Head of Programme

About the job

DRC-DDG has been responding to the humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine since November 2014. With offices in the Mariupol, Slovyansk, and Severodonetsk, the team of some 150-persons provides assistance to internally displaced persons and the conflict-affected in terms of legal assistance, livelihoods, protection, mine clearance, and risk awareness. In Kyiv, there is also a programme for the capacity building of state authorities charged with developing policies and services for the displaced. The current overall programme portfolio is approximately €10 million (70% DRC programming/ 30% DDG programming). Currently, DRC Ukraine implements in the sectors of Cross Border Capacity Building, Legal Assistance, Livelihoods, and Protection. The specialized unit of DDG conducts Mine Clearance, Risk Awareness, and Capacity Building. DRC-DDG Ukraine programming covers government-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine, with some activities in Kyiv. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

People management

• Lead and manage the Capacity Building Programme Manager, Grants Management Coordinator, Grants Management Assistant and MEAL Officer (including people planning, performance, well-being and development).

• Provide leadership in the design, and quality of the DRC Ukraine Programme, including, but not limited to, reporting, development of concept papers, budgets and project proposals
• Support the drafting, promoting, and rolling out of all strategic planning documents in broad consultation with all staff. These documents include the country strategic plan as well as strategies for all DRC programme sectors. Ensure proper understanding of these documents by relevant actors (e.g., staff members, partners, NGOs, government counterparts, and donors).
• Support the integration of DRC core programmatic thematic orientations for a multi-sector comprehensive response when relevant.
• Support the development of in-country expertise in each sector as well as supporting the agenda with the Area Manager (AM) for technical capacity building of national staff.
• Together with AM, lead the coordination of assessments for programming in existing or new project locations.
• Lead for the country programming’s dialogue with the Regional Office and HQ vis-à-vis regional and global programming, including but not limited to participation in regional and global HoP events, contribution to the regional strategic programme document, and coordination of global or regional programming initiatives in country.

• Support the development of an appropriate MEAL structure and ensure that programme management tools and systems are relevant. Develop internal mechanisms for institutional learning and memory.
• Improve the quality of services provided, through supervision of key staff, analysis and dissemination of MEAL data and lessons learnt, and review of DRC and other best practice guidelines. Lead the development of MEAL frameworks for all projects, and, together with Programme/Project Managers, design appropriate project monitoring and evaluation methodologies and tools.
• Coordinate with DRC HQ to ensure MEAL activities are aligned with regional and global requirements and initiatives.
• Ensure a harmonised approach to accountability and beneficiary participation in all DRC-DDG Ukraine projects and field offices, in line with the Core Humanitarian Standards.
• Set up and coordinate Humanitarian Accountability Framework compliance mechanisms throughout DRC-DDG operations, in line with Core Humanitarian Standards.

• Increase the visibility and credibility of DRC’s programme in the area and maintain close relations with all relevant stakeholders including donors.
• Ensure correct and timely narrative and financial reporting to donor.

• Support the Country Director and the country senior management team in ensuring strategic programming coherent with DRC’s operational platforms, coordinating DRC’s programme development, strengthening DRC’s programme quality, standards and learning, and enforcing DRC’s accountability and M&E frameworks.
• Function as the Country Director in his/her absence.
• Represent DRC on behalf of the Country Director to donors, government authorities, humanitarian agencies, and other partners.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect the following:

Required

• At least 7 years' experience in a relevant field with DRC or a similar INGO.
• At least 4 years' experience with people management
• Proven leadership experience in managing program operations, including at country senior management level.
• Experience in a minimum of two of the four DRC Ukraine programme sectors (Legal Assistance, Protection, Capacity Building, Livelihoods).
• Knowledge and experience designing and rolling out MEAL and accountability systems and tools.
• Experience with proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation and Grants Management.
• Experience in negotiating and advocating with government authorities and donors for solutions that serve the needs of beneficiaries, pursuing values of internationally recognised and universal character in a post-conflict context with a strong respect of local culture and tradition.
• Full professional proficiency in English.

• Professional humanitarian and/or development experience in a country of the former Soviet Union.
• Russian and/or Ukrainian language skills.

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 act in line with DRC’s vision and values. 

We offer

Contract length: 2 years

Employment Band: E Level: 1

Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv is Family Duty Station and the position is accompanied.

Start date: 13 May 2019

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy, please contact Krista Zongolowicz, Country Director, at krista.zongolowicz@drc.ngo.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than three pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 10 February 2019