Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their mission.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager (APM) plays a crucial role in the implementation of holistic and need-based programs within the South Area Office (SAO) of NRC in Ukraine. This position involves representing NRC at various coordination forums as delegated by the Area Manager (AM) and being an integral member of the Area Management Team (AMT). The APM is responsible for ensuring integrated programming, maintaining technical quality, and coordinating emergency responses in the area office. The role requires collaboration with Core Competency Specialists and Programme Development Managers to develop programmatic strategies that address both emergency and transitional needs, particularly focusing on returnees. The APM will also lead proposal development, identify population needs, and oversee the implementation of the Project Cycle Management (PCM) system, ensuring compliance with NRC policies and donor requirements. This position demands a strong understanding of the local context in Ukraine and the ability to manage complex programs effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The APM's key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing integrated programming and ensuring technical quality in the South Area Office (SAO).
• Coordinating emergency response efforts in the area office.
• Providing area-specific inputs relevant to NRC Ukraine and Core Competency strategies.
• Collaborating with Core Competency Specialists and Programme Development Managers to develop programmatic strategies for emergency and transitional responses.
• Leading proposal development and identifying targeted population needs.
• Developing area protocols for funding opportunities.
• Implementing the Project Cycle Management (PCM) system and overseeing program implementation, including targets and budgets.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and donor requirements.
• Managing grants, BPO allocations, and regular reporting to donors. 1
• Establishing systems for program quality control, monitoring, and evaluation. 1
• Line managing Core Competencies Project Managers and program support Coordinators. 1
• Developing and implementing capacity-building plans for program staff. 1
• Supporting representation and external engagement with donors and stakeholders. 1
• Acting as Area Manager when appointed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study. A professional qualification in grants management, Monitoring & Evaluation, or technical sectors is considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of experience in a senior program management position within a humanitarian or recovery context, demonstrating experience in people management in complex and volatile environments. Multi-sectoral expertise, particularly in emergency, recovery, and durable solutions programming, is essential. Experience with one or more of the four Core Competencies at the area office—Shelter, Information Counselling & Legal Assistance (ICLA), Education, and Protection—is also required. A strong understanding of the context in Ukraine is crucial, and knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian languages is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Additional professional qualifications in areas such as grants management, Monitoring & Evaluation, or technical sectors are beneficial and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in a senior program management role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing people and programs in complex and volatile environments, as well as experience in program development and implementation in large, rapidly expanding country programs. Familiarity with the context in Ukraine or Moldova is highly desirable, as is experience in multi-sectoral programming, particularly in emergency and recovery settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian languages is considered an advantage and may enhance communication and program effectiveness in the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, and offers a full-time employment contract for a duration of 24 months. The role requires approximately 40% travel. The salary is classified as Grade 9 on NRC's grading structure. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and empowers employees at all levels to take responsibility and share ideas. Candidates are invited to apply by submitting their CV and relevant academic and professional certificates, ensuring that they meet the minimum standards in terms of experience and qualifications.