The posting
Location: Kharkiv,Kharkiv Oblast,Ukraine
Status: no-family posting
Location: Kharkiv (main office) with frequent duty travels to Kyiv
Contract duration: 1 year (possibility of extension)
Reports to: Regional Program Coordinator (Geneva-based)
Start date: January/February 2027
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) World Service (WS)
World Service is the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation. We are a widely recognized, international, faith-based organization working in over 20 countries. We seek to bring people of all backgrounds together in the common quest for justice, peace, and reconciliation in an increasingly complex and fragmented world. A commitment to the human rights of every individual, regardless of their status, guides our work, actions, and operations. We are particularly known for our timely, compassionate, and professional humanitarian work, and for our field presence in hard-to-reach areas. Our work is people-centred and community-based. Above all, we work with the most vulnerable, and in order to claim and uphold their rights, we engage proactively with local government and community structures. For additional information, please see LWF World Service.
Since February 2022, LWF and its partners have been responding to the emergency needs of displaced and war-affected communities in Ukraine, who continue to endure the severe physical and emotional consequences of war and armed conflict. Key priorities are safe shelter construction and repair, humanitarian assistance through distribution of NFI (Non-Food Items), education, livelihood and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). LWF coordinates and works closely with the Government of Ukraine, local authorities, the LWF member church in Ukraine, ACT Alliance members, civil society organizations, UN agencies (in particular UNHCR) and other relevant actors. The current geographic focus is on the Northeast of Ukraine, particularly the Kharkiv and Sumy regions. For additional information, please see: LWF Ukraine.
Purpose
The Representative (Rep) is the leader of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) World Service Emergency Operation in Ukraine, with overall responsibility for its strategic direction, management and performance. The role ensures that the program delivers meaningful results for the communities it serves, in line with LWF World Service policies, the Global World Service Strategy and the LWF Ukraine strategy outline.
The Rep leads program delivery, organizational growth, compliance, financial oversight, resource mobilization and staff development, and sets and reviews strategic direction in an accountable, participatory way. As LWF’s principal representative in Ukraine, the Representative builds strong relationships with government authorities, other ACT members, donors, UN agencies, churches and civil society, and promotes LWF’s values, mission and visibility.
Required qualifications
Master’s degree in International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, International Relations, Social Sciences or another relevant field.
Knowledge and Experience
Minimum of seven (7) years' experience in emergency/humanitarian programming and recovery and development programming.
Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in a senior leadership/management position in the field of humanitarian response, within an international organisation.
Knowledge of and experience in cooperating with governments, the United Nations system and inter-agency coordination clusters and other coordination structures at national level.
Strong financial and hands-on operational management experience.
Proven experience in resource mobilization and donor engagement.
Experience in working with local partners and capacity strengthening
Experience working in fragile and volatile security contexts.
Knowledge of LWF, its member churches, ACT Alliance members and related agencies is an asset.
Given the operational context, the successful candidate will need to travel regularly and, at times, on short notice. Applicants should carefully consider their ability to secure the necessary travel documentation and access required to perform the duties of the position.
Language Skills
English: Advanced (written, spoken)
Ukrainian and/or Russian would be a real asset.
LWF Core Skills
Leadership –resource level*
Working effectively with others –resource level
Accountability –resource level
Analytical thinking –advanced level
Initiative –resource level
Achieving results –resource level
LWF Functional Skills
People Management –resource level
Facilitation / Negotiation –resource level
Project Management -advanced level
Networking -resource level
Communication -advanced level
*LWF 3 skills levels are: basis -advanced -resource
All LWF staff are expected to uphold the values and principles set out in the LWF Code of Conduct, the Core Humanitarian Standard, and relevant organizational policies, including the Protection from Sexual Abuse, Exploitation and Harassment (PSEAH), Safeguarding, and Gender Justice policies. Staff members are expected to conduct themselves, both professionally and personally, in a manner that upholds the values and reputation of the LWF and its humanitarian mission.
The LWF values diversity and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and safe working environment. We welcome applications from qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities.
We thank all the applicants for their interest in joining the LWF. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Main Duties
Leadership and Strategic Direction
Provides overall leadership to the LWF Ukraine Emergency Operation.
Promotes, implements and upholds the vision, mission, core values and objectives of the global LWF World Service strategy, and guides the strategic direction for the LWF Ukraine emergency operation together with the Regional Program Coordinator.
Leads the Country Management Team and fosters a culture of collaboration, integrity, innovation, learning and continuous improvement.
Raises the profile of LWF World Service as an international humanitarian organization by continuously improving the quality of its work and strategically operating with others.
Programme Management and Quality
Ensures programmes align with LWF policies and guidelines, in close collaboration with the Program Coordinator.
Enables the team to deliver effective planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting (PMER) that is timely, of high quality and compliant with LWF World Service and donor requirements.
Strengthens programme management systems for accountable, effective and high-quality delivery, ensuring accountability to affected populations and local communities.
Ensures good management of resources, operations and partnerships with special emphasis on capacity building and continued improvement.
Conducts regular monitoring visits to project sites to provide on-site support and coaching.
Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
Develops strategies and operational plans and actively engages in negotiations with key stakeholders to uphold and develop a viable portfolio of projects and programs.
Oversees the development of high-quality concept notes, project proposals and ensures successful execution of grants.
Strengthens partnerships with local and international stakeholders to mobilise (new) resources and joint fundraising.
Financial Management, Compliance and Risk management
Ensures efficient, accountable and compliant financial and administrative management, in accordance with the LWF World Service Finance Manual, donor regulations and national legislation.
Works closely with the finance team, fostering close collaboration between finance and programme units, and monitors budget utilization and financial performance to ensure the programme's financial sustainability.
Leads risk management processes and mitigation measures.
Ensures effective internal controls and oversees internal and external audits.
People Management
Directly supervises the Program Coordinator, Finance Manager, other senior unit heads and administrative support staff.
Provides regular coaching and mentoring, conducts performance appraisals and builds a competent, cohesive, high-performing management team.
Oversees staffing plans, staff development, succession planning and all matters related to national and international staff.
Ensures new staff receive thorough orientation on LWF World Service strategies, policies, organizational culture and their assigned programmes.
Promotes safeguarding, staff wellbeing and a positive, inclusive work environment.
Representation, Advocacy and Networking
Serves as the primary representative of LWF in Ukraine and in national networks and coordination forums.
Maintains close, consultative relationships with the LWF member church in Ukraine and other ecumenical and faith-based partners.
Plays an active role in the ACT Alliance Forum, ensuring LWF participation in joint planning, implementation, advocacy and other initiatives.
Maintains regular coordination with government authorities, UN agencies, and international and national NGOs.
Supports evidence-based advocacy aligned with LWF priorities and builds strategic alliances that enhance programme impact and LWF's positioning.
Safety, Security and Duty of Care
Ensures effective executive oversight of security and duty of care.
Ensures implementation of LWF security policies and procedures.
Leads crisis management and emergency preparedness.
Promotes staff safety, security and wellbeing.
Ensures business continuity measures are maintained and updated.
Major challenges
Based in a highly volatile and insecure environment, the position holder will maintain program quality and accountability, motivate and retain staff, and ensure financial stability as conditions can change abruptly.
Apply to this job
