CRS Moldova and Ukraine 

Building on a modest pre-existing presence, the Moldova and Ukraine Country Office (CO) rapidly expanded its programming following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Between 2022 and 2025, CRS reached over 500,000 people through a comprehensive emergency, recovery and development strategy encompassing shelter and infrastructure, winterization, basic needs, education, livelihoods, protection, and care reform. The CO also prioritized strengthening partner capacity and fostering local leadership to amplify impact and reach millions more. Looking ahead, priorities include diversifying programming for the most vulnerable, integrating systemic outcomes for scale, and deepening partnerships across both countries. CRS’ portfolio is resourced by institutional donors and private emergency funding. 

In Ukraine, CRS has provided technical support and accompaniment to Caritas Ukraine (CUA) in managing the . Government (USG) Department of State (DOS)-funded program Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine since February 2024. The next phase of the project will significantly broaden its scope and scale, delivering critical services to a larger number of war-affected communities. Through capacity sharing and accompaniment, CRS supports CUA on all aspects of implementation including program management, technical sectors, MEAL, grants management and reporting, operations, compliance and risk management. The support is led and coordinated by a Project Director, with active involvement from the Country Office senior management, programming and operations teams, as well as regional and global advisors, and strategic engagement of agency senior leadership. 

This position is focused on and based in Ukraine. 

Job Summary

As Deputy Project Director – Operations, you will work as part of a team on the DOS-funded Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine project and provide oversight of the Operations function of the project. Your management and technical knowledge will ensure the delivery of high-quality support services to the programing activities.As a senior leader you will proactively manage and mitigate risks.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

Manage the Operations aspect of the development, implementation and consolidation of the Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraineproject. Provide high-level technical expertise, operational solutions and capacity strengthening with CUA. Ensure that the project’s Operations, risk management and compliance procedures meet organization standards and donor requirements. Ensure effective operational and risk management advice to CUA teams. Manage the operations function of the project to meet donor expectations in terms of timely and quality results and budget. Contribute to ensuring the CRS Operations standards are in adherence to CRS policy and procedures.  Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Contribute to the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff. Supporting the CUA different operations functions leads in managing team dynamics.  Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and operations. Ensure all CRS staff understand and adhere to CRS staff safety and security policies and plans. Promote, uphold and model a commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources. Ensure compliance with DoS, including financial tracking and oversight of budgets, finance, administration and reporting to DoS. Maintain relationships with key CUA staff in regard to area of responsibility. Contribute to ensuring coordination between program and operations leads and technical coherence across CUA and CRS. Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and recommend trainings and technical assistance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.  Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus. Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems. Very good strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.  Very good relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.  Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams.  Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

Recognized technical experience and qualifications in operations, risk management, and compliance on emergency response programming

Required Languages: English fluency (written and verbal) is required, knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is an advantage.

Travel: Up to 20% field travel within Ukraine

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes