Ukraine Country Representative (100%)

Position: Ukraine Country Representative (100%)

Duty station: Kyiv, frequent travels around Ukraine (including eastern Ukraine)

Reporting line: Desk Officer (HQ Switzerland)

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Country Representative is entrusted with the management of Solidar Suisse’s overall program in Ukraine. He/she is responsible for Solidar Suisse’s operations in Ukraine and strives to expand the program through acquisition, networking, coordination, and planning. The Country Representative works closely with the Solidar team and partner organisations by providing support, guidance and advice while overseeing ongoing projects. He/she leads the Solidar team in a respectful and constructive manner, takes initiative, works in a solution-orientated manner and actively provides support when needed. Besides active participation in relevant clusters and working groups, the Country Representative is responsible for liaison with government representatives and other key stakeholders on behalf and in the best interest of Solidar Suisse. As a key member of the team, the Country Representative will liaise closely with Solidar Suisse’s HQ and provide regular reports.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Country Representative is entrusted with the following tasks:

Implementation of program / leading Country Office

• Operative responsibility over Solidar Suisse’s program in Ukraine
• Oversee the implementation of ongoing projects as planned in the proposals (incl. programmatic and financial monitoring)
• Lead the Country Office and the team to high quality performance in a constructive and supportive manner
• Guide the teams and partners by providing technical and programmatic instructions and advice
• Provide on the job training, mentorship and capacity building initiatives to team and partner staff
• Show initiative and support the project team in the implementation of project activities
• Provide detailed, accurate and timely progress reports to HQ as per donor guidelines, incl. challenges and areas in need of improvement including operational data

Acquisition, networking & coordination

• Proactively provide technical, programmatic and strategic support for the expansion of Solidar Suisse’s program in Ukraine
• Pro-actively seek opportunities for local and international funding of the program
• Participate in cluster meetings, operational working group meetings, and other coordination meetings led by relevant agencies
• Proactively engage with local authorities, project partners, donors, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders to ensure good coordination, participation and proper and timely execution of planned activities
• Ensure proper liaison with government agencies

Compliance and quality assurance

• Ensure compliance with rules and regulations of the donor, Solidar Suisse, partners and Government
• Handle administrative, financial, logistical issues in compliance with organization’s rules and regulations and in close cooperation with respective project staff and local partner
• Support the Finance & Admin Manager in any matter related to finances, logistics and human resources
• Safeguard quality assurance throughout the entire program, including the adherence and application to the Core Humanitarian Standards

Other

• Assist in resolving problems and find solutions in a transparent, constructive and acceptable manner
• Interact with all project and partner colleagues in a cooperative manner and in a constructive spirit of collegiality based on mutual trust and respect
• Organize travels and visits (e.g. from donors, consultants or from HQ)
• Any other task assigned by the Desk Officer
• Overview safety and security situation for staff and beneficiaries

Required profile and experience

• Master in social sciences, humanitarian action/development cooperation, or other relevant fields
• 5-10 years professional experience in project management including field experience and community work, preferably in an emergency context
• Proven experience in the management of humanitarian projects, preferably covering protection, shelter, WASH, livelihoods and cash based interventions
• Proven experience in procurement, logistics and financial management
• Fluency in Ukrainian and very good knowledge in English language (written and spoken)
• Good personal organizational skills, including time management and ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Creative and innovative thinking
• Proficiency in MS office package
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Show initiative and actively assume responsibilities, able to plan and organize his/her work independently
• Show flexibility, loyalty and commitment
• Willingness to travel around Ukraine, incl. to eastern oblasts

Duration and starting date

We look for a candidate who is able to start as soon as possible with a contract duration until 31 July 2025 with possibility of extension.

If you are interested in this assignment and meet the requirements, please send your application in English
including detailed CV, and contact details of 3 referees by e-mail with Subject “Country Representative Ukraine” to recruitment@solidar.ch and Katri Hoch katri.hoch@solidar.ch

Due to the urgency, the position will be filled on a rolling basis.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.