Duty station: Kyiv, Ukraine

1. Background/Context

The KfW Programme Manager is responsible for overall operational and technical leadership of NRC’s KfW Development Bank-funded project in Ukraine. The project will run from September 2023 to December 2026 to deliver community infrastructure, shelter repairs and school rehabilitation, as well as legal services and psychosocial support (PSS) curriculum across NRC’s four main area offices in Ukraine. Infrastructure development represents a core component of the project, with a particular focus on resilience and energy efficiency.

The aim for this project is to sustainably support conflict-affected populations in Ukraine through an integrated approach to resilient infrastructure, adequate and dignified housing, and safe and relevant education at both local (individual, household, community) and institutional levels. This will contribute to the building of resilience amongst conflict-affected populations, and will allow the foundations for recovery and durable solutions to be laid.

KfW is one of the world’s leading promotional banks. KfW has been committed to improving economic, social and environmental living conditions across the globe on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany and the federal states since 1948.

To do this, it provided funds totalling almost EUR 167 billion in 2022 alone. Of this amount, 33% was used for climate and environmental protection. Its financing and promotional services are aligned with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 and contribute to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. Generic Responsibilities

The following is a brief description of the role:

• Lead on project development and implementation in line with NRC’s global strategic objectives and priorities.
• Work collaboratively with all relevant colleagues at area, country and regional level to set and carry out a clear strategic direction for the project.
• Lead on engagement and liaison with the donor, including regular review meetings, involving other staff as relevant.
• Oversee project implementation, ensuring the project meets desired goals and objectives, through active management of budgets, spending plans, procurement and donor reporting. Facilitate learning throughout the project cycle, adapting and improving project design and implementation approaches throughout the life of the project.
• Ensure compliance and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures as well as the terms of the grant agreement, including donor standards and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate overall project implementation, involving and drawing on the expertise of specialists, support teams, partners and implementing teams, ensuring the regular flow of relevant information and updates.
• Build effective, respectful relationships with external stakeholders and contribute actively to external humanitarian and recovery coordination mechanisms wherever relevant.

1. Specific Responsibilities

• Lead on country wide needs assessments related to the KfW project and translate findings from key assessments/analysis into practical strategies and priorities for interventions.
• Coordinate with relevant regional, local or institution authorities about needs and project implementation.
• Support with recruitment and capacity building of relevant project staff across area offices.
• Develop SoPs, tools and guidance notes required for the project, ensuring these interact and correspond with both NRC policy and donor requirements.
• Lead on KfW ESMF compliance and implementation, including roll-out and capacity building of AO staff.
• Ensure adherence to contract management and monitoring requirements for Shelter projects Provide support, guidance, establish synergies to all relevant Area Office Area Managers, and Area Programme Managers, and matrix manage relevant Project Managers.
• Develop implementation strategies and approaches to successfully deliver project results across project implementing areas.

1. Generic Professional Competencies

• Experience in a senior project management position working in consortia, partnerships or equivalent structures, with responsibility for programming in a humanitarian/protracted crisis or development context.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in developing and leading large, multi-sectoral and complex projects.
• Experience of transitioning from emergency to longer-term development programming.
• Experience with KfW or other development donors.
• Experience of housing, schools and community infrastructure.
• Experience in capacity building technical teams.

1. Context /Specific Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Experience of Shelter and/or WASH programming an advantage.
• Knowledge of world bank or basic international /EU building standards.
• Experience or willingness to develop programs with environmental and social safeguarding and an environmental and/or energy efficiency lens, including renewable energy and sustainability.
• Experience with promoting and mainstreaming community cohesion and community engagement.
• Knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian an advantage.
• Experience of the Ukraine context an advantage.

Find more details about the role HERE.

1. What We Offer

• Type of contract: 12 months employment contract.
• Salary/benefits: According to NRC salary scale, terms and conditions.
• Duty station:  Kyiv, Ukraine.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC HERE.

Important information about the application process:

• Internal candidates only: please click on the suitcase icon labelled “I am an employee” to be redirected to NRC’s internal careers site.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

NRC has been present in Ukraine since 2014. Since the escalation of the war in 2022, we have been continuously scaling up our response across the country and working with national partners.

Eight years of conflict in the east of Ukraine escalated into a full-scale war on 24 February 2022, causing death, destruction and displacement for millions of people across the country. 17.6 million people were estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023, including 6.3 million internally displaced people and 11.3 million people who returned or remained home. Almost 16 million people received humanitarian assistance in 2022.

Throughout the winter months, the Russian Federation attacked critical energy infrastructure, leaving thousands with no heating, water or gas. Many residential buildings were also damaged and destroyed, killing and injuring civilians and forcing millions more to leave their homes. While indiscriminate attacks continued in different regions of Ukraine, the south was struck by the Kakhovka Dam breach on 6 June 2023, causing flooding and the displacement of thousands of people in the area, and leaving many regions without access to clean drinking water. Those who decided to remain are struggling to access food, water, health care, education and other essential services.

The most vulnerable people are still in need of safe housing, protection services and livelihoods support among other needs. Displaced people in rural areas are also struggling to access services. Many of those in need of assistance live in the areas beyond the control of Ukrainian government, where the response is limited due to access constraints.

• Learn more about NRC HERE and NRC Ukraine HERE.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply, and we are also open to external applicants who can show a commitment to NRC and being part of a challenging, but important mission to make a difference.

NRC might review applications before the advertised deadline, therefore interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.