HEKS/EPER is a leading organization dedicated to promoting justice, peace, and the dignity of all people while safeguarding natural resources. In 2023, approximately 16 million people benefited from its work, reflecting the organization’s far-reaching impact in fostering a more just and inclusive world. Guided by the principles of Agenda 2030, HEKS/EPER focuses on four key themes: Climate Justice, Right to Land and Food, Asylum and Migration, and Inclusion. The organization also provides vital humanitarian aid to those affected by natural disasters and conflicts. In 2023, HEKS Romania became the first Romanian NGO to be ECHO certified.
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated individual to lead the development of the HEKS Romania Humanitarian Hub, starting on January 1, 2025, or as agreed.

The Humanitarian Aid (HA) Program Manager will support the strategic and operational management of the HEKS/EPER Humanitarian Aid Hub in Romania in line with HEKS/EPER strategy and standards. In close collaboration with the Director and Finance Director, you will oversee and develop HEKS Romania’s portfolio of ECHO-funded humanitarian aid projects globally, ensuring high quality and compliance. You will manage and coach the HA team and support fundraising and external representation of HEKS Romania.
Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, supervise, and mentor the HA team in HEKS Romania, fostering professionalism, motivation, and team spirit
• Support the recruitment and onboarding process of new employees of the HA department
• Responsible for ensuring safety and security protocols are respected

Grant Acquisition and Donor Relations

• Refine HEKS Romania’s strategy and approach to acquire grants from DG ECHO
• Support the preparation of funding proposals to DG ECHO, ensuring high quality and compliance with HEKS/EPER’s and the donor’s standards and procedures
• Establish and maintain contacts with local and international NGOs, businesses, public authorities, and research institutions for joint grant acquisition
• Engage in other, local fundraising activities
• Represent – in coordination with the Director – HEKS/EPER vis-à-vis ECHO and other relevant donors, public authorities, and partners.

Programme and Project Management

• Lead the development of a strategic, relevant, well-balanced humanitarian aid portfolio in line with HEKS/EPER strategy and ensure coherence with HEKS/EPER’s approaches, concepts, and financial specifications
• Stay on top of crisis contexts, proposing to adapt HA programs accordingly to ensure their relevance and effectiveness
• Advise on the inclusion and selection of strategic and operational partners where applicable and support partner risk management
• Ensure participative monitoring, evaluation, learning, and steering

• Supervise grant management and reporting compliant with donor requirements

Financial Management & Compliance

• Oversee the financial management of the HA department
• Accompany annual ECHO project audits and ensure an appropriate follow-up of audit findings and recommendations
• Support the implementation of the recommendations from the ECHO ex-ante assessment
• Ensure adequate financial risk management, together with the Finance Director

To be successful you bring:
Qualifications and Experience:

• Relevant university degree at Master’s level or other comparable experience
• At least 5 years of work experience at senior management level in the humanitarian aid sector, designing and implementing internationally financed humanitarian projects
• Track record in successful acquisition and implementation of internationally funded projects, especially ECHO
• Experience in managing and developing well-functioning teams

• Profound knowledge of humanitarian operations and humanitarian principles, strong commitment to a human-based approach
• Experience in working in fragile, conflict-affected contexts

Skills and Capabilities

• Excellent communication, representation and networking skills and interest
• Experience and strong capabilities in strategy development and program implementation
• Excellent analytical, conceptual and writing skills
• Sound financial management skills
• Working attitude characterized by initiative, integrity, effectiveness, cooperation, participation, and respect
• Sound ICT skills
• Languages: excellent English skills, local language depending on the context
• EU- or Swiss passport or Schengen-Visa is necessary
• Available for extended local, national and international travel

Qualifications and Experience

• Relevant university degree at Master’s level or other comparable experience
• At least 5 years of work experience at senior management level in the humanitarian aid sector, designing and implementing internationally financed humanitarian projects
• Track record in successful acquisition and implementation of internationally funded projects, especially ECHO
• Experience in managing and developing well-functioning teams

• Profound knowledge of humanitarian operations and humanitarian principles, strong commitment to a human-based approach
• Experience in working in fragile, conflict-affected contexts

Skills and Capabilities

• Excellent communication, representation and networking skills and interest
• Experience and strong capabilities in strategy development and program implementation
• Excellent analytical, conceptual and writing skills
• Sound financial management skills
• Working attitude characterized by initiative, integrity, effectiveness, cooperation, participation, and respect
• Sound ICT skills
• Languages: excellent English skills, local language depending on the context
• EU- or Swiss passport or Schengen-Visa is necessary
• Available for extended local, national and international travel

• A national or international position in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
  (for the international position, an EU- or Swiss passport or a Schengen visa is required)

• Competitive salary package
• An opportunity to make a difference in this world
• Regular exchange with HEKS/EPER Switzerland and the HA branches in countries of operation
• Duration 12 months, but with a long-term perspective