Country Director - Ukraine

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Country Director

Code: 60-6211

Duty station: Based in Dnipro 70% and Kiev 30% with frequent travels to Vinnytsia, Odesa, Poltava, Kharkiv and other areas in the country, incl. frontline areas and newly accessible areas

Starting date: 01/05/2023

Contract duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Head of Regional Office for Emergencies

Supervision of: Head of Programme, Head of Operations, Safe and Access Coordinator, MEAL manager , CD Assistant

Dependents: non-family duty station

General context of the project

The war broke out in Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, millions of people have spread within the country, raising a big concern on how to manage such an immense flux of people. In order to provide emergency humanitarian relief, INTERSOS entered Ukraine shortly after the outbreak of the conflict and set up its first emergency response operations.

Currently INTERSOS team in Ukraine consists of 225 staff, operating across 5 bases, covering operational areas of: Vinnytsia, Poltava, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv and Donetsk Oblasts providing protection and medical assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs), their host communities, and life-saving humanitarian assistance to persons in highest needs in frontline and newly accessible areas.

General purpose of the position

The Country Director represents INTERSOS in the country and acts on behalf of the Director General, leading the organization’s response, including strategy design, planning resources, management and implementation of programmes.​

Main responsibilities and tasks

Strategy and vision

• Analyse the needs in the country based on context and security analysis, direct contact with communities, authorities, donors, UN, civil society and NGOs. Review intervention strategy and programming
• Propose and develop a strategy for the programme in the country in line with INTERSOS Strategic Plan and INTERSOS values and principles
• Lead on developing additional operational activities in line with review and assessment results
• In collaboration with HQ adjust the structure of the mission based on context analysis, security assessment and foreseen operational response
• Plan, organise and control resources to achieve mission goals
• Lead the detailed Country Strategy planning process
• Lead on prioritising actions and resources to achieve programme objectives
• Assist the Head of Programme in identifying new sources of funding and maintain adequate donor funding levels to sustain the identified program and support activities
• Explore and promote funding opportunities that integrate initiatives and leverage the impact of the organisation in the country.
• Explore and promote fund-raising activities with institutional and private donors at country level and support at regional or global level for the country of concern.

Representation and advocacy

• Represent the organisation and manage relations with the authorities ensuring smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions and safeguarding impartiality and independence
• Represent INTERSOS with communities, donors, partners, local and international stakeholders and develop strategic partnerships
• Follow up, guarantee and monitor government recognition procedures for the organisation in compliance with the host country formalities
• Maintain strong communications with donors and ensure that the assessed needs are communicated to impact on donors priorities
• Represent the mission in all coordination fora (NGO, authorities, UN, and others) as per established coordination structure in the country
• Present INTERSOS operations with national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate. In coordination with the Communication department is responsible for the development and promotion of communication and advocacy materials highlighting the affected population in needs and the role of the organization in addressing them

HR management

• Manage the SMT ensuring that key matters regarding the programme implementation, context and security developments, and administration are regularly discussed
• In coordination with the SMT, coordinate, guide and supervise the mission staffs and overview the performance process
• Ensure the staffs respect organisational values, Code of Ethics, Organization Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS procedures
• Maintain high ethical standards and manage people with respect. Promote teamwork and ensure a productive working environment for staff members
• Ensure the correct flow of operational information within the mission, with the region and HQ
• Empower staff members to meet organizational goals and work as a highly functioning and cooperative team

Security

• Assess the security and follow the context analysis. Is responsible for the security and safety of the staffs and for any decision concerning security
• Validate all the mission security plans (at capital and field level)
• Regularly interact with HQ on security issues
• Hold final responsibility for any decision concerning security

Monitoring and reporting

• Continuously assess, analyse and evaluate the impact of the country operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention
• Oversee programme quality and impact in line with established programme goals and related indicators
• Oversee the good functioning of all the departments
• Oversee program reporting, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, donor regulations and local law

Finance

• With the support of the Head of Operations, coordinate, define and oversee the overall financial management of the missions, striving towards financial sustainability and assume responsibility for the mission funds management (NGO budget).
• Hold final responsibility on the management of INTERSOS bank accounts in the country

Required profile and experience

Education

BA in International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy or other relevant field

Professional Experience

• 8 years experience in humanitarian aid settings
• Previous experience in actively hostile environments required
• Previous experience working in Eastern Europe desirable

Professional Requirements

• Ability to manage huge team
• Strong knowledge of financial management
• Experience working with major grants and international donors
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
• Capacity to work under preassure

Languages

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Knowledge of Ukranian and Russian is an asset

Personal Requirements

• Good organizational skills
• Leadership, teamwork and cooperation
• Behavioural flexibility
• Negotiation skills and decision-making skills
• Diplomatic, interpersonal and good communication skills
• Understanding of humanitarian operations principles, standards and best practices
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles

Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below: https://www.intersos.org/posizioni-aperte/missioni/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/6405cc5f80250a0028fbe0c1/

Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.

Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.