About CRS
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, livelihoods, and peacebuilding.
CRS in Moldova and Ukraine
CRS has operated in different capacities in Moldova since 2004 and in Ukraine since 2015. CRS works with local partners to implement an integrated, multisectoral program portfolio of humanitarian and development assistance. In Ukraine, CRS works in partnership with Caritas Ukraine and Caritas Spes Ukraine to deliver life-saving humanitarian and recovery assistance to vulnerable households affected by the war, including home and infrastructure repairs, protection, basic needs, and livelihoods. In Moldova, CRS is focused on meeting both the immediate and long-term needs of Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable Moldovan families, including cash, education, and psychosocial support (PSS), and shelter programs. CRS is also working with governmental and non-governmental partners to end the placement of children in residential care institutions through the Changing the Way We Care initiative. CRS’s portfolio is resourced by institutional donors and private emergency funding. This position is focused on and based in Ukraine.
Job Summary
As the focal point for operations in Ukraine, the Deputy Head of Operations will collaborate closely with the Head of Operations and the operations team in Moldova to deliver high-quality services in security, logistics, and risk management to the country program and Ukraine office. Additionally, they will support and guide Caritas partners on operations-related issues, assisting them in developing policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that align with donors’ requirements and CRS internal policies.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
CRS Operations:
- As the primary security focal point for the Ukraine team, keep abreast of the security situation and context developments, coordinate with the Head of Operations and the regional safety and security advisor to obtain the required travel approval for the staff visiting Ukraine, oversee security for field travels within Ukraine, and ensure the resiliency measures are in place.
- Coordinate all the logistics and administration for Ukraine office, Ukraine-based staff, and visitors with the Country program admin team and ensure that all SOPs are in place.
- Support the Head of Operations and the Risk and Compliance team in assessing the different risks in Ukraine emergency responses and participate in any investigation as required.
- Support compliance assessments and operations-focused monitoring visits, analyzing results and providing recommendations.
- Support the programming team in all aspects related to operations, including risk assessments. Partner Support and Capacity Building
- Provide guidance and support to partners in logistics and supply chain management, including procurement, warehousing, transportation, fleet management, and risk management.
- Work as the focal point to support other operations functions: finance, HR, IT/communications, and general administration. Mobilize and coordinate additional support in close coordination with the Head of Operations.
- Assist in designing and facilitating institutional capacity-strengthening plans for partners.
- Participate in Ukraine country forum and support implementing the forum activities.
Required Languages – English fluency (written and verbal) is required, and knowledge of Ukrainian, Russian, or Romanian is an advantage.
Travel – The position is based in Ukraine. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel up to 50% between Moldova and Ukraine, and in the field.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make sound judgment
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
- Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented
- Strong knowledge in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training, applying adult learning principles and practices.
- Strong skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
- Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing networks.
Basic Qualifications
- Master’s degree in business administration, Finance, Accounting, or another relevant field.
- Minimum of three years relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with a minimum of three years working in operations.
- Previous experience in an emergency context is required.
Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
- Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
- Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
- Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
- Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
- Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
Agency Leadership Competencies:
- Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
- Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
- Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
How to apply
Please visit our career page at: www.crs.org/about/careers and reference position #3001587
