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.

Following the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, GRC significantly scaled up its support to the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS), contributing to both emergency response and longer-term programme development across health, social services and disaster management.

GRC is seeking a Head of Programmes (m/f/d) to support the Ukrainian Red Cross Society in strengthening the quality, alignment and sustainability of its programmes, while ensuring effective grant management and coordination across stakeholders.

**Starting date:** July 22nd, 2026

**Duration:** 12 months (with possible extension)

**Location:** Kyiv, Ukraine, with regular field visits

## Main duties & responsibilities:

- Lead strategic dialogue with URCS Heads of Units across programme areas including Home Based Care, MHPSS, Rehabilitation, Mobile Health Units, First Aid, Disaster Management and Emergency Response Teams
- Act as the main GRC counterpart to URCS National Committee programmatic units, ensuring consistent and constructive engagement, including structured input into URCS strategic planning, budgeting and prioritisation processes
- Provide managerial oversight to GRC programme delegates working in regions and at headquarters level, ensuring clarity of priorities, accountability and performance standards across the team
- Support a consistent and structured approach to capacity strengthening across regions, including consolidating feedback from delegates and regional teams to inform strategic discussions with URCS
- Oversee grant management across multiple funding streams, including BMZ, GFFO and Movement partners, including timely and high-quality proposal development and donor reporting
- Maintain regular field presence, including routine visits to programme locations
- Contribute to internal planning, reporting and knowledge sharing within German Red Cross
- Cover the Head of Office position during periods of absence, as required

## Required Competencies & Skills:

- Minimum seven years’ professional experience in the humanitarian or development sector, preferably in complex or conflict-affected contexts
- Strong programme management experience, including strategic planning, budgeting and donor reporting
- Demonstrated experience in capacity strengthening, team management and technical advisory roles
- Experience working with institutional donors and managing grants
- Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders in partnership-based environments
- Strong coordination and communication skills, with the ability to work across multiple teams
- High level of adaptability, resilience and professional maturity
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Knowledge of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an asset
- Ability and willingness to adhere to the Fundamental Principles
- Ability to complete a medical screening for working abroad
- Valid International Driving Permit

## What we offer you:

You will be part of a highly motivated, professional and multicultural team. GRC offers a compensation package in line with its collective employment agreement, including an expatriation allowance and accommodation. You will benefit from comprehensive briefings, training and ongoing support throughout your assignment. Medical check-ups, psychosocial support and rest and relaxation (R&R) are included.