Job Overview
Under the technical supervision of the Senior Women Protection and Empowerment Manager and the direct supervision of the Field Coordinator, the Women Protection and Empowerment Manager will be responsible for managing the implementation of IRC’s Women Protection and Empowerment Program. The WPE program implement high-quality emergency programs, including gender-based violence (GBV) case management, psychosocial support programs for women and girls, such as Women Rise and Girls Shine, empowerment programs and prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), in areas with large IDP and host community populations, as well as newly accessible areas affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The WPE Manager will provide leadership in ensuring that activities are implemented in line with the project proposals, while maintaining and updating key planning tools such as work plans, spending plans, procurement plans, and monitoring and evaluation plans. They will be accountable for program delivery, ensuring that implementation is timely and within budget.
Under the day-to-day supervision of the Field Coordinator, the WPE Manager will develop monthly and weekly plans, manage activity budgets in accordance with approved spending plans, and oversee the submission and follow-up on procurement requests, ensuring smooth implementation of distribution plans. They will supervise and support WPE teams in regions, ensuring that activities are completed within agreed timelines and budgets. The WPE Manager will also conduct regular field missions to monitor, support, and guide the field teams, ensuring quality and consistency in the implementation of women protection and empowerment activities. Additionally, the WPE Manager will work closely with the WPE National MEAL Officer to maintain a robust monitoring and evaluation plan, ensuring that data collection informs program decisions, reporting, and fundraising. The role involves consolidating and writing weekly, monthly, and other reports as required, while ensuring that project documentation is properly archived, adhering to confidentiality standards. The WPE Manager will be based in the region and will directly supervise WPE Senior Officer, ensuring effective program delivery and coordination with local partners and stakeholders.
The WPE Manager will also play a key role in working with IRC’s local partners, providing support and follow-up in line with PEERS (Partnership Excellence for Equality and Results System) principles. This includes ensuring that partners are technically supported and equipped to deliver women protection and empowerment activities effectively, while fostering strong relationships and collaborative efforts with local actors. The WPE Manager will ensure proper monitoring of partner activities, providing technical guidance and capacity building where necessary to ensure quality programming.
Primary Responsibilities:
Program Delivery and Project Management:
With day-to-day supervision and support from the Field Coordinator, the WPE Manager will:
Provide management leadership of the Women Protection and Empowerment program. Ensure that activities are implemented in line with the project proposal, specifically adhering to the WPE work plan, spending plan, procurement plan, and monitoring and evaluation plans developed for the respective grant. Develop monthly and weekly plans to ensure that the Women Protection and Empowerment program is implemented on time and within budget. Manage activity budgets in accordance with approved budgets and spending plans. Develop, submit, and follow up on procurement requests, ensuring the implementation of distribution plans is executed smoothly. Supervise and support Women Protection and Empowerment team to ensure that activities are completed within agreed timelines and budgets. Conduct regular field missions to monitor, support, and guide team in the field, ensuring quality and consistency in program delivery. Collaborate closely with the Women Protection and Empowerment National MEAL Officer to maintain a robust monitoring and evaluation plan, which includes systematic collection and analysis of data to inform programming, reporting, fundraising, and advocacy. Ensure the effective use of management, monitoring, and evaluation tools by the teams to facilitate program success. Consolidate and write weekly and monthly reports, along with any other project reports as requested, to ensure transparent communication of progress and challenges. Ensure proper archiving of project documents in both hard and soft copy, taking into account confidentiality standards. Ensuring the implementation of Women Protection and Empowerment activities in line with international standards and IRC’s internal guidelines, including adherence to curricula when implementing Girls Shine and Women Rise programs. Collaborating closely with the Health Team to develop and implement joint strategies that address GBV and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) needs. Designing strategic approaches for the establishment and functioning of Women and Girls Safe Spaces (WGSS), ensuring the quality and relevance of activities, including the development and implementation of women’s and girls’ leadership programs aimed at building skills, promoting self-protection, and empowering women and girls. Actively engaging in program planning, partner support, and monitoring of partner activities in alignment with PEERS standards, providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to local partners to ensure high-quality programming. Collaborating closely with key stakeholders at local and national levels to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of GBV-related activities. Representing the Women Protection and Empowerment program at GBV working groups and coordination meetings, promoting harmonized action and the dissemination of best practices in GBV prevention and response.Technical Quality Assurance:
With technical supervision and regular support from the Senior WPE Manager, as well as overall guidance from the WPE Coordinator, the WPE Manager will:
Provide technical leadership for the Women Protection and Empowerment program in region. Offer technical support to field teams to ensure the implementation of high-quality WPE activities in accordance with best practices, donor requirements, IRC guidelines, and program models. Ensure that GBV case management, referral, and information management systems are established for the appropriate identification and response. Guarantee that WPE activities for women and girls are delivered in alignment with IRC program models and curricula, ensuring they are appropriately adapted to the local context. Uphold ethical standards in the collection of data, ensuring meaningful participation and adherence to confidentiality principles. Promote respect for women and girls in all activities, consulting them regularly and proactively to enhance the quality and relevance of interventions. Proactively identify new or emerging needs, gaps, and opportunities for IRC's WPE programming, aimed at enhancing the safety of women and girls in their homes and communities. Ensure regular communication with the Senior WPE Manager, WPE Coordinator, and other program teams to strengthen safety outcomes for women and girls.Staff Supervision & Development
With support from the Field Coordinator and the Senior WPE Manager, the WPE Manager will:
Directly supervise the WPE Senior Officer, providing regular support and guidance. Assist in the recruitment of WPE staff, in coordination with the WPE Coordinator, Senior WPE Manager, and HR. Ensure the timely completion and submission of monthly timesheets, probation reviews, and annual performance reviews for team members. Provide ongoing coaching, technical support, and capacity building for staff in both technical and management skills, fostering their professional development. Identify training needs and opportunities to further strengthen the capacities of staff members. Maintain open and professional relationships with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight to enable staff to perform effectively in their roles.Partner Management
With support from the Field Coordinator and the Senior WPE Manager, the WPE Manager will:
Maintain effective working relationships with IRC’s local WPE partners, ensuring collaboration that aligns with PEERS principles (Participation, Empowerment, Equity, Respect, and Safety). Support the regular performance monitoring of partners to achieve the set project objectives, in close collaboration with the Senior WPE Manager and Partnerships Teams, ensuring accountability and transparency in all interactions. Provide regular technical support and guidance to IRC’s local WPE partners in line with partnership agreements, promoting capacity building and ensuring adherence to best practices and standards in women protection and empowerment.Coordination & Representation
With support from the Field Coordinator, and technical guidance from the Senior WPE Manager and WPE Coordinator, the WPE Manager will:
Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including local authorities, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, community stakeholders, and other relevant actors. Attend GBV coordination meetings at the sub-national and national levels to contribute to coordination and advocacy for women protection responses across agencies.Other Duties:
Consistently and proactively monitor and assess the safety and security of field teams, promptly reporting concerns or incidents to IRC management and liaising with other external parties as required to maintain and enhance the security environment. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Position directly/administratively reports to: Field Coordinator
Position technically reports to: Senior WPE Manager
Direct reports: WPE Senior Officer
Other internal contacts: Protection & Rule of Law (ProL), CP, MEAL, ERD, Health, Finance, Supply, Grants, HR and other relevant departments
Requirements
The Women Protection and Empowerment Manager will need to meet the requirements below:
- A degree desired in social work, social sciences, human rights law or other related field, or equivalent work experience.
- At least 2-3 years’ experience in a management / leadership position
- Experience working with GBV risk reduction and response activities
- Technical expertise in programming in one or more of the following areas: GBV case management, PSS, GBV awareness raising
- Previous experience implementing humanitarian protection programs
- Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, project and budget management
- Ability to lead effectively, mentor and coach staff, resolve conflicts and manage complexities
- Strong team and people leadership, management, organizational and development skills
- Experience in working with and coordinating with local authorities, UN, national NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with strong analysis and writing 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.
- Good skills in spoken and written English; fluent in Ukrainian and/or Russian
This position will be based in IRC’s Field site, with frequent travel to field locations required.
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.