Head of Programme

Engaging the world's armed groups and de facto authorities in complex situations, Geneva Call's staff is a force for humanity, respect and hope. We employ a highly motivated and dedicated staff from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. We offer a unique working environment in a challenging field. If you're skilled and passionate, we would like to hear from you.

Geneva Call is an equal opportunity employer. Our working languages are English and French. Candidates must be able to travel. For operational positions, travel is required to various parts of the world and, at times, in areas of armed conflict.

For other requirements, please refer to the specifications within the individual notices posted on this page. Geneva Call cannot guarantee a reply to unsolicited applications. Please also be aware that our recruitment and vetting procedures are thorough and can last several weeks.

Please note: If you have already applied for this position, you do not need to reapply. Your previous application will be reviewed and considered as part of the ongoing recruitment process.

Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial non-governmental organization dedicated to preventing harm to civilians by promoting respect for international humanitarian norms in armed conflict and other situations of violence. In Ukraine Geneva Call promotes adherence to International Humanitarian Law and Law of Armed Conflict through direct engagement with armed actors.

Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Head of Programme will provide overall leadership, technical oversight, management and strategic vision of the program of Geneva Call in Ukraine while managing staff and resources to ensure that the program meets its objectives and deliverables timely, qualitatively and within budget. The Head of Programme will work in a fluctuating and uncertain context and ensure continuous adaptation of Geneva Call's interventions according to its mission criteria.

I. Programme Management & Coordination

• Coordinate, develop and manage Ukraine country programme to ensure quality implementation of projects including project cycle management processes, in accordance with strategies, project plans and Geneva Call procedures;
• Organise regular meetings with the project teams to strengthen effective coordination and collaboration and promote team building;
• Analyse conflict context and humanitarian situation on a regular basis and adapt project design and implementation accordingly;
• Ensure effective flow of information and communication with partners and stakeholders and update Country Director on latest developments;
• Ensure that programme expenditures, procurement and logistics are in line with project budgets, country office financial plans and internal and donor regulations;
• Manage safe-keeping of information and data protection, including filing of programme documents and materials;
• Support Country Director and HQ in engaging senior officials, military officers and other key stakeholders.

II. Human Resources Management

• Provide leadership and direct line management to relevant programme staff;
• Assist in the recruitment and selection processes (including coaching and evaluation) of staff and consultants.

III. Planning, Monitoring & Reporting

• Develop programme work plan and budget in consultation with programme team according to Geneva Call's operational and MEAL procedures;
• Ensure timely and quality tracking and reporting against project work plans, log frames and indicators;
• Support programme staff in implementation of MEAL system;
• Regularly conduct field missions and monitor activities to achieve desired programme results in line with organizational requirements;
• Prepare regular monitoring reports and support MEAL Officer in conducting internal programme evaluations and audits.

IV. Security

• Assist the Country Director and Safety and Security Advisor in regular assessments of the security situation as relevant to GC programme implementation, preparing risk assessments and suggesting mitigating measures and following up on incidents as necessary;
• Ensure that programme staff follow and implement safety and security policies and procedures.

V. Communications & External relations

• Support implementation of communications strategy including campaigns, events, other initiatives;
• Ensure material (photos, videos, stories from the field) about project activities are developed to showcase project outcomes and achievements;
• Ensure proper implementation of donor visibility and communications plan, also taking into account security and perception risks and seeking for derogations/exemptions when required;
• Attend and represent GC as required at external events and meetings of interest to the organisation;
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the line manager.

Education

• Completed degree of Higher Education in relevant field such as Political or Social Science, International Humanitarian Law or Human Rights.
• Knowledge of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or International Human Rights Law is an asset.

Work experience

• Minimum 5 years of equivalent work experience in a humanitarian/protection organization, working in a management role in conflict-affected areas.
• Solid understanding and track record on project cycle management, incl. budget management and finance tracking.
• Experience of capacity building and mentoring, team leadership and management.

Technical skills

• Strong organizational, drafting and analytical skills.
• Solid diplomatic skills with ability to communicate effectively with high level interlocutors.
• Strong networking skills.
• Understanding and keen interest in security and political context related to the Ukraine conflict.

Languages

• Excellent English language skills (written and oral); Knowledge of Ukrainian is an advantage.

Personal qualities

• Outstanding interpersonal skills with experience of negotiations with weapon-bearers and other high-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience of dialogue with armed actors would be an asset.
• Ability to work under pressure, travel frequently in conflict-affected areas and to handle numerous tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to network in a multicultural environment and to develop strong professional relationships with stakeholders.

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the GC Performance Management. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• The Job Description
• The individual Work- and Professional Development Plan
• The Competency Framework

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation's principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.

• Position: Head of Programme
• Type of Contract: Fixed term, International contract
• Activity rate: 100%, full-time position
• Work place: Kyiv, Ukraine
• Preferred start date: 1 October 2025

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; therefore, early submission is strongly recommended.

Please apply no later than 9 September, 2025.

Important Note: Our HR team will meticulously evaluate your profile in line with the requirements of the post you have applied for. Since, we receive a good number of applications for all the positions Geneva Call advertises, it is not possible to communicate the results of our decisions with every candidate individually. Therefore, only the short-listed candidates will be contacted by the HR team to invite them for written test – and the steps afterwards if they qualify i.e., interview and other assessments as deemed appropriate.