Country: Ukraine
Closing date: 09 Sep 2015
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is looking for a highly qualified and capable Head of Office to help manage Danish Demining Group’s activities in the eastern Ukraine. The current DDG activities are Mine Risk Education (MRE) and implementation of digital platforms for information sharing. The office is based in Severodonetsk city, and the Head of Office must expect occasional travel to other DDG/DRC offices across Ukraine.
Who are we?
The Danish Refugee Council/Danish Demining Group (DRC/DDG) has operated in Ukraine since June 2007. In January 2013, it closed its office upon completion of programmes for the protection of asylum seekers and refugees, and for the capacity building of government and civil society. DRC returned to Ukraine with assessment missions starting in April 2014, in order to assist those persons who are internally displaced (IDPs). Today, DRC/DDG implements activities in eastern Ukraine with a head office in Kyiv.
The DDG MRE project aims to increase the safety and security of school-aged children and their parents in Donbas, in and around learning spaces and schools through increased awareness and knowledge on risks from explosive remnants of war (ERW), namely unexploded ordnance (UXO) and mines. The MRE project is currently operating from the office in Severodonetsk, but expansion to government-controlled Mariupol (Donetsk Oblast), with a second location is soon to be confirmed. This includes the possibility of operating in the non-government controlled area of Ukraine if the situation permits.
Currently, a pilot project around MApps for DDG explores whether communication of mine action information can be strengthened by including digital platforms in communication with affected communities. The Head of Office is expected to support the implementation of this pilot project
In addition to the MRE and the MApps project, DDG is also in process of securing funds for capacity building the State Emergency Service (SES) – which is one of the national entities in Ukraine addressing civilian / humanitarian mine- and ERW clearance. The proposed project is meant to equip and train the SES from Slovyansk to an IMAS-required level.
About the role
The Head of Office (HoO) is responsible for the supervision, coordination, management, development and representation of DDG programming in the government-controlled territories of the Luhansk and Donetsk Oblasts. The HoO will supervise MRE Project Managers and will have the overall responsibility of DDG field work, while acting as a focal point for coordination as the senior representative of DDG in the area.
S/he will oversee administration (HR and finance), logistics (procurement and supply) and programme implementation. S/he will ensure that field teams are prepared to respond rapidly to emergencies and ensure the safety and security of DDG staff and assets in her/his area of responsibility. The position requires a high degree of responsibility, flexibility and understanding of complex organisational structures including line and matrix management relationships.
The Head of Office reports to the DDG Head of Programme, based in Kiev. Key responsibilities will include:
Duties and Responsibilities
Representation
Act as the primary DDG representative in the area and attend all relevant fora/meetings in order to strengthen DDG’s position
Foster relationships with relevant stakeholders in the area, including government and NGO organisations.
Develop a close working relationship with DRC colleagues and ensure that DDG’s activities are closely integrated and coordinated with those of DRC.
Management
Provide leadership, coordination and integration of DDG activities in the eastern Ukraine including, but not limited to, Mine Risk Education activities – both implemented ‘directly’ by DDG and ‘indirectly’ via local Community-Based Organisations – and any future DDG activities in Ukraine.
Closely coordinate with the senior management team based in Kiev, including the DRC Country Director (CD) DDG Head of Programme (DDG HoP), and other senior staff
Line manage two international MRE Project Officers in other locations in Eastern Ukraine, and have oversight over their operations, including field visits.
Collate and summarise reporting and information for passing upwards to the senior management team in Kiev.
Line manage support and programme staff, based in the Severodonetsk office, including recruitment, coaching, and capacity building; This also includes support to, if required the MApps project and other related mine action activities.
Encourage a positive, innovative and mutually supportive team spirit amongst the DDG Severodonetsk team.
Programme development
Lead the process of adapting DDG strategic policies to the local context and circumstances
Promote humanitarian principles to increase safe access for DDG in the area
Develop DDG’s programme in the area and provide technical and context-specific input to fundraising efforts, in coordination with the DDG HoP and DRC/DDG CD
Provide regular analysis on the context and humanitarian situation in Severodonetsk and other DDG field offices in Ukraine to inform DDG proposal development and safety assessments.
Safety and Security
Act as security manager in the area ensuring adherence to security procedures and monitoring developments in the security situation
Actively support the country safety department to develop and regularly update the local security plan for his/her area of responsibility
Develop and maintain a security focal persons' network in his/her area of responsibility
Finance and administration
Provide budget monitoring and financial control in compliance with DRC country office requirements and in line with the DRC Operations Handbook
Ensure procurement systems are followed according to the DRC Operations Handbook.
Reporting
Comply with internal reporting requirements and contribute to external reports;
Participate in DDG/DRC internal coordination mechanisms, as required.
Accountability
Guided by the DRC Programme Handbook, continuously monitor and implement accountability initiatives
Strengthen efforts to document the impact of DDG activities in the area.
To be successful in this role you must have:
- Preferable a university degree in international relations, management, human rights, social science or related field
- Minimum 5 years professional work experience in international humanitarian/development work
- Good understanding of displacement issues of both internally displaced and refugees and related international standards/frameworks
- Demonstrated project, programme and human resource management experience, including working with local partners in need of capacity building
- Extensive experience in representation and networking
- Excellent analytical and strategic planning skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff and other stakeholders
- Excellent negotiation, advocacy and communication skills
- Professional fluency in written and spoken English; fluency in Ukrainian or Russian is highly desirable
- Knowledge of displacement issues and the context in Ukraine is a clear asset
- Willingness and proven ability to live and work in an insecure, isolated, and challenging environment.
We offer
DRC will offer the successful applicant at least a 6 months contract, but preferable a 12 month contract, pending confirmed funding.
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates. This position is classified at level A10. Please check http://drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/ for further information on employment conditions. For Severodonetsk there are currently no R&R attached to this position.
Need further information?
For more details on this position please contact Bodil Jacbosen, DDG Ukraine Programme and Operations Coordinator, bodil.jacobsen@drc.dk
Please note that applications sent directly to DRC via email will not be considered.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.dk
The Danish Demining Group (DDG) is the Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) and Armed Violence Reduction (AVR) Unit in the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). The DDG mission is to recreate a safe environment where people can live without the threat of landmines, unexploded ordnance and small arms and light weapons
How to apply:
Interested? Go to www.drc.dk and find Current Vacancies. Find the job on the list and apply for this position by clicking on the apply button. Apply here
If you have questions, or encounter problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk
Applications close date: Friday 11 September 2015. If an appropriate candidate is identified, DRC reserves the right to recruit ahead of this deadline.