Work Context

CESVI is currently responding to the humanitarian crisis followed to the conflict in Ukraine. The intervention is focused on the protection, psychosocial support and mental health of the most vulnerable population affected by the conflict, especially in Kharkiv and will open soon operations in Sumy. CESVI is also working in the demining sector in Kharkiv Oblast.

Job Description

The Senior Programme Manager will act as HoM in the country, covering the Programme component and will respond to the Area Manager/Regional Manager. The person will work in collaboration with the staff working in the country.

The Senior Programme Manager is responsible for the overall mission coordination in its different aspects: programs, staff, budget and procedures’ respect, security and donor relations.

He/She represents CESVI in the Country, coordinates local and international staff, promotes and maintains political and operational partnerships, impulses new projects drafting and funding.

He/She ensures regular update to Regional Manager/Area Manager through CESVI monthly reports

The Senior Programme Manager is responsible for the management and direct implementation of the demining project, in collaboration with the international and national partner.

As the PM of the AICS demining project the Programme Manager is in charge of :

Project Management and Coordination

Responsible for the planning and management of AICS project activities and relations with project partners. Manages relations with the AICS Kyiv office and with the partners. Ensures the correct application of CESVI and donor procedures. Ensures the timely submission of high-quality project reports. Responsible for drafting periodic, interim, and final reports for the donor, integrating inputs from project partners. Prepares and updates the project Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. Ensures the correct monitoring of indicators and applies tools for their monitoring, both for CESVI and for partners. Prepares and updates the Procurement Plan and ensures that procurement procedures respect CESVI and donor rules. Responsible for the forecast and is the project’s budget holder. Defines and requests authorization for any modification, extension or revision of the original project, in coordination with partners. Coordinates and supervises the Country’s programmes and procedures. Supervises projects and supports the staff in achieving the planned objectives on time and with efficient use of resources. Monitors project activities both at technical and administrative level according to the established workplan. Coordinates staff to guarantee project implementation and reporting, including financial reporting, in coordination with the Area Manager.

Administrative and Procurement Oversight

Manages procurement procedures in collaboration with the Country Administrator and DHoM for Operations Collaborates with the Country Administrator for project accounting and expense verifications in case of need.

Acting as Head of Mission he/she will be responsible for:

Security and Representation

Acts as Head of Mission, with responsibility over security issues, contributing to the revision and update of security plans and manuals when required. Coordinates with the HQ for project, organization and donor visibility activities. Guarantees the enforcement of CESVI Security Plan and related rules, in close collaboration with the Security Manager. Maintains communication with key informants and actively participates in country-level security coordination mechanisms. Promotes and organizes meetings with donors, institutions, NGOs, local authorities and international agencies, in close collaboration with the Deputy HoM for operations/Project Manager. Cooperates with the Communication and Fundraising Offices for visibility and awareness activities implemented in and for the country.

Partnerships and Proposal Development

Coordinates with partners, ensuring integration among the components of the various actors. Participates and is responsible for the identification, assessment, preparation of projects and donor relations. Manages and coordinates relations with local and international partners, particularly with Alliance2015 members (if present in the Country). Participates and supervises the entire proposal writing process in close collaboration with the Project Managers, technical staff and HQ. Develops new project proposals based on CESVI’s areas of expertise, ensuring coordination with the Country Team and HQ. Liaises with potential donors and ensures follow-up of submitted project proposals.

Strategy and Programme Development

Monitors the progress of ongoing and planned project activities. Supervision and support of the project managers in the implementation of the projects; Support PM for the compliance and the management of the projects Supervises other projects and supports the staff in achieving the planned objectives on time and with efficient use of resources. Monitors project activities both at technical and administrative level according to the established workplan. Coordinates staff to guarantee project implementation and reporting, including financial reporting, in coordination with the team. Ensures procurement procedures are followed in respect of CESVI and donor rules. upports the definition and updating of the Country Strategy Paper, in coordination with the Area/Regional Manager and Deputy HoM. Identifies key intervention areas and needs in collaboration with the Project Managers/technical staff. Leads the development of new programme initiatives and transitions emergency operations into long-term strategic approaches. Keeps HQ informed on risks and the need for strategy revision. Supports evaluations and capitalization of project results and best practices.

Human Resources Management

Supervises and manages expatriate staff in coordination with the Area/Regional Manager. Support Deputy HoM in the oversees local staff contracts, ensuring compliance with national labor law, NGO legislation, tax, insurance, health and safety in case of need. Organizes and supervises national staff capacity building and professional development. Ensures HR policies, terms and conditions are respected and implemented, in collaboration with the DhoM for Operations. Participates in final selection stages of expatriate staff, in collaboration with the HR Department and Area/Regional Manager. Conducts regular staff meetings to review progress, challenges, and identify solutions.

Implementation of Policies and Safeguarding

Ensures all new employees receive HR Policy/Code of Conduct training during induction. Ensures compliance with CESVI’s HR Policy and Code of Conduct. Ensures safeguarding measures are implemented within their area of responsibility Integrates safeguarding into all systems (strategic planning, recruitment, procurement, etc.). Follows up on and appropriately addresses safeguarding issues.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Degree in International Development, Economics, Humanities, or other relevant fields, obtained at least 7 years ago; At least 5 years of experience with an international NGO; Knowledge of the project cycle; Previous experience in managing or collaborating on the implementation of AICS-funded projects and/or projects in the country of implementation will be considered a strong asset; Excellent organizational and time management skills, ability to quickly analyze highly complex issues and problem-solving; Strong organizational and human resource management skills; Proposal Development prior experience; Excellent command of Italian, both written and spoken; excellent command of English, both written and spoken; Strong representation, communication, and diplomatic skills for managing internal and external relationships (staff, partners, donors, and local authorities); Maturity in handling tense situations and ability to work under stress.

DESIDERABLE REQUIREMENTS

Good knowledge of the local context, project target areas, and local culture and customs; Excellent communication skills and ability to work with different interlocutors Excellent organizational skills and ability to work unsupervised Leadership skills and ability to make decisions in difficult situations Capacity to work under a high level of stress Adaptation capacities to the dynamic context Trustworthiness and sense of responsibility Computer skills (including Excel and Word)