support from Grants.
• Ensure programs' records are up to date and are in line with donors' retention policies.
• Ensure that relevant beneficiary data is collected, compiled, analyzed and distributed and that relevant assessments are conducted in the project area.

Representation, external relations and advocacy:

• Increase the visibility and credibility of DRC’s program in the area and maintain close relations with all relevant stakeholders including other international organizations, UN agencies, Donors and others.
• As requested, represent DRC in donor visits and following up on Sector meetings with the Project Manager and Technical Coordinators.
• Ensure effective coordination and visibility of the implementation of the projects with all humanitarian and development actors.
• Coordination with Area Manager, HoP and Technical Coordinators to agree and clarify key messages for advocacy, DRC positions and other external communications.
• Represent and be focal point for Consortium engagement in-terms of continuation of program, Donor field visit, developing new proposal with Project Managers.
• Represent DRC in Cox’s Bazar INGOs TL meetings, NGO Platform upon delegation, Emergency Sub Committee meetings(online) and other relevant Rohingya Response forums in Cox’s Bazar.
• Represent DRC with relevant partners and strengthen relationships with implementing partners and local authorities.

Safety

• Comply with all global and location-specific safety rules, policies, and procedures. Report safety incidents, near-misses and other relevant information to the safety team as shall be briefed during onboarding. Failure to adhere to these is a disciplinary offence while it may also leave the position holder, their colleagues and DRC Bangladesh.

As Manager the post-holder is responsible for the following:

• Accountable for achieving DRC’s strategic goals and objectives within the area of responsibility.
• Accountable for making significant decisions on what the unit does: its purpose, functions and role, and for making commitments and decisions that require the expenditure of significant unit resources.
• Accountable for people management of direct reports. This includes hiring & firing, objective setting, probation, performance appraisal, development of staff, managing performance, including poor performance, etc.
• Accountable for making sound decisions based on DRC policies, MOPs, standards, and the advice of technical experts in DRC.
• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as requested by the Manager.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• At least 5 years' experience in relevant field.
• At least 4 years' experience with people management, grants and program management, preferably in Emergency Programming, Protection, or Economic Recovery programs, Shelter CCCCM and Site Development.
• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management.
• Experience with effectively coordinating with national partners, local/government authorities, NGO partners, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in political science, international development, economics, social science, agriculture or any other relevant field.

LANGUAGES

• Full professional proficiency in English and Bangla

ALL EMPLOYEES 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 act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

POSITION DETAILS

• Type of contract: National
• Employment Band: F2
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Duty station: Cox’s Bazar
• Closing Date for Application: 15 March 2026

WHAT WE OFFER

1. Two Bonuses (paid at pro-rata basis with monthly salary)
2. Mobile Allowance
3. Leave Encashment
4. Group Life Insurance including Family
5. Dental and Optical Benefits
6. Gratuity
7. Excellent Working Environment and Opportunity of Growth
8. Various Learning and Development Platforms

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Applications must be submitted through the mentioned link on the page by clicking on Apply Button.
2. All applicants must send a cover letter along with an updated CV (we encourage CV no longer than four pages) in English.
3. Mentioning three referees' details of your present supervisor and HR along with past employment’s supervisor with CV.

Note: Applications sent by email will not be considered. In addition, DRC doesn’t charge any fee for any of its recruitment process & believes in equal opportunity in employment regardless.

If you have questions, you can visit our FAQ page.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website: www.drc.ngo.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics.

***FRAUD ALERT***

It has been brought to the attention of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) that there have been instances of fraudulent job offers, purporting to be from DRC in Bangladesh. These offers reportedly concern fraudulent employment opportunities to applicants asking for money. DRC would like to stipulate that the organization never charges or accepts any money from job seekers during the recruitment process. DRC recommends that you do not respond to unsolicited offers of employment.