Program Manager

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 192-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC), an iconic brand and one of the most inspirational not-for-profit organizations on this planet, is seeking a Program Manager to join our International Operations team in Ukraine. The base will be in Kyiv with frequent travels in the field locations, currently Cherkasy, Poltava and Lviv, subject to changes according to program needs and evolution.

We are guided by our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. We help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.

Starting with the hiring process, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We encourage all qualified persons to apply, particularly Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized people, and people with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and others who share our values and contribute to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) is working in partnership with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) to support the Humanitarian Operation in Ukraine.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the CRC Country Representative, the Program Manager will ensure the safe and effective management of CRC supported programming in Ukraine.

The Program Manager will ensure all CRC programs are implemented efficiently and effectively in support of the National Society’s strategy and the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement principles and framed by the event strategy for the Ukraine Crisis Response. The role will be supported by other program team members.

The Program Manager will contribute to the effective implementation of the CRC programmatic goals in partnership with the Ukrainian Red Cross (URCS) and in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

The Program Manager will work collaboratively with the relevant CRC HQ and Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis teams to increase interoperability, implement innovation and learning within programs, ensure robust risk management. All actions undertaken by the Program Manager will be guided by the CRC’s mission, vision, fundamental principles, policies, and procedures.

As part of the country senior management team of CRC, the program manager, the program manager will be requested to hold acting representation duties when the country representative will be away from the office. The country representative will also provide support to the PM during his/her own absences.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of all programs and activities as per identified goals, objectives, and operating principles, minimum standards and transerval themes (i.e.: PGIE) and within established budgets, timeframes, and compliance requirements.
• Manage the program team: 1 health coordinator, 1 shelter coordinator and two program officers (subject to change as per program requirements).
• Regular coordination with the work of other Ukraine team members: country representative, finance coordinator, NSD delegate, project support officer.
• Responsible for delivering program reports: stakeholder report, indicators for IFRC, monthly indicator tracking, annual reports. Contribute to other type of reports as needed: inputs in bi-weekly, data required for presentation, etc.
• Collaborate with technical advisors and relevant members of the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis team to ensure quality program management, evaluation, and record keeping.
• Provide technical guidance to the URCS team on issues related to program management including, planning, budgeting, monitoring, data collection as needed.
• Maintain an ongoing program plan and project timeline that identifies and continually assesses gaps, contingency plans, and alternative activity and budget options.
• Maintain effective project management and tracking tools, ensure real-time access to key information on CRC programming, indicators and identify opportunities to strengthen and improve project effectiveness and efficiency.
• Provide ongoing guidance and regular updates to the CRC Country Representative, Ukraine regarding major project activities and milestones, critical constraints, and changes or challenges to project implementation that may result in delays or damaged stakeholder relationships.
• Support proposal development and identify opportunities to undertake new initiatives in line with the CRC’s strategic direction and local priority needs.
• Ensure overall compliance of the program resources is applied: (procurement, finance, HR, etc.)
• Support country/project risk analyses by monitoring, assessing, and reporting risks.
• Participate in risk management, business continuity, and security planning as needed.
• With support from the finance coordinator, monitor expenditures, analyze variances, and take appropriate action to avoid cost overruns in order to complete assigned projects within the approved budget.
• Ensure the preparation by URCS of accurate and timely narrative and financial reports on a regular basis.
• Ensure operations remain financially efficient and cost-effective by identifying opportunities to secure maximal cost recovery.
• Act as a representative for the CRC in program planning and coordination meetings such as working groups (winterization or other relevant)
• Support the Country Representative in maintaining strong working relationships with URCS, other National Societies in the country, IFRC, ICRC, national authorities, international and national organizations.
• Engage in strategic relations, networking, and communication events and opportunities with partners when appropriate.
• Build and foster collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and subject matter experts, including Movement partners and relevant organizations in line with the CRC’s regional strategic direction and program priorities.
• Develop strong working relationships with the Ukraine Red Cross Society, especiallyin Cherkasy and Poltava branches.
• Liaise with the IFRC, ICRC, RCRC Movement partners, and Regional Representative on operational matter.

Job Duties And Responsibilities (continued)

• Develop and maintain membership within the department and relevant project teams.
• Collaborate with colleagues to fulfill agreed upon objectives, needs, and expectations.
• Ensure program materials are disseminated and shared appropriately with the team.
• Foster teamwork by engaging in professional exchanges of experience and expertise across programs/regions and by participating in interdepartmental tasks as assigned.
• Provide support, mentorship, and backup to colleagues as required.
• Support departmental activities and complete relevant administrative tasks.
• Follow all CRC policies/procedures to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Provide active leadership, direction, expertise, and innovation in human resource planning and the management of subordinate employees
• Ensure (in coordination with the relevant URCS colleagues) personnel deliver on identified objectives by coordinating team roles, setting goals, completing performance assessments, providing coaching, and ensuring all resources and processes support effectiveness and accountability.
• Identify growth opportunities, provide ongoing skill development, and support continuous improvement to develop future leaders within the regional and local branches teams.
• Support succession planning efforts and ensure knowledge and resources are adequately transferred to incoming personnel during transition periods.
• Establish, build, and maintain ongoing relationships with colleagues at the National Office to ensure effective collaboration and program delivery.
• Create and maintain an environment conducive to effective teamwork and collaboration.

Education

• Master’s degree in public health, humanitarian studies, disaster preparedness, emergency management, a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relevant university degree related to international relations, public/business administration, international humanitarian programming or experience in international organizations in programmes / project or emergency management
• IMPACT, RDRT, CAP or equivalent knowledge
• Certification in Project Management

Experience

• Minimum three years experience in implementing projects with international funding, in a humanitarian aid organization or Red Cross Red Crescent Movement
• Disaster preparedness, response and recovery programming experience
• Experience in administrative, procurement, strategic, programmatic and financial planning and execution
• Expertise in project planning, monitoring and evaluation and reporting, experience with and knowledge of compliance and reporting requirements for humanitarian or development organizations or other government funding entities and/or private donors
• Experience in resource mobilization and donor coordination
• Experience in the preparation of proposals for donors and solid grant writing skills
• Prior work in involving capacity building of partner organizations
• Ability to effectively manage large scale projects and programs under complex and often ambiguous conditions.
• Good knowledge and experience of procurement rules.
• In depth knowledge of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and of the Canadian Red Cross Society’s international operations is a definite asset.
• Excellent English written and verbal communication. Good command in Ukrainian or Russian language skills isan asset.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite and other relevant software/programs.
• Strong financial management skills and ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information, produce engaging presentations and reports, and communicate key concepts to a variety of audiences and stakeholders.
• Ability to assess risks to CRC personnel, programs, and projects and develop strategies and procedures to minimize risks when possible.
• Proven organizational, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.
• Ability to evaluate and make sound decisions in a solution focused environment.
• Strong people management skills and ability to motivate, mentor, and support others.
• Sound judgement and ability to exercise discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Ability to develop strong cross-functional working relationships and negotiate effectively.
• Strong cultural sensitivity, political acumen, and ability to work in diverse contexts. Understanding of the Ukraine and former Soviet Union countries context is an asset.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, reprioritize tasks and activities, navigate change, and meet tight deadlines in an evolving and often ambiguous environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to the Principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Fluency (oral and written) in English
• Minimum 5 years of experience with project/program management and results-based management, including planning, monitoring, and evaluating projects in complex environments.
• Minimum five to seven years of field experience in a related role within a humanitarian organization, with at least five years of work experience in an international environment.
• Demonstrated success leading and managing diverse and multidisciplinary teams.
• Prior experience working with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing institutional relationships/partnerships and managing relationships with multiple internal/external stakeholders.

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Ability to be medically cleared for travel in accordance with CRC medical criteria.
• In line with the principle of neutrality, the CRC does not assign international personnel to a country of which they are nationals. If deploying to Ukraine, nationalities acceptable to all sides of the conflict in Ukraine will be prioritized.
• Ability to work in a high risk, fluid, and evolving situation and under stressful and ambiguous conditions may be required due to the dynamic nature of emergencies. Delegates can be confronted to several psychosocial risks, including concerns about their security, confinement, lack of privacy, cultural adaptation, long working hours, high workload, job security, and internal conflicts.
• Issues of access and mobility due to proximity to disaster affected areas.
• Living conditions with intermittent electricity, internet, and other basic services interruption might happen.
• Long hours of work in a demanding context with limited resources
• Stressful rapidly changing environment with limited information to make decisions. 
• In some contexts, legal frameworks and institutions to enforce the rule of law are largely undeveloped.
• In some remote areas access to healthcare could be limited or non-existent