Deputy Head of Operations, Ukraine

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion, or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS Moldova and Ukraine

Building on a modest pre-existing presence, the Moldova and Ukraine Country Office (CO) rapidly expanded its programming following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Between 2022 and 2025, CRS reached over 500,000 people through a comprehensive emergency, recovery and development strategy encompassing shelter and infrastructure, winterization, basic needs, education, livelihoods, protection, and care reform. The CO also prioritized strengthening partner capacity and fostering local leadership to amplify impact and reach millions more. Looking ahead, priorities include diversifying programming for the most vulnerable, integrating systemic outcomes for scale, and deepening partnerships across both countries. CRS’ portfolio is resourced by institutional donors and private emergency funding.

This position is focused on and based in Ukraine.

Job Summary

As the focal point for operations in Ukraine, the Deputy Head of Operations will collaborate closely with the Head of Operations and the operations team in Moldova to deliver high-quality services in security, logistics, and risk management to the CO and Ukraine office in particular. Additionally, s / he will support and guide Caritas partners on operations-related issues, assisting them in developing policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that align with donors’ requirements and CRS internal policies.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

CRS Operations

• As the primary security focal point for the Ukraine team, keep abreast of the security situation and context developments, coordinate with the Head of Operations and the safety and security team to obtain the required travel approval for the staff visiting Ukraine, oversee security for field travels within Ukraine, and ensure the resiliency measures are in place.
• Coordinate all the logistics and administration for Ukraine office, Ukraine-based staff, and visitors with the Country program admin team and ensure that all SOPs are in place.
• Support the Head of Operations and the Risk and Compliance team in assessing the different risks in Ukraine emergency responses and participate in any investigation as required.
• Support compliance assessments and operations-focused monitoring visits, analyzing results and providing recommendations.
• Support the programming team in all aspects related to operations, including risk assessments.

Partner Support and Capacity Building

• Provide guidance and support to partners in logistics and supply chain management, including procurement, warehousing, transportation, fleet management, and risk management.
• Work as the focal point to support other operations functions : finance, HR, IT / communications, and general administration. Mobilize and coordinate additional support in close coordination with the Head of Operations.
• Assist in designing and facilitating institutional capacity-strengthening plans for partners.
• Participate in Ukraine country forum and support implementing the forum activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make sound judgment
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented
• Strong knowledge in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training, applying adult learning principles and practices.
• Strong skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing networks.

Required Languages - English fluency (written and verbal) is required, and knowledge of Ukrainian, Russian, or Romanian is an advantage.

Travel -The position is based in Ukraine. The successful candidate must be willing and able to travel up to 50% between Moldova and Ukraine, and in the field.

Supervisory Responsibilities :   Yes, operations staff and consultant in Ukraine.

Key Working Relationships

Internal : Head of Operations, Operations and finance teams, Country Representative, Head of Programming, Project Director Program Managers, regional and HQ teams.

External :   Caritas national and local offices, other local partners, auditors, and other international NGOs.