Area Manager

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and will continue to implement humanitarian response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a highly qualified Area Manager to lead its operations in Eastern Ukraine. About the job:As the Area Manager, you will lead DRC’s operations in Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts, ensuring the effective delivery of programmes and the sound management of Program, Support, and Safety teams. The role is accountable for achieving strategic objectives, fostering strong relationships with beneficiaries, authorities, and humanitarian partners, and ensuring a safe and inclusive operational environment.

As DRC’s lead representative in the area, you will provide strategic leadership, drives operational excellence, and contributes to coordination and decision-making at both area and country levels.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:Representation and stakeholder engagement * Primary DRC representative in the area of operation, ensuring active participation in all relevant humanitarian and government forums/meetings to strengthen DRC’s visibility and collaboration with key actors. * Build and maintain positive relationships with humanitarian organizations, government authorities and other relevant stakeholders in the area of operation to support effective collaboration, coordination and referrals. * Identify and communicate advocacy needs to the Advocacy Coordinator to ensure they are addressed. * Country Office’s Focal point regarding external engagement in the area (e.g. donor visit)Supervision of safety and security* Manage and ensure that DRC operations are aligned with DRC risk appetite and conducted in accordance with DRC safety and security standards. * Ensure a safe and secure environment for DRC staff, beneficiaries, and assets by keeping local security procedures up to date and ensuring that SOPs are followed in line with Security Management Plans and DRC policies. Together with Safety and IMT members, lead the management and decision making around critical incidents in the area. * Ensure security analysis supports timely strategic decision-making specific to the area of operation.Supervision of program departments* Ensure the DRC strategy in Ukraine is adapted to the local context, needs, and capacities. Support the feasibility & relevance of expanding DRC hard-to-reach (populations and areas) presence and activities, synergies with Partners, Partner led implementation, integrated programming, bridges between emergency response and early recovery interventions. * Ensure projects are implemented on time, with high quality, and in alignment with DRC’s global and country programme strategy, Project Cycle Management standards, processes, and tools. * Conduct field visits as an independent eye to monitor for quality, efficiency and effectiveness of DRC`s activities and help overcome challenges as needed. * Conduct regular spot checks of the tools used and updates at area level to ensure accuracy and that quality standards are met.Supervision of support departments* Oversee the financial, HR and supply chain management of the Area, ensure appropriate and cost-efficient planning, forecast and use of DRC funding and in line with DRC global and in country standards, processes and tools. * Conduct regular spot checks of the tools used and updates at area level to ensure accuracy and that quality standards are met. * Ensure that the area structures are appropriately designed, sized, equipped and trained to facilitate smooth operations, anticipating changes and ensuring cost efficiency.Team management and capacity building* Ensure overall provision of and adherence to DRC policies, procedures, guidelines, systems and standard practices * Manage direct reports, including recruitment, development, people planning, performance management, and performance appraisals. Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement by setting clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for staff management. * Foster staff development through mentoring, coaching and capacity building to strengthen both technical and soft skills. Encourage continuous learning and professional growth within the team and in line with DRC capacities and mandate.Internal coordination* As a member of the Extended Senior Management Team (SMT), ensure the effective implementation and roll-out of SMT decisions across the area. Foster a deep understanding of DRC’s mandate, ways of working, processes, and tools within the team to align with organizational goals and practices. * Actively contribute to a positive, caring, and constructive communication culture. Address challenges collaboratively, manage staff frustrations by balancing operational constraints with flexibility, and ensure timely resolution of issues. * Promote a clear and shared vision within the team, ensuring that initiatives and ideas are well-structured to maintain operational coherence and focus. This includes troubleshooting and providing advice, recommendations and guidance as needed.About you:To be successful in this role, we expect you will have proven area management experience in complex and volatile environments, you will bring strong leadership skills, a track record in people management, and the ability to coordinate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including partners, donors, and authorities. Moreover, we also expect the following:Required* Minimum 5 years overseeing humanitarian and early recovery, multi-sector, and multi-donor programmes * Minimum 7 years of experience in project, programme, base, or area management roles. * Minimum 5 years of experience in people management, including identifying capacity gaps and providing mentoring, training, and support to ensure effective performance and professional development. * Master’s degree in political sciences, international relations, law, sociology etc. * Proven ability to coordinate with multiple actors, manage relationships with partners, donors, and local stakeholders, and represent the organisation in coordination forums to advocate for organisational priorities. * Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly identify issues, develop solutions, and implement corrective actions in dynamic and challenging environments. * Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines without compromising quality, maintaining focus and professionalism in high-pressure and fast-paced settings. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, convey complex information clearly and in a structured manner, and maintain effective relationships. * Full professional proficiency in English.Desirable* Experience managing multiple bases or offices. * Previous experience in the Protection, Humanitarian Mine Action, Economic Recovery, Basic Needs, and Shelter sectors. * Previous experience in Support Services or Programmes. * Proficiency in Ukrainian is an asset.In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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 lenght: 12 months contract with potential extension depending on performance and funding availability after successful completion of 3-month probation period * Band: E2 – managerial * Designation of Duty Station: Kharkiv, non-family duty station * Start date: June 2026Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national or international employees; please refer to our website.HOW TO APPLYApplication Process:All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (maximum four pages, in English).Applications sent by email will not be considered.Click here to applyClosing date for applications: 5 May 2026We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible, interviews might be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select candidate before the vacancy close date once a suitable candidate has been identified**.**