Head of Programme

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international humanitarian organization, committed to protecting the rights and improving the lives of displacement-affected people around the world.

DRC Ukraine is offering a unique opportunity to join our senior management team as Head of Programme (HoP) – a pivotal role driving strategy, innovation, and technical excellence in a complex and dynamic operational context.

About the job

Are you an experienced leader with a strong background in strategy development, programme management, technical coordination, and team development?

We are looking for a dedicated professional to lead the Programme Department in Ukraine. As Head of Programme, you will shape strategic direction, oversee technical sectors, and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality, evidence-based interventions across the country. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will represent DRC in key forums and contribute to programmatic excellence that reflects the evolving needs of displaced populations and affected communities.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Programme Department, including sector leads and deputies (10 direct reports).
• Lead the development and implementation of technical strategies and donor-aligned funding plans.
• Oversee program quality through technical support, capacity building, and standard-setting across sectors (Protection, Shelter & Settlements, Economic Recovery, Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding).
• Drive DRC’s localization and partnership agenda, ensuring collaboration with national actors and authorities.
• Engage with donors, coordination forums, and humanitarian stakeholders to position DRC as a credible and effective partner.
• Guide proposal development, business development, and advocacy efforts, ensuring that evidence and learning inform strategic priorities.
• Support programme integration and promote inter-sectoral approaches where contextually appropriate.
• Ensure strong coordination between Programme, MEAL, Communications, and Grants through effective management and delegation.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have at least 7 years of experience in humanitarian or development programming, with at least 4 years in the roles with people management responsibilities. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Experience managing program operations at the senior management level, preferably at country-level

• Proven leadership skills and a competence in people management
• Experience with proposal development, budget development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation
• Experience with effectively coordinating with national partners, local/government authorities, NGO partners, donors and other relevant stakeholders
• Strong technical knowledge in at least two of the DRC core sectors (Protection, EcRec, Shelter & settlement, HDP)
• Full professional proficiency in English; working knowledge of Ukrainian is a strong advantage

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 
• Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 24 months (renewable based on funding and performance)

Band: E – Management

Work location: Kyiv (Non-family Duty Station), with regular travel to field locations

Start date: 1st August 2025

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for DRC Employees please refer to our website for more details.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 20 May 2025

For more information about the Danish Refugee Council, please visit our website drc.ngo.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment regardless of personal characteristics or attributes.