Head of Office (m/f/d), Ukraine

Country: Ukraine Organization: German Red Cross Closing date: 30 Aug 2026 The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. Our Mission: We provide needs-based, flexible, innovative and sustainable support to Sister National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the wider humanitarian community. We enable early and immediate life-saving assistance and implement anticipatory action and risk-reducing activities, particularly in the face of climate change and armed conflicts and their humanitarian consequences. As a partner, facilitator and convener of cooperation, we strive to fulfil commitments to localization, community participation, protection and inclusion, gender and diversity, accountability, and learning. Through these efforts, we aim to build resilient communities and ensure effective and inclusive humanitarian responses in an increasingly complex global landscape. The GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d) responsible for leading the GRC Country Office in Ukraine and managing our bilateral partnership with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS). GRC has been a partner to Ukraine Red Cross Society (URCS) since almost 30 years. After the escalation of the conflict, GRC scaled up significantly, both supporting URCS’ humanitarian activities, as well as strengthening URCS’ long-term programming on social services, health and civil protection and disaster management. The Head of Office will be based in Kyiv. He/she directly supervises a team of 12 international GRC delegates and national staff supporting URCS at its headquarters in Kyiv and in four regional URCS branches. The Head of Office reports to the GRC Head of Unit for Europe and Middle East/North Africa at GRC HQ in Berlin. Starting date: asap Duration: 24 months (with possible extension) Location: Kyiv, Ukraine Main duties & responsibilities: Representation, Partnership and Strategy: • Continue the close cooperation and strategic partnership between URCS and GRC, further developing the GRC country strategy in support of URCS; • Represent GRC at country level and maintain close cooperation within the RC/RC Movement, the German Embassy, and other relevant stakeholders; • Assess and monitor the humanitarian situation and social-political developments in the country and advise GRC on humanitarian risks and trends. • Engage in Humanitarian Diplomacy in close coordination with URCS, GRC HQ and other relevant Movement component(s) / actors. Programmatic Direction: • Identify funding opportunities in line with the GRC-URCS partnership and URCS strategy. • Oversee the GRC-URCS programmes to ensure high quality and secure full compliance with donor regulations and GRC policies, in close coordination with finance and logistics and project delegates/staff. This includes financial management and expenditure tracking, procurement processes, programme monitoring, narrative and financial reporting, etc • Provide strategic and technical support to URCS and GRC delegates/staff in programme implementation; Office Management: • Manage and supervise the GRC team in country and contribute to a conducive work environment. • Direct line-management of GRC delegates and supervision, guidance, and development of national and international staff. • Overall responsibility for the GRC country office, including finance, HR, inventory, fixed and financial assets and other resources in accordance with GRC policies and procedures; • Responsibility for security management of GRC country office and its staff/delegates in close coordination with GRC HQ and relevant Movement component(s); Reporting & Communication: • Reporting and monitoring of partnership and programmes, including travel to project locations (if possible). • Ensure consistent communication and coordination between GRC country office and GRC HQ. Required Competencies & Skills: Technical experience: • At least five years of senior leadership experience, including management of international teams and security management experience. • At least five years of experience in the field of international cooperation and humanitarian aid and a profound understanding of the humanitarian landscape, tools and topics. Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement experience is a strong asset. • Excellent programme coordination and project management skills, including (remote management), financial management, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, and thorough understanding of donor guidelines and regulations. • Substantial experience in implementing donor-funded projects, experience with GFFO, BMZ, ECHO is a strong asset. • Technical expertise in disaster management / civil protection, health and organisational development is an asset. • Strong leadership skills, including strategic thinking, decision-making, presenting, and mediating conflict. • Experience in working in Ukraine is an asset. Personal skills: • Excellent understanding of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and full commitment to the Red Cross fundamental principles and Code of Conduct. • Strong diplomatic skills and experience in representation, humanitarian diplomacy and networking. • Experience in the development and implementation of policies in the fields of safety and security, PSEA, compliance and human resources development. • Outstanding resilience and stress management skills. • Proven record of capacity strengthening, team development and coaching. • Oral and written fluency in English, knowledge of German is an advantage. • Readiness to travel to and work in volatile areas is essential. Experience of living and working in insecure and conflict-affected environments is an advantage. • Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under specific climate and health conditions'. • Valid Driving Licence. What we offer: You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups, an individual Psychosocial Support Service and regular Rest and Relaxation (R&R) leave are included in your assignment. How to apply Kindly apply by submitting your application via the GRC online application system until 30.08.2026 end of the day (23:59 CET). The GRC is committed to safeguarding and to a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), and other types of misconduct. All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of the people we serve and work with. Safeguarding responsibilities are integrated into all roles, and all personnel are required to adhere to our rules of conduct and safeguarding policies. Recruitment is subject to satisfactory reference and background checks. By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge and agree to provide the requested information and to undergo the relevant checks. Please note that due to the travel and visa regulations and the guidelines of our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement certain vaccinations are required for this delegate position. Candidates on the short-list for this position will be asked to disclose their vaccination status. We point out that the selection and nomination processes for this international delegate position may demand that information concerning your person be shared with involved Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (IFRC, ICRC, National Society). This may include transmission into countries that do not apply data protection standards comparable to those of the European Union. Head of Office (m/f/d), Ukraine