Area Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to addressing the needs of displaced individuals and communities, ensuring their protection and facilitating their integration into society. DRC has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members across the country. The organization focuses on emergency response in various sectors, including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC collaborates with civil society organizations and local authorities to enhance its impact and adapt its strategies to the evolving context of displacement in Ukraine.

Job Overview:
The Area Programme Manager role at DRC is pivotal in developing and managing area programming that strengthens protection and resilience for populations affected by displacement and conflict. This includes working with internally displaced persons (IDPs), host families, host communities, and returnees. The manager will oversee the provision of direct humanitarian assistance and the capacity development of local partners. The position requires active representation of DRC in humanitarian coordination forums, engaging with UN and INGO counterparts, and shaping agendas that align with DRC's priorities. The Area Programme Manager will provide leadership and direction to the DRC team, ensuring that the administration and implementation of area project teams are effective and aligned with DRC’s operational platforms. The role also involves strategic programming, quality assurance, and adherence to accountability and monitoring frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Area Programme Manager will be responsible for managing the DRC Area portfolio, which includes leading the planning and initiation of new projects, providing daily support to sectoral managers and team leaders, and ensuring that projects are implemented on time and within budget. The manager will oversee the quality of current and proposed projects, participate in drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensure compliance with DRC’s program department. Additionally, the role involves developing communication channels between project staff and partners, capturing lessons learned, and enhancing programming quality. The manager will also lead the implementation of DRC Project Cycle Management tools, mentor sectoral managers, and coordinate assessments to inform project design. Advocacy and representation are key components of the role, requiring the manager to articulate DRC's advocacy points and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure a cohesive humanitarian response.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least 5 years of experience in project or programme management, preferably in sectors related to humanitarian response, livelihoods, economic recovery, or protection. A minimum of 3 years of experience in people management is required, along with skills in project planning, delivery, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation. Experience in fundraising, budget management, and donor reporting is essential. Candidates should have a background in complex emergencies or challenging security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security settings, demonstrating calmness and diplomacy. The ability to produce timely project proposals and high-quality reports is crucial, along with full professional proficiency in English.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant educational background, typically a degree in social sciences, international relations, development studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates applying for senior roles within the organization.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in project and programme management, particularly in humanitarian contexts. This includes a proven track record of developing successful proposals and managing teams effectively. Experience in capacity building and working with local partners is also highly valued, as is familiarity with security management frameworks in complex environments.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian would be advantageous, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for national contracts is open-ended after the probation period, while expatriate contracts are typically for 12 months with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The position is classified at Level F, managerial, and is based in Kharkiv. The start date is anticipated to be on or before May 1, 202

• This role is open to both national and international applicants, and salary and conditions will align with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a strict deadline for applications set for April 15, 2025.