Humanitarian Unit Lead

Humanitarian Unit Lead

Maternity Cover | Full-time | Prague, Czech Republic (with travel up to 20%)

Who We Are

People in Need (PIN) is an international non-profit organization providing humanitarian and development assistance worldwide. Founded on the principles of humanism, freedom, equality, and solidarity, PIN is the largest INGO in Central and Eastern Europe, with 22 offices globally, over 2,400 employees, and an annual budget exceeding 240 million Euros.

Humanitarian Unit (HU) is at the forefront of our emergency response efforts, providing technical expertise, strategic leadership, and hands-on support to crisis-affected communities worldwide. Whether setting up new humanitarian operations, scaling up emergency responses, or strengthening in-country capacities, the HU plays a critical role in PIN’s humanitarian programming.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Humanitarian Unit Lead to oversee the day-to-day operations of the HU. In this role, you will lead a team of humanitarian professionals, shape emergency response strategies, and support country programmes in delivering high-quality humanitarian aid. You will also drive PIN’s global humanitarian positioning, engage with key donors, and contribute to cross-organizational initiatives.

This is a maternity cover position, starting in April 2025.

Your Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Management of the Humanitarian Unit

• Provide strategic leadership and line management to HU members, including the Surge team.
• Oversee HU’s annual workplans, budgets, and deployment of technical resources.
• Ensure PIN maintains a strong and effective emergency response capacity.
• Work closely with HR on the management of the Emergency Roster.

2. Driving PIN’s Emergency Response & Recovery Strategy

• Lead the development and implementation of PIN’s Emergency Response & Recovery (ERR) Strategy.
• Ensure evidence-based programming and continuous learning across humanitarian projects.
• Strengthen engagement with global donors, partners, and humanitarian networks.
• Represent PIN at key international platforms, advocating for effective humanitarian action.

3. Supporting Emergency Responses & Strategic Humanitarian Initiatives

• Provide technical and operational support for emergency responses in PIN’s country programmes.
• Leading response to crisis in new countries without PIN presence
• Support the establishment of new humanitarian operations, ensuring strategic alignment.
• Undertake short-term field assignments to fill critical gaps or strengthen response efforts.

4. Coordination & External Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison between HU and PIN’s senior management on humanitarian programming.
• Facilitate collaboration with internal teams, including Institutional Fundraising, MEAL, and Logistics.
• Represent PIN in humanitarian coordination mechanisms, including UN clusters and donor forums.
• Contribute to humanitarian advocacy, communications, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

What We Are Looking For:

• 8+ years of humanitarian experience, including at least 4 years in field-based roles in crisis contexts.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing humanitarian teams and programmes.
• In-depth knowledge of humanitarian standards, coordination mechanisms, and response frameworks.
• Proven ability in strategy development, programme design, and donor engagement (e.g., DG ECHO, BHA, FCDO, UN agencies).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to travel 20% of the time to support emergency operations.
• Commitment to PIN’s mission, values, and humanitarian principles.

PIN Offers:

• Background and professionalism of the largest Czech non-governmental organization
• Interesting and creative work with international reach
• Opportunities for professional and personal development
• Starting salary depending on your experience; 54,400 – 63,000 CZK for a full-time job
• PIN supports professional and personal development
• 25 days of annual leave
• 3 days of sick leave
• Home office upon agreement
• Multisport card
• Child day care for employees’ children (kindergarten in the building of our office)
• Open and informal organizational culture
• Possibility to participate in interesting events we organize (e.g. One World international film festival)
• Extensive Capacity Building program – internal and external – Induction training, internal e-learnings, Knowledge and Learning Department onboarding
• Friendly colleagues with similar values

Please Note: The position is based at PIN’s Head Office in Prague. Please note that PIN does not provide accommodation, relocation support, travel expenses to the home country or similar benefits.