Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people 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 vulnerable populations. The organization is dedicated to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance and protection. NRC is known for its commitment to high-quality aid and innovative solutions to complex humanitarian challenges. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and open dialogue 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) based in Kharkiv, which is set to begin operations in January 202

• This position involves overseeing the implementation of various humanitarian programs, including Shelter, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Protection from Violence, Education, and emergency response through cash assistance. The Area Programme Manager will be responsible for ensuring that emergency activities are conducted in compliance with established humanitarian standards and NRC policies. This role requires a proactive approach to analyzing humanitarian needs in the region and collaborating with various stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, and local authorities, to enhance the effectiveness of the response efforts. The successful candidate will also be expected to lead the design and development of emergency projects and manage associated budgets, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable populations are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Programme Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: monitoring and reporting on emergency activities, ensuring compliance with humanitarian standards and NRC policies, conducting needs assessments, establishing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, and coordinating emergency response efforts with other humanitarian partners. Specific tasks include preparing progress reports, leading project design and proposal writing, developing contingency plans, monitoring humanitarian issues, ensuring quality implementation of projects, collecting and submitting reports, liaising with local NGOs, and overseeing internal monitoring and evaluation systems. The role also involves ensuring that all personnel understand their responsibilities regarding safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and liaising with the Security Focal Point to ensure compliance with security guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of experience in a coordinator position within a humanitarian or recovery context, with a proven track record of effective emergency response leadership. Technical expertise in at least one of the core competencies is required, along with documented results related to the position's responsibilities. Candidates should have a strong understanding of program cycle management, excellent people management skills, and experience in managing cash transfer programs and contingency planning. Knowledge of humanitarian standards such as SPHERE and Do No Harm is essential, as is experience with donor proposal writing and reporting.

Educational Background:
A university degree is required, with a preference for candidates holding a post-graduate qualification. The educational background should be relevant to the humanitarian sector, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage projects effectively in an emergency setting.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience managing projects for an international organization in an emergency context. This experience should include working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating the ability to adapt and respond to rapidly changing situations. A strong background in emergency response and scale-up programming is essential, along with experience in conducting rapid assessments and distribution monitoring in emergencies.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. Proficiency in Ukrainian and/or Russian is considered a strong asset, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the response efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to candidates who have the legal right to work in Ukraine, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in a challenging environment. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be screened on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is selected. NRC offers a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts. The organization is committed to safeguarding and expects all employees to uphold the highest standards of respect and dignity in their interactions.