Senior Field Manager (Kharkiv-Sumy) in Save the Children

Save the Children International is a leading international humanitarian organization that has been protecting the rights of children around the world for more than 100 years. We work in more than 100 countries, responding to emergency situations, implementing innovative development programs and advocating for the interests of children at the global level.

Our activities in Ukraine began in 2014. Since then, we have greatly expanded our geographic presence, providing support to children and families affected by war. We work in areas such as education, child protection, food security and social support, and we also carry out advocacy activities aimed at ensuring lasting changes in the lives of children.

Purpose of the position:

The Lead Program Manager ensures program implementation, budget planning and expenditure monitoring, contextual analysis, external engagement, partnership management in accordance with donor requirements and SCI policy. This role contributes to program and budget development and plays a key role in partnering and coordinating with stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities:

Key Areas Accountabilities:

• Contribute to the development and management of the day-to-day implementation of program activities in the relevant areas, effectively using the direction of the Program Manager and the assistance of technical sector consultants and operational support staff.
• Manage multiple grants in different sectors, ensuring the delivery of projects and reports in accordance with the contractual requirements of the Vitality and Donor Committee, within the agreed timelines and budget.
• Ensure an effective field-level grant management cycle and implementation compliance with Donor/Sustainability Company policies and procedures.
• Maintain excellent awareness and understanding of grant scope, budgets and program objectives within the region, monitor progress and intervene when corrective action is required.
• Participate in grant review meetings at both regional and regional levels country office level, providing contextual information, proposing any adjustments and further monitoring the implementation of action items assigned to the field manager.
• Support in assessing needs and comprehensive understanding of the needs of the affected population in Kharkiv and Sumy regions.
• Providing contextual information about needs, development, trends and relevant budget information to the program manager, business development and finance department for the development of new business.
• In coordination with the Awards and Partnerships Department, support the Program Operations teams in the development and review of partnership agreements.
•  Participate in member meetings, provide updates on programs, security and context,as well as ensure follow-up on agreed points.
• Ensure compliance with minimum standards of humanitarian assistance in accordance with the Charter of the Sphere project - a document that sets out the Basic Humanitarian Standard and Humanitarian Principles.
• Create a conducive working environment that encourages cooperation, transparency and the well-being of staff in both field offices.
• Promote effective coordination between teams from field offices, regional offices and national offices for seamless and integrated work.
• Conduct regular fortnightly staff meetings, record and monitor progress and agreed actions.
• Support recruitment and ensure adequate staffing of programmes/projects.

Capacity development and internal coordination:

• Provide team with full understanding of award cycle management and donor compliance.
• In coordination with PDQ, Supply Chain, Finance, MEAL, HR & Administration, Security, Risk & Compliance address staff capacity development needs.
• Oversee and support partner capacity building initiatives ensuring their aptitude to deliver high-quality, compliant and contextually relevant activities.
• Strengthen coordination and accountability within matrix and remote management, strengthening a culture of shared responsibility and collective problem-solving in SCI.
• Managing the performance of direct reports and promoting a 70-20-10 approach to capacity development (70% on-the-job training, 20% formal training, 10% mentoring).
•  In coordination with HR and administration, promote staff welfare initiatives.

Representation and advocacy:

• Represent Save the Children in coordination mechanisms including but not limited to HOCG, ABC and government-led coordination groups, ensuring effective communication of priorities and positions SCI.
• In coordination with the Regional Director and the Partnerships and Awards department, support partnership engagement in Kharkiv and Sumy, including identifying, mapping and evaluating new and existing partners.
• Identify opportunities and materials to contribute to communications and media work, acting as a spokesperson when necessary.
• Lead partnership management in field offices in Kharkiv and Sumy.
• Strengthen interaction and partnerships with local authorities, public services, including departments of education, social and communal services.

Security, protection and risk management:

• With the help of security and protection teams in Kharkiv and Sumy, ensure the relevance and implementation of security risk assessments, emergency action plans, standard operating procedures and emergency action plans (HERP).
•  Ensure that program design and implementation are based on access, risk, and security analysis.
• Review and approvearea movement plans, area movement requests, and visitor-related security measures.
• Oversee all visitor management processes, proper coordination and communication of logistical and security measures.
• Maintain excellent situational awareness and promptly communicate contextual and security updates to the Director of Flight Operations.
• Contribute to the development of the capacity of security and defense partners by ensuring that training and resources to meet minimum standards/requirements.
• Enforce SCI's duty of care for staff, visitors and beneficiaries.
• Lead the implementation of corrective and preventive measures following security incidents.

General:

• Adhere to Save the Children policies and practices on child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and others appropriate policies and procedures.
• Ensure the safety, health and well-being of staff and that HR management and other processes, policies and systems reflect SCA's principles of equality and fairness.
• Develop a thorough understanding of SCI systems and processes
• Play a leading role in strengthening team cohesion in the Kharkiv and Sumy field offices, as well as in the Eastern regions.

To be successful, you must have:

Mandatory requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of management experience, of which at least 3 years in the humanitarian or development sector.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (development studies, social sciences, public and/or business administration). Master's degree preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently between field offices.
• Proven experience in external engagement, partnership management, and representation with local stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently between field offices and program locations.
• Deep understanding of operational planning, financial oversight, and risk management.
• Deep contextual understanding of eastern Ukraine, especially Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
• Experience in budget management.
• Experience in security management in a dangerous environment.
• Ability to write clear and reasoned evaluation and project reports.
• Excellent communication skills and a proactive communicator.
• Strong influencing skills and advocacy experience.
• Political and cultural sensitive, with qualities such as patience, tact and diplomacy.
• High level of written and spoken English and Ukrainian.
• Experience in managing multiple workplaces.
• Ability and willingness to be extremely flexible and adaptable in challenging, and sometimes dangerous, work circumstances.
• Dedication to SC goals and principles. In particular, a good understanding of the SC mandate and child-centeredness, aas well as the ability to continue to provide this, which is the basis of our support.
• Independence, the ability to organize and prioritize your time with multiple competing demands.
• Comfortable working in a matrix management environment.

We offer

• Official employment according to the legislation of Ukraine
• International working conditions
• Working day from 9 to 17 hours
• Medical insurance
• Life and health insurance
• Opportunities for training and professional development

Child protection policy:

We have to ensure the safety of children, so our selection process involves strict background checks and reflects our commitment to protecting children from abuse. 

SCI is committed to creating a truly inclusive, effective and representative organizational culture, promoting equity and diversity among its employees and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

Ready to hire an employee with disabilities.

If you are interested in the vacancy, send your resume in English by 05.12.2025 Please note that the position will remain open on the website until we find a successful candidate.

Indicate your expected salary and level of English language proficiency in your cover letter.