Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) is currently looking for a Country Director to ensure responsive programme development, implementation and strategical direction in Ukraine.

Operating in Ukraine since August 2014, PAH is uniquely positioned with a wide network of partners and donors to deliver humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable conflict-affected people during this crisis. PAH provides assistance to internally displaced people and the elderly and single mothers, working in the sectors of Protection, WASH, Food Security/MPCA, Shelter/NFI and MHPSS. PAH Ukraine is rapidly expanding its operations in response to the armed conflict and seeks dynamic candidates comfortable with a fast-changing environment who are eager to scale operations quickly.

Leadership and Representation

• Provide strategic leadership, fostering a professional and collaborative team environment.
• Maintain open and professional relationships with colleagues, promoting a strong team spirit and ensuring staff have the guidance and resources to succeed.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, local authorities, INGOs, LNGOs, CSOs, authorities and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure comprehensive knowledge of donor priorities and funding streams to align strategic planning.
• Represent the organization in discussions with international bodies and donors to secure necessary resources and influence policy decisions affecting humanitarian operations.
• Strengthen partnerships with relevant, partners and stakeholders to coordinate efforts and maximize the impact of humanitarian assistance.

Strategic Leadership and Program Development

• Define and implement the strategic vision and direction of the country program to ensure responsive, high-quality, and accountable programming.
• Align programming with the strategic action plan, sectoral expertise, and technical standards.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for program growth and expansion to serve more beneficiaries.
• Continuously assess and respond to the dynamic humanitarian landscape in Ukraine, ensuring programs are flexible and responsive to emerging crises.

Operational and Financial Management

• Drive operational excellence, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness in all country program functions.
• Oversee the development and implementation of financial and operational policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance with organizational and donor requirements.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure appropriate resource allocation and utilization.
• Uphold the organization’s commitment to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by ensuring all operations respect and promote these principles.
• Utilize digital tools and platforms to streamline operations, enhance communication, and improve data management in challenging environments.

Staff Performance Management and Development

• Oversee the performance management process, including setting clear expectations, regular feedback, and conducting semi-annual performance reviews for direct reports.
• Provide constructive feedback and career development guidance for staff.
• Manage and develop national and international staff, fostering a motivated and skilled workforce.
• Promote staff care and well-being, modelling healthy work-life balance practices and addressing staff care needs when necessary.
• Provide access to mental health resources and training for staff to address the psychological impacts of working in high-stress conflict environments.
• Ensure all staff receive comprehensive requisite training tailored to the specific roles, responsibilities and tasks in Ukraine. P
• Promote and support a culture of safety, security and preparedness through the collaborative efforts with the Country Head of Security.

• Multiple international humanitarian mission experience (outside of your home country).
• A university degree or equivalent demonstrable experience in international development, sociology, public administration, or other relevant fields.
• Demonstrable experience and exposure living and working in dynamic, complex environments including conflict affected and/or post conflict affected contexts.
• Minimum eight (8) years’ demonstrable management experience leading increasingly large complex multi-department, multi-disciplinary, multi-level teams (>75 people).
• Proven ability to create, delegate, implement and monitor assignments, and tasks.
• A clear understanding of and the ability to coach, mentor build capacity of staff.
• Solution oriented problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Ability & willingness to focus on and maintain positive team dynamics and provide individual team member support and development.
• High functioning communication skills focusing on clear, concise, direct and timely messaging, including an ability to analyse data & synthesize into a concise report.
• Experience and ability to represent, develop and expand relevant professional networks with partners, stakeholders, and other agencies across all applicable sectors.
• Ability to quickly absorb and understand local context and understand the humanitarian & social needs in Ukraine.
• English language (C1/C2) fluency.
• Ability to communicate in Ukrainian or Russian language is a distinct advantage.
• Experience working in Ukraine, Eastern or Central Europe a plus.
• Visa obtention for Ukraine is required. Schengen zone visa obtention is an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office package

• Work experience with professional and flexible international NGO, which is one of the largest NGOs in the Central-Eastern Europe,
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and motivated team,
• Professional development within the INGO context

For expatriate Staff, PAH offers the following additional benefits:

• Free accommodation
• Flights home covered at the beginning and at the end of the deployment
• R&R benefit
• Annual leave of 26 working days and 5 additional days of leave
• Medical insurance (including Emergency Evacuation)
• Psychological support package

If you are interested in the role, please  use “Apply Now” button below and submit your  short resume (max. 2 pages) highlighting relevance and work experience relating to the role no later than  February 28^th, 2025.

We strongly encourage qualified candidates to apply as soon as possible, the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Kindly note that only the candidates shortlisted for the next stages of the recruitment will be contacted.