Program Manager, Deputy Country Director

Help — Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe: We are a non-profit, independent organization, which was founded during the war in Afghanistan in 1981 and is now active worldwide in 26 countries. Help provides rapid assistance in the event of disasters, sustainable reconstruction, and long-term development assistance for and with people in need, especially in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Help is currently providing emergency aid for victims in Ukraine. Along with its strong local partner organizations, it is active in sixteen oblasts, conducting humanitarian aid through WASH activities, medical/psychological support, housing support, and veterinary support.

Quick facts:

• Duty Station: Representative Office Kyiv, Ukraine, with field support visits
• Reporting to: Country Director (CD) Ukraine
• Working hours: 40 hours/week
• Duration: initial 2-year contract with an option to extend

Overall Job Purpose

The Country Programme Manager (PM) is responsible for supporting Help’s Ukraine mission in the implementation, strengthening, and monitoring of the country’s programming aspect in line with Help’s Country Strategy, plans, and policies and in strong coordination with the Country Director. The PM supports the mission in implementing ongoing projects in coordination with Help’s technical focal points and close collaboration with CD while contributing to regular engagement with local stakeholders and prominent donors at the country level.

Key Responsibilities

• Play a key role in developing and defining the Country Strategy of the mission under the supervision and coordination of the Country Director.
• Take the lead in developing new concept notes and project proposals (design of the project rationale, log frame, narrative, and budget in cooperation with technical focal points) under the supervision of the Country Director and in collaboration with the HQ Programme Coordinator.
• Supervise, coordinate, and provide quality support to Help’s technical focal points, Ukrainian Programme Department, and field staff.
• Ensure quality implementation of Help’s country program in coordination with Help’s Technical focal points and CD.
• Coordinate and supervise the timely and quality submission of donor reports.
• Represent Help in relevant meetings (cluster, working groups, etc.)

Specific Responsibilities & Tasks

Programme Management

• Program implementation & supervision, quality control, and reporting.
• Supervise and keep up-to-date date plans and related financial plans of projects with the contribution of technical focal points and relevant team members, ensuring timely and quality implementation.
• Guarantee the application of Help’s procedures and donor rules for reporting and implementation in collaboration with the Country Director.
• Support the management of budgets in line with donor and Help’s guidelines, supporting budget and program revisions/realignments when necessary.
• Provide guidance and support to technical focal points and Ukrainian program staff on work plans, budgets, and spending, as well as monitor the implementation of activities and achievement of results.
• Coordinate with the Country Director to support and oversee the MEAL system within the program.
• In coordination with the Country Director, ensure all reports are properly drafted, revised, and submitted on time to donors.
• Monitor the level of progress achieved by each project, including regular visits to project sites.
• Conduct regular field visits to support and supervise technical focal points and Programme staff.
• Develop new funding sources and actively seek funding from a diverse donor base.

Strategy/Design and Fundraising

• Support the Country Director in developing, implementing, and evaluating the country’s strategy and programming, providing updated information, inputs, and recommendations for new and ongoing interventions in the country.
• Contribute to the design of Country Strategy for the mission, in line with Help’s Global Strategy and consultation with all relevant Programme staff at both country and HQ levels.
• Lead the design and drafting of new project proposals in coordination with Programme staff, Country Director, and Programme Coordinator.
• Proactive in creating new project and program ideas that lead to developing new contracts with existing and new donors.
• Proactively lobby new donors for new project cooperation and use established networks.

Representation & Coordination

• Coordinate with the Country Director to establish and maintain collaborative relations with donors, project stakeholders, and other key actors working in the project areas.
• Together with either Country Director in meetings with various donors' focal points at national and field levels.
• Proactively participate in relevant coordination meetings at national and subnational levels.
• Proactively connect with partners to create new ideas for projects.

Human Resource Management

• In line with Help’s policies and collaboration with the HR department, participate in the recruitment of the technical focal points and other program-related staff, as requested.
• Be available to support and advise the program staff under their line management, as required and in coordination with HR.
• Support the Country Director in ensuring that staff respect Help’s rules and regulations and adhere to Help’s Mission Values and Code of Ethics in coordination with HR and other relevant senior management members.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• University degree in social sciences, political sciences, international relations, humanitarian and international cooperation, or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years experience in a similar level/position, overseeing and managing larger teams.
• Demonstrated experience in program strategy, design, and implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and working within sizeable multicultural staff teams.
• Significant working experience at the management level in humanitarian assistance or development-oriented programs within an international environment, preferably in Ukraine.
• Thorough knowledge of all the phases of PCM.
• Demonstrated experience in project proposal writing.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including experience facilitating and encouraging effective team communication and team working spirit.
• Ability to set high standards for quality of work and adaptability and flexibility in stressful environments.
• Able to work in unstable, rapidly changing, and insecure environments.
• Strong leadership, contextual & analytical skills and demonstrated organizational, management, and supervisory skills.
• Language Skills: Ukrainian. English and German is an advantage.

We offer:

People choose Help because they are looking for a job with impact. We also offer several benefits, including:

Salary:

• Salaries at Help are driven by a desire to devote as many resources as possible to project work. However, our salaries are fair and in line with standards in the NGO sector.

Vacation:

• Annual leave: 24 calendar days per year, 5 additional working days of annual leave for working in war conditions, plus public holidays in Ukraine. Location-dependent security and/or isolation adjustment is then applied to recognize that some staff are required to work in difficult places where living and working conditions are much more complex than elsewhere.
• Field trips: Are fully covered by the organization (including per diem, hosting, travel tickets, or driver with corporate car)

Insurance:

• A comprehensive medical insurance package covers all employees.