Head of Programme Ukraine

What we are looking for

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)is looking for an experienced principled collaborative and dynamic Head of Programme to lead the implementation of the programme strategy and provide leadership to the programme team in the country ensuring our response is informed by and relevant for the people affected by the war in Ukraine.

We are a principled humanitarian actor a strong advocate for protection and the rights of displaced people as well as an active member of the humanitarian community in Ukraine. We support local capacities and intend to supplement where necessary drawing on the strength of our large global network. We support people who remain close to the frontline with emergency response seeking to contribute to selfreliance where possible. Our focus is on communities that are hard to reach. As a displacement agency we pay particular attention to people displaced by the conflict. We try to link them up to existing services from day one and believe we have an important role to play in finding good transitional solutions until longer term solutions can be found. We work across the nexus contributing to early recovery in the most war and displacement affected communities focusing on integration of IDPs and returnees and ensuring displaced peoples needs are addressed in recovery and development efforts.

In 2024 we supported close to 300000 people across all of Ukraine through the provision of multipurpose cash assistance as a preferred modality of aid delivery as well as through information counselling and legal aid protection education shelter water sanitation and livelihoods interventions. We mostly work in areas directly affected by hostilities in the east south and north of the country and are in the process of phasing out presence in the west. We increasingly work with local actors ranging from local NGOs but also with local authorities the private sector academia etc. among others to ensure the sustainability of our response. Many of our interventions especially cash assistance is delivered through digital means ensuring reach and costeffectiveness.

What you will do

• Line management of the Country Programme Unit consisting of Core Competency Specialists and Programme Support Unit (Grants Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Partnerships Safe and Inclusive Programming)
• Supervision of Core Competency Specialists: Education Information Counselling and Legal Assistance ICLA Protection from Violence Shelter & Settlements Cash & Market Systems Livelihoods and Food Security; technical supervision of Area Programme Managers
• Active membership of the Country Management Group (CMG)
• Compliance with and adherence to NRC policies guidance and procedures
• Provision of programme input to the NRC Ukraine Country Strategy and related plans; ensure Core Competency strategies are aligned to regional and global priorities and strategies
• Assess the partners priority needs in terms of capacity development
• Continue to evolve NRCs programme in Ukraine encouraging innovation and ensuring relevance of NRCs approaches in the years ahead
• Build strategic partnerships with local and international actors in Ukraine and ensure NRC is able to provide thought leadership in the sectors in which it operates
• Strengthen NRCs evidence base and work closely with the Advocacy Manager to ensure NRCs collective response is based on data and analysis
• Ensure increasing programme implementation with local actors in line with NRC Partnership Policy and NRC Ukraine Partnership Strategy encompassing NGOs local authorities private sector academia etc.

Please download thedetailed job descriptionto learn more about the position

What you will bring

• Minimum 8 years experience in the humanitarian sector with at least 4 years in a senior management position in humanitarian and / or recovery contexts
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Demonstrated skills in leading and managing diverse teams as well as working in a matrix structure
• Core competency and programming expertise including monitoring and evaluation
• Documented results related to the positions responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Knowledge of / experience in the humanitarian context in Ukraine
• Command of Ukrainian and/or Russian will be an asset
• Experience from implementing with local partners; understanding of localization in humanitarian settings

What we offer

• Duty station:Kyiv Ukraine.
• Contract:24 months
• Travel:40%
• Salary/benefits: grade 11 on NRCs regional salary scale with accompanying terms and conditions
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age gender religion ethnicity nationality and physical ability
• We think outside the box encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process

• Internal candidates: To apply as an internal candidate log in with your official email or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
• When creating your profile include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the systemrequired fields for experience employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English taking care to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.

Why NRC

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization helping people forced to flee. Our 15000 staff work in crises across 40 countries providing lifesaving and longterm assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short videoto see NRC in action.

NRC has been present in Ukraine since 2014. Since the escalation of the war in 2022 we have been continuously scaling up our response across the country and working with national partners.

Eight years of conflict in the east of Ukraine escalated into a fullscale war on 24 February 2022 causing death destruction and displacement for millions of people across the country. 17.6 million people were estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023 including 6.3 million internally displaced people and 11.3 million people who returned or remained home. Almost 16 million people received humanitarian assistance in 2022.

Throughout the winter months the Russian Federation attacked critical energy infrastructure leaving thousands with no heating water or gas. Many residential buildings were also damaged and destroyed killing and injuring civilians and forcing millions more to leave their homes. While indiscriminate attacks continued in different regions of Ukraine the south was struck by the Kakhovka Dam breach on 6 June 2023 causing flooding and the displacement of thousands of people in the area and leaving many regions without access to clean drinking water. Those who decided to remain are struggling to access food water health care education and other essential services.

The most vulnerable people are still in need of safe housing protection services and livelihoods support among other needs. Displaced people in rural areas are also struggling to access services. Many of those in need of assistance live in the areas beyond the control of Ukrainian government where the response is limited due to access constraints.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people If you are NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work often in challenging contexts
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity

Learn more about NRC