Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC has been operational for several decades and has a presence in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing aid and support to refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that the rights of these vulnerable populations are upheld and that they receive the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives. NRC operates in various sectors including shelter, education, legal assistance, and protection, and is known for its commitment to high-quality aid and advocacy for the rights of displaced individuals. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and fosters a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovation among its employees.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager will play a crucial role in the establishment and operationalization of the new Area Office North - East (AONE) in Kharkiv, which is set to begin operations in the first half of 202

• This position involves significant responsibilities in scaling up the office from the current Kharkiv Field Office, which will transition to the new structure. The Area Programme Manager will oversee key sectors of intervention, including Shelter, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Protection from Violence, Education, and emergency response through cash assistance. The role requires active participation in recruitment, onboarding, and the implementation of NRC's systems and procedures at the area level, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and national labor laws. The Area Programme Manager will also be responsible for managing the HR and Administration team, providing guidance and support to program/project implementation teams, and ensuring that the office adheres to the highest standards of accountability and integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Programme Manager will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: implementing NRC’s systems and procedures at the area level; ensuring adherence to NRC policies, handbooks, guidelines, donor requirements, and national labor laws; actively supporting the scale-up efforts of the area office, including recruitment and onboarding of new staff; preparing and submitting reports and analyses; managing the HR team at the Area level; developing and implementing administrative systems and procedures; promoting PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards; advising on personnel conflicts and processes; coordinating with relevant partners, suppliers, authorities, and legal representatives; developing Area-specific HR SOPs and policies; ensuring timely implementation of HR activities; advising and supporting line managers and staff with personnel queries; managing disciplinary measures and conflict resolution; maintaining accurate and timely data in NRC files; processing national staff benefits; tracking recruitment processes; providing personnel and recruitment reports; coordinating with the country office on staff development plans; analyzing work and development plans; supporting line managers with HR training; ensuring staff records are up to date; and performing other tasks as requested by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Area Programme Manager position must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of 3 years of experience working in a humanitarian organization. Previous experience in complex and volatile contexts is essential, as is fluency in English. Additionally, fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is required, and previous experience in humanitarian negotiations is considered a strong asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong context monitoring and analytical skills, networking and negotiation abilities, resilience in insecure environments, strategic thinking, and the capacity to empower and build trust among team members and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, which may encompass areas such as humanitarian studies, social sciences, international relations, or human resources management. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the specific challenges faced by displaced populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a humanitarian organization, with a strong emphasis on working in complex and volatile contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing HR functions and supporting program implementation in challenging environments, demonstrating their ability to adapt and respond effectively to the needs of the organization and the communities served.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, along with fluency in Ukrainian and Russian. These language skills are essential for effective communication with staff, partners, and beneficiaries in the region. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Ukraine. The NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this role. The start date for this position is set for January 202

• The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Candidates are advised to apply early, as applications will be screened on a rolling basis, and interviews will be conducted until a suitable candidate is selected. NRC is committed to safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contribute to a safe environment, and report any incidents of exploitation or abuse.