Deputy Project Director – Operations

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to respond to the needs of the poor and vulnerable, CRS operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to improving the lives of those in need, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and is dedicated to fostering local leadership and strengthening partner capacity in the regions it serves. The Moldova and Ukraine Country Office has rapidly expanded its programming in response to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, reaching over 500,000 people since 2022 through various initiatives aimed at recovery and development. The office prioritizes diversifying programming for vulnerable populations and deepening partnerships across both countries.

Job Overview:
As the Deputy Project Director – Operations, you will play a crucial role in the DOS-funded Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine project. This position involves overseeing the Operations function of the project, ensuring that high-quality support services are delivered to programming activities. You will be responsible for managing risks proactively and providing operational solutions and capacity strengthening to Caritas Ukraine (CUA). Your leadership will be essential in ensuring compliance with organizational standards and donor requirements, as well as in fostering effective team dynamics and staff well-being. This role requires a strategic approach to managing operations, risk management, and compliance, while also contributing to the overall success of the project by ensuring timely and quality results that meet donor expectations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Operations aspect of the Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine project, ensuring adherence to organizational standards and donor requirements.
• Provide high-level technical expertise and operational solutions to CUA, strengthening their capacity in project implementation.
• Oversee risk management and compliance procedures, ensuring effective operational advice is provided to CUA teams.
• Manage the project’s operations function to meet donor expectations regarding results and budget.
• Contribute to the development of staffing plans and recruitment processes for senior staff, while also managing team dynamics and staff well-being.
• Monitor national and regional issues that may impact staff and operations, ensuring all staff adhere to safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-policies" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security policies.
• Promote efficient use of agency and donor resources, ensuring compliance with financial tracking and oversight of budgets.
• Maintain relationships with key CUA staff and ensure coordination between program and operations leads.
• Create a learning environment that encourages sharing ideas and addressing performance gaps through training opportunities. 1
• Establish a safe environment for staff to discuss challenges and solutions, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, international development, international relations, or a relevant technical area.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant management and technical experience, including 3 years managing donor funds.
• Knowledge and experience in budget management and successful management of complex, multi-activity projects.
• Staff management experience conducive to a learning environment, with the ability to engage partners and strengthen partnerships.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and experience with web conferencing applications and budget management systems.
• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
• Excellent relations management abilities, with a strategic approach to relationship building.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, international development, or international relations. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of project management and operations within the humanitarian sector.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of 5 years of relevant management and technical experience, with at least 3 years specifically in managing donor funds. Demonstrated experience in managing complex, multi-activity projects is crucial, as is knowledge of budget management and operational compliance.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and verbal) is required for this position. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication and collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Ukraine and may require up to 20% field travel within the country. The role includes supervisory responsibilities, and candidates should be prepared to manage team dynamics effectively. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates will be expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.