Organisation
Created in 1979, Action contre la Faim is a non-governmental organization that fights against hunger. Its charter of humanitarian principals- independence, neutrality, non-discrimination, free and direct access to victims, professionalism, transparency - has been part of its identity for more than 40 years. Its mission is to save lives by eliminating hunger through the prevention, detection and treatment of under-nutrition, particularly during and after emergency situations linked to conflicts or natural disasters. Action contre la Faim focuses its actions on 5 main areas of expertise: Nutrition and Health – Mental Health, Psychosocial Support and Protection – Food Security and Livelihoods – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – Advocacy. In 2022, Action contre la Faim provided aid to 28 million people in more than 46 countries worldwide. www.actioncontrelafaim.org
Reference
2024-1873
Over two years after the escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine, a total of 7.6 million Ukrainian refugees remain overseas and a further 5.1 million remain internally displaced in Ukraine. Currently, an estimated 17.6 million people within Ukraine require humanitarian assistance, including the need of food, water and medicines.
5,796,748 refugees have crossed the Polish border, 591,947 refugees have crossed the Moldavian border and 1,127,998 refugees the Romanian border. This situation has led ACF France to open Country Offices, in Ukraine, Poland and Romania and ACF Spain in Moldova.
ACF has deployed a regional multi-sectorial strategy through direct implementation and partnership. Core activities are Food Security & Livelihood (canned and dry food distribution, hot meals, cash) and Mental Health & Care Practices (psychosocial support, PFA training, Baby Friendly Space, psychiatric referrals). Additionally, in Ukraine the strategy also includes WASH activities (rehabilitation/repair of centralized water and sanitation networks, minor repair of Collective/Transit Centers, emergency Water supply and hygiene kit distribution) as well as Health & Nutrition (primary health care structures support including provision of medicines and trainings).
In Ukraine ACF currently intervenes in the East (Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumska, Zapporizhzhia), the West (Ivano Frankivsk, Chernivtsi) and is extending its coverage to the southern part of the country (Odessa, Mykolaiv).
As Country Director, you will be responsible for ACF’s overall operational response in Ukraine. In collaboration with the Regional Support Team and Project Team, you will define the operational strategy at country level and support the Project Team in the execution of the program, and ensure consistency. You will represent ACF’s interests towards third parties and partners, and ensure compliance with ACF’s charter, ethical standards and policies as well as international and national laws and regulations, in order to realize organizational objectives and reach quality targets for the mission.
More precisely, your role will be to :
- Lead strategic and operational planningLead the preparation, updating, and implementation of the country strategy, ensuring alignment with the ACF vision and mission
- Oversee the development of a high-quality strategic plan through inclusive and participatory processes, monitor implementation, and ensure stakeholders understand the strategic approach
- Ensure programs align with the country context and ACF's vision
- Collaborate with senior staff to generate viable programs, secure funding, and develop phasing out strategies
- Ensure programs are designed and implemented based on sound analysis, address the causes and effects of malnutrition, and comply with ACF standards
- Develop external relations and partnershipsDevelop and enhance relationships with stakeholders
- Develop external relations and partnershipsDevelop and enhance relationships with stakeholders
- Establish and maintain good relations with government officials, donors, and other organizations
- Support coalitions and networks, ensure cordial media relations and act as an ACF spokesperson when necessary
- Lead security planning
- Ensure the mission has robust security plans in place and adheres to security guidelines and procedures
- Manage Human Resources
- Oversee Finance and Logistics departments
- Work relationships with HQ
- Serve as a key liaison between the field and HQ
- Update HQ on strategy implementation, proactively refer matters that could affect the mission, and facilitate communication between field teams and HQ
- Ensure deadlines are met and pilot the follow-up on HQ recommendations
You hold a university degree in the field of international relations, business administration or management.
You have at least 2 years in similar management positions in humanitarian aid, including an experience with Action contre la Faim or international NGOs.
You have experience in coaching of teams and change management.
You have already been on mission in Ukraine.
You are particularly skilled in strategic vision, leadership , networking , management and development of staff , and communication and advocacy.
You speak and write fluently in French and English. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is a great asset.
- Fixed term contract under French legislation: 12 months
- Monthly gross salary from 3572 to 4128 € upon experience
- Reimbursement of the pension insurance for non-French citizens: 16% of the gross monthly salary
- Annual salary increase: 6% increase after and each 12 months of continuous contract
- Monthly per diem and living allowance: 838€ net, field paid
- Monthly country allowance: 450€
- Cold allowance: Reimbursement for the purchase of winter equipment for a maximum of 380€ per person per year in severe cold contexts
- Child allowance: 1500€ per year per child present in the country of origin (maximum 6000€/year)
- Transportation and accommodation: Coverage of transportation costs and guest house
- Medical coverage: ACF covers 100% of the social security, health insurance, and repatriation insurance agreement fees.
- Salary sustainment measures (sickness, paternity, maternity)
- Leaves and RnR: 25 days of paid leaves per year, 20 RnR per year, airfare reimbursement with a ceiling to get to the chosen break destination, and 215 € for each RnR period
- Accompaniment and trainings:
- Follow-up and support for career development
- Free and unlimited access to the certifying e-learning platform Crossknowledge ©
ACF is committed to people with disabilities and actively fights against all forms of discrimination.
It is a challenging but stimulating working context. You will find a motivated team and competent colleagues working in the context of a major humanitarian crisis in Europe, with the objective of responding to the needs of Ukrainian refugees, either through direct implementation by ACF or with local and international partners.
If you are willing to expand and secure funding for 2025, carry on with the nationalisation plan of key functions and enhance strategic partnerships with local actors (local CSOs and sub-national administrations), don't hesitate to apply!
