Country Director – Ukrainian only

NGO & MISSION PRESENTATION

U-Saved is an Ukrainian NGO network created after the 2022 offensive. U-Saved has immediately supported frontline activities to target the most in need in the east of the country, on the frontline as in Hard-to-Reach areas. It has been inspired by the exceptional solidarity the Ukrainian population immediately demonstrated at the beginning of the war back in February 2022, mobilizing everywhere to distribute humanitarian aid through a unique network of volunteers.

The main objective of U-Saved’s actions is to seek greater efficiency of action through an aid localization approach with a strong mandate of capacity building of local volunteer groups. To do so, our partners are part of our organization and decision-making process. All this for a greater and better quality of aid brought to the populations in need.

U-Saved is looking for an experienced NGO Representative based in Kiev who will support us in the achievement of our objectives and will structure our vison.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a country director, you report directly to the board of members of U-Saved Ukraine. You are also directly linked to U-Saved federation in France for issues related to project management, especially on MEAL and budget management) and donor accountability. You will be in charge of overseeing all U-Saved’s activities in Ukraine managing a team of 12 employees, around 30 volunteers under U-Saved contracts, and working with a network of more than 500 volunteers through various partners.

Team building & country office management

• Structure U-Saved UA team according to our mandate, our operational objectives, and the corresponding donor’s accountability mechanisms with a priority given to humanitarian support and volunteers protection.
• Recruit and train the necessary staff, insure that our organizational chart is relevant according to our goals, manage the team in a positive and committed vision of our work and insure the correct implementation and respect of the general security rules.
• Guarantee the correct implementation of projects in conformity with the contractual obligations and donors’ procedures.
• Represents U-Saved in the country/area by engaging in relations with institutions, NGOs, local and international organizations, donors and partners.
• Guarantees the respect of the country’s legislation and administrative regulation.

Coordination, program development, economic duties

• Represent U-Saved in Ukraine and promote positive image of the organisation.
• Nourish and develop U-Saved’s participation in forums, networks, consortiums, partnerships and wide visibility.
• Enhance partnerships with public authorities (line ministries, directorates) by promoting U-Saved’s vision
• Actively monitor and analyse context developments, in order to identify risks and opportunities. Including the political, humanitarian and socio-economic context
• Verifies and proposes to the U-Saved board the intervention priorities to consolidate the organization’s presence in the country and the improvement of the services delivered to the population and to the local volunteer groups.
• Maintains a clear understanding of donor priorities, funding trends, and strategic initiatives in the country, which are reflected in a proactive donor engagement strategy.
• Supervises planning for needs assessments, coordinates the elaboration of proposal for new projects, and lead the fundraising activities.

Policy/Advocacy tasks

• Lead U-Saved advocacy and communication efforts and ensure policy positions concerning localization, innovative financing models, and operational development and research efforts, grounded in reality.
• Build a network with advocacy and other relevant staff in external agencies (Ukrainian humanitarian organizations and CSOs, INGOs, Donors, UN bodies, etc.).
• Represent U-Saved externally at policy and advocacy related events and meetings, as well as with outside parties interested in the overarching policy issues regarding the work of both the humanitarian and development community.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

• Position related studies (humanitarian, political science, management, international relations, or equivalent).
• Excellent knowledge of project cycle management and programming.
• Experience in NGO preferably in emergency context.
• At least 5 years of professional experience on a similar position or on project management duties.
• Ability to work in a sensitive security context and to manage security and risks.
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with a proven track record in forming effective relationships with a range of local and international authorities.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under high pressure.
• English mandatory (oral and written).
• French is an added value.
• Command of Microsoft Office suite (Excel mandatory).