Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Since its inception, 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 supporting durable solutions for displaced and conflict-affected individuals. NRC has been active in Ukraine since February 2022, responding to the ongoing crisis by delivering essential services such as food, shelter, legal assistance, and education to over 1 million people. The organization aims to refine its strategic vision to prioritize immediate humanitarian needs while also facilitating sustainable recovery and resilience among affected communities. By leveraging its core competencies and fostering partnerships with local actors, NRC strives to ensure that its interventions are effective and aligned with the priorities identified by the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director position at NRC is a strategic leadership role that requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in humanitarian and recovery contexts. The successful candidate will be responsible for realigning NRC's programmatic approach to adapt to the changing context in Ukraine, focusing on collaboration with local actors. The Country Director will lead the country office through necessary changes, ensuring that the organization's strategic ambitions are met. This role involves developing and implementing a holistic response that encompasses programs, advocacy, and policy work. The Country Director will also be tasked with fostering strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders to enhance collaboration and secure funding. Additionally, the position requires representing NRC in the media to raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the organization's response efforts. The Country Director must ensure that all activities comply with NRC's Response Policy and relevant strategies, donor regulations, and organizational procedures, while promoting a positive and collaborative working environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Working with the Country Management Group (CMG) to realign NRC's programmatic approach to the evolving context in Ukraine, emphasizing local partnerships.
• Leading the country office through changes resulting from this realignment.
• Providing strategic leadership that aligns with regional and global ambitions, focusing on a holistic response across programs, advocacy, and policy work.
• Leading the CMG in an inclusive manner that encourages the flow of ideas and adaptability to changing circumstances.
• Collaborating closely with the Head of Programme to develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, and key stakeholders to enhance collaboration and secure funding.
• Representing NRC in the media to raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and the organization's response efforts.
• Ensuring that NRC's activities are conducted in accordance with NRC's Response Policy and other relevant strategies, donor rules, and organizational policies.
• Overseeing the implementation of sound risk management practices, considering the principle of Duty of Care.
• Promoting a positive and collaborative working environment characterized by high levels of trust and respect, with a focus on staff care and wellbeing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of experience in a Senior Manager or Country Director role within a humanitarian or recovery context. They should have a proven track record of managing both programs and support functions, particularly in complex and volatile environments. Strong people management skills are essential, along with experience in managing complex change processes. Candidates should also demonstrate documented results related to the responsibilities of the position and possess a clear understanding of their own leadership skills and profile. A valid driver's license is required, and fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a relevant educational background, typically at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to humanitarian work, international relations, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response, management, or related fields may be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience, ideally a minimum of 7 years, working in senior management roles within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Experience in complex and volatile environments is crucial, as is a demonstrated ability to manage both programs and support functions effectively. Proven results related to the responsibilities of the position are essential, along with strong people management skills and experience in navigating complex change processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian may be beneficial, given the context of the role and the location in Ukraine, but is not explicitly stated as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Kyiv, Ukraine, with a contract duration of 24 months. The role will require frequent travel to the field and areas of implementation. The salary and benefits will be determined according to NRC's Grade 12 salary scales and terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from all candidates regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization values innovative thinking and empowers employees at all levels to share ideas and take responsibility.