Program Implementation Lead
Location: Kyiv (with frequent travels to field offices)
Reporting line manager: Deputy Country Director – Program Quality & Developmen
Duration: 1 year with possible extension
Probation: 6 months
Starting date: As Soon As Possible
CARE INTERNATIONAL
CARE International (CI) is among the world’s largest international non-governmental humanitarian relief and development confederations. Drawing on more than 75 years of experience, through its 21 Members, as both a practitioner and thought leader, CI’s work reaches over 100 countries worldwide to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice.
CARE’s vision is to seek a world of hope, inclusion, and social justice; where poverty has been overcome and people live in dignity and security. CARE focuses heavily on women and girls, and the areas of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the center of our work because we know that we cannot overcome poverty and social injustice until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We recognize that power relations between people and within systems and structures are unequal and that these are entrenched in our broader systems, structures, and institutions.
At the core of the CI Confederation is a globally distributed Secretariat, which provides coordination and support to its members in areas including governance, strategic planning, communications, membership development and accountability, advocacy, humanitarian response, and program development. In addition, the Secretariat represents the CI Confederation at the United Nations and the European Union, and with other external stakeholders.
CONTEXT IN UKRAINE
On 24th February 2022, the invasion of Ukraine marked a significant escalation in the ongoing cvonflict and continues to profoundly impact the lives of people across the country at various levels. The front line is continuously shifting and there are areas under Russian military control, as well as cities under siege. Attacks on military installations and critical civilian infrastructures are conducted in the whole territory of Ukraine, often resulting in collateral civilian casualties. The conflict has caused the largest population movement in Europe since World War II, with over 5 million currently displaced within Ukraine and 6 million refugees across Europe. OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) had counted 17.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance as of 2024.
At least one-third of the country’s energy infrastructure is damaged, leaving millions without heating and access to water. In October 2022, the Russian Federation claimed to have annexed four Ukrainian oblasts, further increasing the challenge of access to these areas. Therefore, an ongoing priority for the international humanitarian response is to reach newly accessible areas in the East and South, and to provide aid to previously unreachable and particularly hard-hit areas of Ukraine.
CARE UKRAINE
CARE prioritizes a locally led response and is partnering primarily with Civil-Society Organizations (CSOs), National NGOs (Non-Government Organization), local authorities, and when needed, INGOs (International Non-Governmental Organizations) with a longstanding presence in the country and access to hard-to-reach areas. CARE Ukraine deliberately and strategically prioritizes partnerships with local and national Women Led and Women Rights organizations (WLO’s/ WRO’s), further strengthening the Gender in Emergencies (GiE) principle and the Women Lead in Emergencies (WLiE) approach.
In the first few weeks after the escalation of the war, virtually all humanitarian aid inside Ukraine was organized and implemented by local actors. These groups (together with local authorities) remain the principal aid providers but are quickly being exhausted of funds, fuel, and physical energy. Thereby, a considerable proportion of CARE’s resources is dedicated to strengthening and supporting the capacities of local partners.
Job summary:
The Program Development Lead is a key member of the Program Leadership Team, responsible for the strategic design and development of innovative, high-impact programs in line with CARE’s strategy and sectoral expertise. This role requires strong collaboration and coordination across internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective program development and funding growth. The Program Development Lead reports to the DCD Programs and plays a critical role in shaping CARE’s program portfolio and strengthening its impact.
The Program Development Lead will drive business development efforts by:
Program & Proposal Development:
• Identifying and conceptualizing new programs and projects based on needs assessments, donor priorities, and CARE’s strategic objectives.
• Leading the design and development of high-quality project proposals, including objectives, activities, budgets, and timelines.
• Ensuring program designs align with international standards, local contexts, and CARE’s mission.
Internal Coordination & Cross-Team Collaboration:
• Facilitating effective collaboration between Program Implementation, Program Quality (Technical Advisors & MEAL), Partnerships, and Program Support teams.
External Engagement & Partnerships:
• Engaging with donors, CARE Member Partners, Peer Organizations and national implementing partners to identify funding opportunities and strategic alliances.
Main responsibilities:
1. Program Development and Partnerships
• Oversee the overall program development for CARE Ukraine, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities by monitoring donor strategies and funding trends. Provide strategic advice to the Deputy Country Director Programs on the benefits and challenges of various funding streams in line with CARE’s strategy.
• Update, adjust and further refine CARE’s donor engagement and fundraising strategies on a regular basis
• Provide leadership in program design in close coordination with national implementing partners, ensuring their proactive engagement in development efforts.
• Foster a culture of effective and respectful partnerships, promoting collaboration and shared values across the country office.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including program teams, national and international implementing partners, and other CARE Member Partners, to ensure a coordinated and effective approach.
• Represent CARE in relevant meetings, including donor briefings, sectoral working groups, and coordination forums, advocating for the organization’s priorities and strategic objectives.
• Liaise with current and potential donors to strengthen relationships and identify funding opportunities.
• Lead the development, review, and submission of high-quality concept notes and proposals. Facilitate cross-departmental coordination to ensure timely and effective project development and revisions.
• Ensure all proposal submissions are accurate, complete, and meet donor requirements.
• Foster strategic partnerships and alliances to enhance program delivery and impact, including collaboration with NGOs, government agencies, and private sector actors.
• Maintain strong working relationships with donors, representing CARE Ukraine in donor meetings alongside the Country Director (CD) and DCD as needed. Document key discussion points and follow-up actions.
2. Lessons learnt & Adaptive Programming
• Strengthening Adaptive Programming and develop mechanisms to regularly capture and apply lessons learned to improve program design, implementation, and decision-making. Establish processes to systematically document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and innovative approaches to inform future programming.
• Facilitate learning exchanges with implementing partners, donors, and sectoral peers to enhance collective impact and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen the use of beneficiary and partner feedback to refine program approaches and enhance responsiveness to community needs.
• Ensure lessons from different thematic areas (e.g., GBV, livelihoods, WASH) are integrated in future program design.
3. Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development
Supervision and Mentoring of Program Development Staff
• Provide regular guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Conduct structured one-on-one check-ins to track progress, address challenges, and support professional development.
Capacity-Building, Training & Knowledge Sharing
• Assess the program development staff strengths and areas for growth and design tailored training plans focused on proposal writing, donor engagement, program design, and strategic thinking.
• Organize capacity-building sessions on donor compliance, budgeting, logical frameworks, and program design best practices.
• Encourage participation in external workshops, webinars, and training programs.
• Encourage Cross-Team Learning & Growth-Oriented Work Environment
• Facilitate learning exchanges between Program Development and other departments (e.g., MEAL, Finance, Partnerships) to strengthen cross-functional knowledge.
• Assign tasks that promote exposure to different aspects of program development (e.g., co-leading a proposal, attending donor meetings, or drafting concept notes).
• Encourage proactive engagement, problem-solving, and innovation in program development. Recognize achievements and provide constructive feedback to support professional growth.
4. General
• Deliver high quality results in line with the terms of reference agreed in advance and to do this in a way which maintains the reputation of CARE.
• Comply with CARE policies and practice with respect to PSEA, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the responsibility of the security of all staff. Ensure the security, health and wellbeing of staff and contribute to staff management and other processes and policies and systems reflect CARE ‘s principles of equity and fairness.
The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties assigned by line manager
Qualifications & Experience
Education: Master’s degree in development, social sciences, or a relevant field.
Professional Experience:
• Minimum 5 years of experience with an INGO in complex emergency and development program cycle management.
• At least 3 years of senior management experience in program development, including field operations in both emergency and development settings.
• Experience working within a complex and matrix organizational structure.
• Strong background in needs-based and results-driven program development, particularly in coordination with national implementing partners.
Sectoral & Technical Expertise:
• Solid understanding of CARE’s core sectors: Protection, Gender/Gender in Emergencies, Shelter/WASH, and Livelihoods.
• Experience in nexus programming is an advantage.
Donor & Compliance Experience:
• Proven track record working with major donors (EU/ECHO, BMZ, German Federal Foreign
• Office, FCDO, BHA, UN agencies).
• Strong knowledge of financial and technical donor compliance.
Skills & Competencies:
Strategic Thinking & Leadership:
• Strong analytical skills to assess information, evaluate options, and drive strategic planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams effectively.
Representation & Communication:
• Experience representing an INGO in external forums and donor meetings.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, and coaching abilities.
Adaptability & Cultural Sensitivity:
• Politically and culturally sensitive, with patience, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to adapt to dynamic contexts with limited movement and security restrictions.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, especially in emergency settings.
Technical & Language Proficiency:
• Fluency in written and spoken English (Ukrainian and/or a relevant regional language is an asset).
• Strong computer skills (Excel, Word).
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Desirable:
• Knowledge of the Ukraine humanitarian context is an asset.
• Trustworthiness and a strong sense of responsibility
Accountability within CARE
A commitment to CARE values and CARE’s integrity framework is critical to working with CARE. Any candidate offered a job with CARE will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability:
Comply with CARE’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behavior protocols.
Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area.
– Report any concerns about inappropriate behavior of a CARE staff or partner.
Safeguarding
Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with CARE as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury, and any other harm. One of the ways that CARE shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.
Gender equality
CARE is committed to meeting the standards of the CARE International Gender Policy (2019). Through this policy, CARE seeks to promote the equal realization of dignity and human rights for girls, women, boys and men in all diversities, and the elimination of poverty and injustice. Specifically, this policy seeks to improve the explicit incorporation of gender in programmatic and organizational practices.
How to apply
Please send your CV and motivation letter to applications_ukraine@care.de no later than 31 March 2025 with the subject line – Program Development Lead – CARE Ukraine.
Please note, due to the high number of applications we are receiving only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
As per our aim as CARE International we seek to develop and foster a gender equity representation and therefore we strongly encourage female applicants to apply!