Head of Program

NRC in Ukraine

Due to the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, causing displacement of civilians and increasing pressure on resources and host communities, NRC has established a long-term Country Programme in Ukraine in line with NRC’s mission statement and core competencies. NRC focuses on responding to the protection and assistance needs of the conflict-affected population, including IDPs, returnees, host communities and local communities in eastern Ukraine, notably along the contact-line. As the conflict has become protracted, it is necessary to respond to the evolving needs of the civilian population with not only a humanitarian response, but also with early-recovery/recovery activities. 

In 2018, NRC will continue its extensive Shelter/Non-Food Items, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) and Livelihood/Food Security programmes in eastern Ukraine, as well as likely expand into other sectors (e.g. water, hygiene and sanitation/WASH, education). Due to the evolving environment, NRC programmes will maintain a strong humanitarian focus, while at the same time contribute to durable solutions for displaced outside the immediate conflict zone. 

About the position

The Country Programme in Ukraine has decided to further strengthen the NRC response with a Head of Programme; he/she will develop and ensure the implementation of holistic high quality programmes. This is a new and interesting position for NRC in Ukraine, with direct line management of 6 programme staff and responsibility of programme budgets up to NOK 40 million. As NRC enters a new three-year strategic period in 2018, the Head of Programme will lead the establishment of new programmes, as well as explore opportunities to expand into new geographical areas. The Head of Programme reports to the Country Director and will be based in Kyiv, but have extensive travels to NRC programme sites in the eastern part of the country.

The Head of Programme will have the following responsibilities:

• Line management for Programme Development Managers (PDMs)
• Member of the Country Management Group (CMG)
• Compliance with and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures
• Provide programme input to Country Strategy and Plan of Action
• Development of Core Competency strategies
• Development of holistic and needs based programmes
• Identify funding opportunities, develop funding strategies and forecasts
• Grants management, BPO allocations and reporting to donors, including compliance with donor standards
• Quality control, M&E and organizational learning
• Capacity building of all technical staff
• In-country representation and networking
• Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy
• Deputy CD when appointed.
• Play a key role in the realisation of the Country Programme's specific objectives defined in the Country Strategy, namely:
  • Explore opportunities to expand existing programmes into new geographic areas and, as necessary, lead establishment of new programmes
  • Lead efforts to develop/adapt programme responses to address durable solutions
  • Ensure synergies between programme activities and advocacy efforts
  • Promote integrated programming and protection mainstreaming 
  • Ensure an evidence-based approach in programme design/response
• Responsible for the programmatic input to the emergency preparedness plans (EPP).

Our ideal candidate

We are looking for a humanitarian professional with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in senior management position(s) working in complex and volatile contexts. We need someone who has the ability to think strategically about programming, including durable solutions, and has expertise in the core competencies of NRC. We are looking for a strong English speaking candidate, who can initiate action and change, as well as create good networks and relationships with colleagues. In addition, our ideal candidate will have context specific knowledge, e.g. language skills (Russian/Ukrainian) and experience from the former Soviet Union or Eastern Europe. 

• Minimum 5-6 years experience in a senior management position in a humanitarian/recovery context
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts, as well as in transition environments
• Core competency expertise, including vis-à-vis durable solutions
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about one's own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience in the former Soviet Union/Eastern Europe (asset)
• Knowledge of Russian and/or Ukrainian (asset) 

All NRC employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s core values: dedication, innovation, inclusivity and accountability. These attitudes and beliefs shall guide actions and relationships.

We offer

Start date: February 2018 (or earlier)
Contract period: 2 years 
Salary/benefits: According to NRC’s general directions 
Duty Station: Kyiv, Ukraine, with 50% travel to eastern Ukraine (this is a family duty station)

Approved health certificate will be requested before contract start

Application procedures and CV registration: Please note that you are required to enter the geographical location for all your previous positions while registering your CV. There is no specific field for this information in our CV form, but you can use the "Company name" field for both company and location