Deputy Country Director - Program Operations, Ukraine Response
Save the Children International is a leading global humanitarian organization protecting children's rights worldwide for over 100 years, operating in more than 100 countries. Its work in Ukraine began in 2014 and focuses on education, child protection, food security, social support and advocacy for children and families affected by war.
Role purpose: As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Country Director – Program Operations (DCD-PO) shares overall responsibility for the direction and coordination of the Country Office. The DCD-PO is responsible for implementation of all programming in country, including management of all sub offices, emergency preparedness and response, and deputises for the Country Director as needed. Reports to the Country Director; technical report to the Senior Operations Advisor. Direct reports include Area Directors, Head of Awards and Partnerships, Head of Supply Chain, Operations Manager and the Multisectoral Programme Manager. Main donors: ECHO, Danida, Sida, NORAD (Nansen programme) and the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
The role leads delivery of the Country Office localization strategy, progressively increasing partnerships with state institutions, private service providers and local and national NGOs, and connects emergency response with recovery and longer-term engagement.
Key accountabilities:
- Lead programme implementation through Area Directors and operational managers, ensuring quality, budget and donor compliance; serve as budget holder for delegated programming
- Lead award and portfolio reviews; ensure accurate donor reporting and award start-up, amendment and close-out
- Lead operational localisation and fair, effective partnership management with Ukrainian NGOs and institutions
- Oversee supply chain, procurement, inventory, warehousing and fleet systems meeting minimum operating standards
- Lead emergency preparedness and response, business continuity, humanitarian access and security planning with the Safety and Security Director
- Lead, coach and develop staff and national leadership; ensure safeguarding and accountability standards
Required qualifications and experience: previous Country Director, Deputy Country Director or equivalent senior leadership experience in a medium to large international NGO country programme; substantial leadership and field operations experience in conflict-affected settings; robust programme cycle and grant management with major institutional donors (ECHO, Danida, Sida, NORAD or pooled funds); proven localisation and equitable partnership experience; strong understanding of education, child protection and support to vulnerable families; substantial supply chain and procurement oversight experience; knowledge of humanitarian systems, coordination and accountability frameworks; experience in emergency preparedness, business continuity, humanitarian access and remote management.
Closing date: 2026-11-08
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the Save the Children application portal: https://hcri.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/18023/apply/email?lastSelectedFacet=POSTING_DATES&selectedPostingDatesFacet=30