Job Overview
IRC Ukraine is currently looking for a strategic and versatile leader to oversee and manage a complex multi-donor, multi-year Protection and Rule of Law (PRoL) portfolio composed of access to justice, protection monitoring, information services, psychosocial services, and case management They has practical experience in emergencies context; strong diplomacy, coordination and networking skills; solutions oriented and pragmatic with the capacity to solve problems efficiently; and previous change management experience preferred. They have strong leadership abilities to create an environment that cultivates innovative thinking and new approaches firmly anchored in the realities of the local context and aligned to national systems.
The PRoL Coordinator will work to oversee the quality and timely implementation of all aspects of the ProL portfolio, providing cohesion and strategic direction. They will work closely with IRC staff and key partners ensuring the interventions are context appropriate, leverage cross-programmer synergies and complementarities and align to national systems and international standards.
One of the key responsibilities of the PROL Coordinator is to ensure technical quality and provide strategic leadership across the entire project management cycle—from design and planning to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Additionally, the PROL Coordinator will play a critical role in setting the overall programmatic direction, strategy development, donor and external engagement, as well as program and project design. The PROL Coordinator will be responsible for shaping the Protection and Rule of Law portfolio to ensure alignment with IRC’s global and regional strategies and meeting donor expectations.
The PROL Coordinator is also responsible for ensuring integrated programming across different sectors of IRC’s operations in Ukraine. The PROL Coordinator will work closely with other sector leads to develop multi-sectoral interventions that enhance the overall effectiveness and impact of Protection and Rule of Law activities, ensuring synergy and cohesion across programs.
The PROL Coordinator will be expected to spend substantial time in field locations, training, mentoring, and supporting field teams. The PROL Coordinator will play a key role in capacity building for both IRC field staff and partners, empowering them to take ownership of Protection and Rule of Law programming under the decentralization plan. This includes ensuring the quality of field-level implementation while working collaboratively with technical teams to maintain IRC’s Protection and Rule of Law standards.
Key responsibilities include programmatic resource development, advocacy related to IRC’s Protection and Rule of Law response, and providing strategic direction for Protection and Rule of Law activities. The PROL Coordinator will also offer technical guidance and mentoring to partners to enhance their capacity to deliver high-quality Protection and Rule of Law services.
Furthermore, the PROL Coordinator will be responsible for the systematic use of research, data, and evidence to inform decision-making, design interventions, and assess the effectiveness of programs, ensuring that ensures that interventions are grounded in solid empirical evidence aiming to improve outcomes and accountability. This includes leading initiatives for research and impact evaluations to assess and enhance the effectiveness of Protection and Rule of Law interventions.
The PROL Coordinator will report to the Senior Program Quality Coordinator and will be based in Kyiv, with regular travel to other program areas as required.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Program Management:
Lead the management of a complex, multi-donor, multi-year Protection and Rule of Law (PROL) portfolio that includes case management, psychosocial support, and Protection and Rule of Law risk reduction activities. Ensure the effective delivery of these programs through IRC and partner organizations by:
· Setting clear objectives and priorities for the PROL portfolio in alignment with IRC’s global and regional strategies.
· Coordinating and integrating PROL activities across various sectors to enhance program synergies and effectiveness.
· Developing comprehensive programmatic frameworks that guide the implementation of PROL initiatives, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of populations affected by crisis.
· Supporting MEAL team in establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess program impact, gather insights, and inform decision-making.
· Engaging with donors and stakeholders to secure funding, provide program updates, and demonstrate accountability while aligning with their expectations and requirements.
· Facilitating capacity-building opportunities for staff and partners to enhance the quality and sustainability of PROL interventions.
· Regularly reviewing and adapting program strategies in response to evolving needs, contexts, and best practices in Protection and Rule of Law.
Technical Quality Assurance
Uphold the highest standards of technical quality throughout all stages of the project management cycle, from design and planning to implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, by:
· Developing and implementing robust project designs that are evidence-based, contextually relevant, and aligned with best practices in Protection and Rule of Law.
· Facilitating participatory planning processes that involve key stakeholders, including affected communities, and community members, to ensure interventions are responsive to their needs.
· In collaboration with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team, establishing clear performance indicators and outcomes for all Protection and Rule of Law activities, ensuring they align with IRC’s standards and donor expectations.
· Providing ongoing technical support and strategic guidance to field teams to enhance the quality of program implementation, addressing challenges as they arise.
· Conducting regular field visits to monitor program delivery, gather feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement in service provision.
· Leading/supporting capacity-building initiatives for staff and partners in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, reporting, and data management to ensure effective tracking of program performance and impact.
· Collect, compile, and revise internal and external reports for the PROL sector, ensuring timely submission to donors. Collaborate with the Grants Team to ensure the quality of external reports, maintaining consistency and accuracy in messaging to effectively communicate IRC’s impact and outcomes in Protection and Rule of Law initiatives.
· Analyzing data and feedback collected during monitoring and evaluation processes to inform adaptive management, facilitating timely adjustments to strategies and interventions.
· Documenting lessons learned and best practices from program implementation, sharing insights across the organization to foster continuous learning and improvement in Protection and Rule of Law programming.
Program Development, Proposal Design and Integrated Programming:
Take a lead role in program development, project design, and proposal writing to secure funding and support for Protection and Rule of Law initiatives by:
· Collaborating with key stakeholders, including field staff, technical teams, and partners, to identify emerging needs and opportunities for Protection and Rule of Law programming that align with IRC's strategic goals.
· Leading the design of innovative and evidence-based project proposals that address the specific needs of affected populations, ensuring alignment with IRC’s global and regional strategies as well as donor priorities.
· Conducting comprehensive analyses of the Protection and Rule of Law landscape in Ukraine, including risk assessments and stakeholder mapping, to inform project design and ensure relevance to the local context.
· Ensuring that proposals incorporate robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, clearly outlining how success will be measured and reported in line with donor expectations.
· Fostering collaboration across different sectors of IRC’s operations in Ukraine by actively engaging with sector leads to develop multi-sectoral interventions that enhance the effectiveness and impact of Protection and Rule of Law activities.
· Promoting synergy across programs by integrating Protection and Rule of Law considerations into broader humanitarian efforts, ensuring that interventions are holistic and address the multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and communities.
· Building strong relationships with donors, participating in funding discussions, and presenting programmatic needs and achievements to secure support for Protection and Rule of Law initiatives.
· Reviewing and refining proposal drafts, ensuring clarity, coherence, and adherence to IRC’s quality standards and donor guidelines before submission.
Coordination, Stakeholder Engagement, and Advocacy:
· Represent IRC in national forums to promote Protection and Rule of Law issues, enhancing visibility and support for IRC’s programs.
· Establish and maintain effective relationships with national authorities, NGOs, and international agencies to foster collaboration and enhance coordination on Protection and Rule of Law efforts.
· Facilitate joint initiatives and information-sharing among stakeholders to develop coordinated strategies that address Protection and Rule of Law challenges and maximize program impact.
· Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government actors, UN agencies, and international and local NGOs.
· Ensure national-level concerns and challenges are communicated to relevant stakeholders to advocate for standards and procedures that enhance coordination in Protection and Rule of Law programming.
Partnerships:
· Identify and develop partnerships with local and international implementing partners to enhance Protection and Rule of Law services in Ukraine, ensuring alignment with IRC’s PEERS standards for equal and effective partnerships to create sustainable and impactful programs addressing the unique needs of clients
· Conduct stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify key actors in the Protection and Rule of Law sector, including government agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and private sector stakeholders, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring a coordinated response to Protection and Rule of Law challenges.
· Strengthen partnerships with relevant national and local organizations, including child welfare agencies and community-based groups, to foster a coordinated response to Protection and Rule of Law challenges, enhancing the effectiveness and reach of IRC’s Protection and Rule of Law initiatives, ensuring vulnerable clients receive comprehensive support.
· Engage in continuous dialogue with partners to share best practices, resources, and lessons learned, fostering an environment of mutual learning and collaboration to improve the quality of Protection and Rule of Law services and promote innovative solutions tailored to the specific context of Ukraine.
Staff Supervision & Development
· Maintain open and professional relationships with team members, fostering a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to excel in their roles.
· Provide technical guidance, on-the-job mentoring, and coaching for team members, including people/technical managers, to enhance their leadership and programmatic skills.
· Directly supervise the Senior Protection and Rule of Law Manager, conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback to support their development.
· Collaborate with HR and central/field teams to assist in the recruitment of Protection and Rule of Law staff, ensuring the team is equipped with the necessary skills and experience.
· Facilitate training and continuous capacity-building opportunities for staff, emphasizing both technical and project management skills to empower them in their roles and enhance overall program effectiveness.
· Spend substantial time in field locations to train, mentor, and support field teams. Empower IRC staff and partners to take ownership of Protection and Rule of Law programming, ensuring the quality of field-level implementation while maintaining adherence to IRC’s Protection and Rule of Law standards.
· Actively contribute to the decentralization plan by empowering field teams to take ownership of Protection and Rule of Law programming. Provide targeted training and resources to ensure that staff in field locations are equipped to implement Protection and Rule of Law initiatives effectively, aligning local efforts with IRC's standards and strategies.
· Work closely with the HR department to implement effective performance management systems, ensuring that staff performance aligns with organizational goals. Participate in regular performance appraisal processes, provide input on staff evaluations, and collaborate on developing strategies for staff development, promotion, and retention.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Position reports to: Senior Program Quality Coordinator
Direct reporting: Senior Protection and Rule of Law Manager and wider PRoL team at the Central Level
Other internal contacts: Women’s Protection and Empowerment (WPE) Coordinator, Child Protection (PROL) Coordinator, other Technical Coordinators (including Health, Economic Recovery and Development, MEAL, Grants, Partnerships), Deputy Director for Programs, Protection and Rule of Law Technical Advisor, Field Coordinators
Requirements
The Protection and Rule of Law Coordinator will need to meet the requirements below:
• Post-graduate degree desired in international law, human rights law, international relations, social sciences, or other related field, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience in senior management and leadership position managing large scale portfolio of multi-donor, multi-million-dollar, multi-year programming
• Proven record of technical expertise in programming in one or more of the following areas: access to justice, case management, psychosocial support, information services, and protection monitoring and analysis
• Previous experience implementing humanitarian protection programs
• Demonstrable ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and data-driven reporting
• Ability to lead effectively, mentoring and conflict resolution skills, including managing complexities
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in new business development, grants management and donor liaison
• Familiarity with key donor regulations, i.e. BHA, BPRM and ECHO
• Experience in working with and coordinating with the UN, donors, INGOs and other stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, capacity building, project design and budget management
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with excellent analysis and writing skills
• Strong team and people leadership, portfolio management, organizational and development skills
• Proven networking, team building, organizational and communication skills
• Additional qualities: ability to multi-task, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise, flexibility, adaptability to transitions.
• Fluent in spoken and written English and Ukrainian
This position will be based in: Kyiv, with regular travel to other locations as necessary.