Head of Mission Ukraine (m/f/d)

Organisation Description: Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. is a German Christian non-governmental organisation, dedicated to excellence in the field of first aid, ambulance service, social service programmes and other projects in the medical and social field. Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) is the operational unit for humanitarian aid. The Federal Headquarters (HQ) is based in Berlin, Germany. Our Global Strategy 2027 focuses on three key working areas: emergencies, health and livelihoods implementing and supporting projects with a specific focus on climate change and gender equality worldwide www.thejohanniter.org. Our commitment to a partnership approach and localisation agenda is based on mutual learning, respect and trust. We prioritise accountability, inclusivity and safeguarding in our work.

Background

With the escalation to a full-scale war, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries has rapidly deteriorated. Intense hostilities caused widespread destruction, killed and injured thousands, forced millions from their homes, destroyed jobs and livelihoods. Since March 2022, the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. (Johanniter International Assistance) has been responding to people’s needs through direct aid deliveries or partner-implemented projects, focusing on emergency relief. The coordination of the program has so far been managed by the central emergency department in Berlin. For better support of partners as well as the expansion of the program, a country office is now to be established.

In a Nutshell

You will:

• be accountable for the delivery and effective management of the country programme
• establish a functioning country office, including setup of office premises and recruitment of local staff
• lead and nurture a high performing team, creating and supporting an environment that prevents abuse and fraud in the workplace, with strong partnerships, knowledge sharing, learning, and innovation
• work closely with staff and partners in Ukraine, head office, and regional actors to develop and deliver high quality regional and multi-country programmes
• be ultimately responsible for all security related matters in Ukraine
• work closely with the Global Support Unit (GSU) and head office in Berlin
• develop, implement, monitor and review of the country strategy and operational plan to ensure that it is relevant to the country context and aligned to the Johanniter Global Strategy

What you will do:

Strategy and Vision

• Owns the development and implementation of the country strategy in line with the global JIA strategy
• Contribute to the management and leadership of Johanniter International Assistance
• Develop and implement a multi-annual, annually reviewed business plan for the country strategy

Safety and Security

• Accountable for the Safety and Security of all staff, ensuring adherence to security procedures, monitoring of the safety situation, analysing and providing recommendations

Accountability & Compliance

• Ensure that robust transparent internal control systems are in place that all staff are fully aware of and able to comply with
• Ensure adherence to commitments of the CHS
• Ensure that all policies on HR, administration, finance, and programmes are implemented, reviewed and understood by all staff
• Responsible for all legal matters in country (taxation, labour law, registration, insurances etc.) and ensure fiscal and policy controls are carried out
• Follow-up of all internal/external audit recommendations for the country programme
• Work with HQ to ensure donor requirements are understood and training provided as needed

Funding

• Accountable for the development and implementation of a country programme funding strategy
• Proactively seek new funding opportunities with both institutional and private donors

Human Resources

• Line manage national and international staff at country office
• Manage operations in country: staffing, recruitment, budgets, funding and programme, in line with JIA’s policies and procedures, Code of Conduct, Performance Management, Security, Health & Safety and local legislation
• Develop and maintain an organisational culture of learning and reflection
• Ensure that the country senior management team is effective, mutually supportive and involved in key decision-making processes
• Maintain an open and trust-based dialogue
• Promote accountability, communication and feedback, fostering good performance reviews
• Ensure capacity and talent management
• Exercise all necessary measures for Duty of Care

Safeguarding

• Create an environment built on integrity, respect and accountability, in which all staff and volunteers, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious affiliation or nationality are comfortable to work and feel safe

Country Programme Management

• Accountable for the effective and efficient management of the country programme, including planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning
• Advise and support capacity building of project partners for implementation and organizational development
• Seek and nurture partnerships with local and regional organisations
• Together with HQ monitor humanitarian developments, facilitate emergency response in country
• Develop, monitor, and forecast the annual budge
• Ensure financial feasibility of the country programme, greatest impact and value for money

Representation and Communication

• Build and strengthen external relationships, represents Johanniter with key stakeholders
• Support Media and press work in conjunction with HQ

What you bring:

• Academic degree (MA / MSc) in a relevant field
• At least 7 years of experience in an emergency response, humanitarian or development cooperation context, minimum 3 years in a leadership position
• Programme and business strategies experience
• Working experience with partner organizations
• Knowledge of current debates & trends incl. donors
• Experience managing safety and security
• Highly developed relationship building, influencing, negotiating and interpersonal skills
• Adaptable working style; effective in situations that may appear ambiguous, clear thinker, remains calm & focussed under pressure
• Excellent people management skills (remote, matrix)
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Ability to deal with conflicts, manage resistance
• Excellent diplomatic communication skills
• Willingness to travel and work in high risk contexts
• Fluent in Ukrainian and/or Russian with very good knowledge of English

What we offer:

• Remuneration: Competitive attractive salary
• Benefits: 13th cheque, social security, medical insurance, annual leave, flexible working hours, friendly and appreciative working atmosphere