Head of Program

Intersos

Head of Program - Ukraine

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Head of Program

Code: SR

Duty station: Kharkiv, with frequent field visits to other locations

Starting date: 07/01/2026

Contract duration: 6 months

Reporting to: Head of Mission

Functional Supervisor: Deputy Regional Director - RoE

Supervision of: Med Coord, Prot Coord, PMs, Grants & Reporting Manager, MEAL Manager, Partnership Manager

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

The war in Ukraine, which started on the 24th of February 2022, shows no signs of abating, and continues to drive increasing humanitarian needs across the country. Access concerns and humanitarian needs are particularly high in eastern Kharkivska, Sumska oblasts and south Khersonska oblast where the conflict is intensifying and critical infrastructure damages prevent civilians from accessing basic services.

Today INTERSOS is present in Odeska, Mykolaivska, Khersonska and Kharkivska Oblasts with bases of operations and warehouses in Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Odesa, allowing a wide geographical coverage. Moreover, INTERSOS is currently implementing Health, Protection, and NFIs interventions, funded by OCHA, AICS, GFFO and ECHO encompassing several components: distribution of medicines to Regional Health Departments and shelters and equipment for clinics, Cash for Health, mobilisation of Protection mobile teams, establishment of community-based protection mechanisms, case management for CP/PWSN cases, psychosocial support (PSS), Protection Monitoring (PM), and distribution of material assistance to vulnerable individuals and households.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Program is responsible for the overall program strategy and management across the country and for providing technical input to the team within the different sectors.

S/he is also responsible for developing policies, processes and standards within the respective area of responsibility. S/he will enable and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the activities across the country and s/he is finally responsible for the development of the portfolio, ensuring consistent donors reporting, internal and external representation. Ultimately, s/he will be active in high-level and strategic decision-making, collaborating closely with the Head of Mission.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Strategy and vision

• Contribute to the development and update of the country strategy, within INTERSOS overall global strategic plan, values and principles.
• Work as part of the Senior Management Team to share ideas and program recommendations, supporting and implementing continuous improvement on activities, processes and procedures to optimise results and improve quality of delivery in line with quality standards.
• Determine, set and deliver goals and objectives for the program team in line with the mission strategic objectives.
• Develop in collaboration with technical referents, high quality program strategies and proposals in relevance with context and needs.
• Ensure that program strategies and processes are in place to meet quality implementation and to achieve the targets.
• Develop holistic and needs-based programs, identifying funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Design and roll-out creative and innovative programming, lead assessments for rapid response or scale-up programming in existing or new areas of intervention.
• Together with the Country Director and the Head of Operations, create and implement best practice program management vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve organizational performance.
• Supervise the design of standards and processes with technical referents at Mission level.

Program management

• Supervise and guide the program team (Program Managers, Grants & Reporting Managers, Technical Coordinators).
• Ensure program coordination and coherence across portfolio.
• Ensure program and project reviews are regularly and effectively conducted, monitor the delivery of programs based on work plan.
• Together with the Head of Mission, ensure adequate resources allocation are provisioned to deliver programs.
• Trigger and oversee the design of concept notes, proposals and budgets for cost-related activities, ensuring the coordination with Program Managers, Grants & Reporting Manager, Technical Units and support functions (HR, Finance, Logistics and Security), in line with INTERSOS and donors' requirements.
• Ensure timely communication and information flow on program achievements to internal and external parties
• Conduct risk assessments of the program activities and related processes.

Accountability and quality control

• Oversee and support continuous improvement of program quality standards.
• Explore innovative solutions to improve the impact on program.
• Oversee the program development, implementation, ensuring targets and quality are respected in collaboration with MEAL department.
• Ensure the appropriate systems and procedures are established and followed, ensuring best practices in project management are developed and adopted with appropriate program management frameworks in place.

Representation and advocacy

• Together with the Head of Mission, establish strong and efficient partnerships with organisations, donors and authorities, in line with the country strategy.
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant coordination forums.
• Contribute to the definition of the country advocacy strategy and represent INTERSOS within national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate.
• Upon delegation of authority, act as Head of Mission when needed.

People management

• Lead the program team ensuring daily supervision and regular support to maximize efficient performance.
• Communicate with the program team on program status, risks and issues in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Ensure regular and timely communication between project team members.
• Monitor the completion of tasks and ensure good performance and record on appropriate systems.
• Motivate and coach the program team.
• Communicate key performance Indicators (KPIs) to the staffs so that they are aware of the strategic annual plan.
• Consistently promote high standards through personal example and roll out through the team so that each member understands the standards and the behaviours expected.
• In collaboration with the HR Coordinator, undertake continuous training and staffs' development. Inspire the team and provide technical expertise.
• In collaboration with Protection and/or Medical coordinator, support the identification and deployment of the technical skill sets, resource levels and systems to deliver projects, including the engagement of external resources as required.

Required profile and experience

Education

• MA in International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy or other relevant field.

Professional Experience

• Minimum five years of experience in humanitarian aid settings.

Professional Requirements

• Ability to manage huge team.
• Strong knowledge of proposal development and financial management.
• Experience working with major grants and international donors.
• Desirable experience in managing integrated projects.
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet).

Languages

• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Personal Requirements

• Good organizational and planning skills.
• Leadership, team management and cooperation.
• Behavioral flexibility.
• Negotiation skills and decision-making skills.
• Diplomatic, interpersonal and good communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Understanding of humanitarian operations principles, standards and best practices.
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles.

HOW