Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year, focusing on the rights and needs of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, and fostering a culture that encourages innovative ideas and responsibility at all levels.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager is a pivotal role within NRC, responsible for implementing integrated programs and representing the organization at various coordination forums as delegated by the Area Manager. This position is part of the Area Management Group and plays a crucial role in shaping local strategies, including contingency and emergency plans. The Area Programme Manager will contribute to planning and executing needs assessments, particularly in new operational areas, ensuring that programming is evidence-based and responsive to the needs of the communities in North-Eastern Ukraine. The role also involves scaling up the North-East area office, which includes recruiting and onboarding key staff, identifying funding opportunities, and developing strategies for sustainable programming. The Area Programme Manager will ensure compliance with donor standards and NRC policies while managing grants and reporting to donors. This position requires strong leadership and management skills, as the Area Programme Manager will oversee project managers and coordinators, focusing on their capacity building and professional development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Programme Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing area-specific inputs to local strategies, including contingency and emergency plans.
• Planning and implementing needs assessments in collaboration with Core Competency Specialists.
• Actively participating in the scale-up of the North-East area office, including recruitment and onboarding of staff.
• Identifying funding opportunities and developing funding strategies and forecasts.
• Ensuring holistic and integrated program implementation, focusing on quality, cost efficiency, and targeting beneficiaries in need.
• Contributing to sustainable programming and transitioning implementation to partner organizations.
• Coordinating with project partners at the area level and analyzing ongoing partnerships.
• Ensuring compliance with donor standards and NRC policies, including grant management and reporting.
• Line management of Core Competency project managers and coordinators, focusing on their capacity building. 1
• Representing NRC in area-level sectorial coordination, clusters, and working groups.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of experience in a management position within a humanitarian or recovery context, particularly in complex and volatile environments. They should have core competency and multi-sectoral expertise, with a proven ability to lead needs assessments and establish integrated programming. Strong people management skills, including coaching and capacity strengthening, are essential. Candidates should demonstrate experience in representation and coordination with key stakeholders, showcasing a diplomatic approach. Knowledge of the Ukrainian context is crucial, along with excellent communication, interpersonal, and reporting skills, both written and oral. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of the local language is preferred.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant educational background, typically a degree in humanitarian studies, social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be advantageous, particularly for candidates seeking to demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment to the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience working in liaison roles, particularly within humanitarian protection programs and advocacy. A proven track record of developing and implementing successful engagement strategies with governmental stakeholders is essential. Experience in coordinating with relevant government institutions and fostering effective partnerships is also required. Candidates should have a good understanding of humanitarian action and the political and humanitarian context in Ukraine, along with familiarity with regulatory and policy activities related to resilience building and recovery.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and verbal. Proficiency in Ukrainian is also required, and knowledge of the Russian language is considered an advantage, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kharkiv, Ukraine, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role may require travel of up to 20% to field offices and areas of implementation. The salary and benefits are classified as Grade 9 on NRC's grading structure. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Ukraine, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this position. Candidates are encouraged to attach copies of their academic and professional certificates when applying.