Emergency Response Representative, 100% based in Chisinau, Moldova

Helvetas is Switzerland’s largest organisation for international Development. We provide development and humanitarian assistance in over 30 countries around the world. Our vision is a just world in which all men and women determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

Helvetas assists affected persons of the Ukraine Crisis both in Ukraine and neighbouring Moldova with emergency assistance. In Moldova, where it implements since 2018 an economic development programme, Helvetas assists refugees and host communities to cover basic needs, mainly through a cash-based approach. In addition, the emergency office in Chisinau aims to serve as operational hub to support operations inside Ukraine implemented through local partner organizations.

We are currently looking ASAP for an experienced, dynamic: Emergency Response Representative, 100% based in Chisinau, Moldova.

The Emergency Response Representative (ERR) oversees Helvetas’ Humanitarian Programme in Moldova in the benefit of displaced populations from Ukraine and affected host community members, as well as the Support Hub for Helvetas activities inside Ukraine. He/she is responsible for development, funding and implementation of the Moldova Response Strategy and the growth of the associated programme portfolio in close collaboration with the Humanitarian Response Coordinator (based at HO). He/she works towards a shared vision among all staff, in addition to ensuring an organizational culture where teamwork is encouraged. He/she ensures that procedures are in place and being properly implemented, and that these ensure the proper management, wellbeing, and safety of Helvetas staff, and the proper use of Helvetas resources.

The position will be based in Chisinau, with travels inside Moldova, and occasional travels to Ukraine (West, Center) in future.

YOUR MAIN TASKS

Programme Management & Development

• Ensure the Response Strategy is in line with context’s evolution to ensure the response remains relevant as per needs and circumstances.
• Design& plan projects which meet priority needs of target groups and which are compliant with interagency plans and Helvetas strategies.
• Support the programme team, led by an (internat.) Emergency Programme Coordinator, in the implementation of projects according to schedule and budget, in compliance with set standards, principles and guidelines of HELVETAS and its donors.
• Ensure that funding opportunities are identified, and funding is secured through timely submission of high-quality project proposals and realistic budgets.
• Ensure that proper monitoring and evaluation systems are in place and that learning is incorporated into programmes to ensure ongoing improvements.
• Ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, and systems for finance and logistic are in place and functioning. This relates also to operations inside Ukraine.
• Report regularly on programme and project progress as well as evolution of the contexts.

Finance & Admin Management

• Supervise the overall financial administration of the response. Support the finance team in ensuring respective donor compliance and respective procedures. Ensure development and implementation of office and project budgets, financial and liquidity planning, updates (project status) financial reporting, and audits.
• Ensure that appropriate policies, procedures, and systems for finance, procurement, and logistic are in place and functioning. This relates also to operations inside Ukraine.

HR Management

• Oversee the management and development of human resources and create a positive working environment with a special focus on staff wellbeing, as well as a shared vision among all staff.
• Ensure that the Response has appropriate team structures, and it is reviewed according to projected programme’s needs.
• Control that strong HR strategies, systems, policies, and processes are in place and monitored. Ensure levels of authority and responsibility are clearly defined.

Relationships management

• Represent the organization towards departments of the government, locally represented donors, UN agencies, and international and national NGOs.
• Support and work effectively in coalitions and networks, particularly with Alliance2015 members or other consortia.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 7 years of experience working in humanitarian programmes at international level, of which min. 3 years in senior management positions. Experience in setting-up new offices is a strong asset.
• Programming experience in the fields of resilience/livelihoods programmes, including cash-based modalities.
• Sound experience in managing finance aspects of a country office; experience in managing & capacity building of a support department of a country office is considered a strong asset.
• Applied knowledge in programme design and a track-record in successful proposal development.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in a complex environment; ability to coach and support staff and cultivate team spirit.
• Strong representation, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills; Russian/Romanian is a strong asset
• An agile mindset willing to work hands-on and fill in gaps when necessary
• Willingness and interest to support operations inside Ukraine through occasional visits (Western, Central areas).

OUR OFFER

An international contract for the duration of 9 months, starting Mid-September / 1st of October, with possibility of extension. Attractive working conditions and integration in a dynamic environment.