Country Coordinator Based in Ukraine

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. 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.

Since March Helvetas has been responding to the displacement crisis in Moldova through a cash-based assistance program and supporting the work of our international partners of Alliance2015 in Ukraine.

Since June we are in the process of building up a comprehensive response with a local partner organization in Western Ukraine. The multi-sectorial program will have an initial focus on WASH & Shelter, to be complemented with other sectoral components such as FSL (Food Security and Livelihood) and/or EiE (Education in Emergencies).

For leading the development of this response, we are looking asap for an experienced and agile humanitarian professional as Country Coordinator based in Ukraine (F/M) 70-100%.

The Country Coordinator is responsible for establishing Helvetas’ operational presence and humanitarian response in Ukraine. Reporting to the Humanitarian Response Coordinator at Head Office, s/he will further develop, support, and monitor Helvetas’ partner implemented pilot program. S/he will lead the opening of an office in Western Ukraine and will be responsible for establishing effective coordination with other humanitarian actors, including local partners, authorities, and NGOs.

**The position will be on a roving base with frequent and extended stays in Western Ukraine and potentially visits to areas in the Centre-North in the future.**

**MAIN TASKS**:
Programme Development & Management
- Explore & get an overview of the humanitarian context, priority needs and relevant actors
- Further develop the overall humanitarian response strategy, in collaboration with HO
- In collaboration with local partners, develop response options, modalities and translate them into project documents and budgets.
- Monitor the implementation of the ongoing humanitarian program, incl through on-site visits
- Develop M&E framework, incl. accountability mechanism and ensure timely reporting to HO and donors

Operational Presence
- Identify suitable office space/accommodation and required equipment
- Initiate and follow-up on the legal registration process of the organization in Ukraine
- Evaluate staffing needs and initiate recruitment & onboarding of (limited) local staff
- Ensure security management for the overall response

Coordination & Representation
- Ensure effective coordination with relevant actors including local partners, Alliance2015 partners, local authorities and other NGOs
- Ensure representation in relevant fora such as cluster meetings, NGO network meetings and security related meetings.

**YOUR QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in planning & managing humanitarian assistance for an international NGO and/or IO in senior management positions
- Experience in opening missions for INGOs in new contexts desired
- Sectorial experience in FSL, Education, Shelter, and/or WASH
- Experience working with local partner organizations, including joint planning & capacity assessment
- Experience working in volatile contexts and of security management in such contexts
- Very strong representation, interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; knowledge of Ukrainian/Russian is a strong asset
- Able to work independently with limited support while being a strong team player

**WE OFFER YOU**:
An international contract for the duration of 6 months with possibility of extension. Attractive working conditions and integration in a dynamic environment.

Please note that this is a non-family posting.