Overview
The Marjorie Kovler Center (MKC), a program of Heartland Alliance International, is one of the worldโs preeminent programs for specialized services for survivors of torture and severe trauma, including mental health care, physical health care, and case management. Founded in Chicago in 1987, MKC has provided care for thousands of survivors and has trained hundreds of providers across the globe.
The rampant use of torture as a tactic of war by Russian forces in Ukraine necessitates imminent specialized support and treatment for survivorsโa growing need that currently lacks adequate resources on the ground. MKC was contacted by a human rights partner organization in eastern Ukraine with a request for help it responded by immediately initiating a multi-phase project to expand its evidence-based model into Ukraine. HAI is hiring a Director to oversee the process of registering for a Representative Office in Ukraine, and to initiate hiring and operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as the representative of Heartland Alliance International in Ukraine with external partners, government officials, and other entities as needed
- Work closely with the HQ team to manage logistical and administrative tasks to enable the organization to operate in Ukraine:
- Complete registration of the organization, including identifying and complying with all requirements related to tax, personnel, mental health accreditation, and reporting
- Set up a bank account for the organization
- Assess potential locations and office space based on trauma-informed protocols
- Procure office equipment and furniture
- Consult labor lawyers and professional associations to develop a hiring mechanism for local staff
- Develop a hiring plan and begin recruitment.
- Oversee implementation of HAI's planned Ukraine program focused on torture treatment and growth in the areas of MHPSS, A2J, Gender Equity, Anti-Trafficking, etc.
- Manage the translation of all required documentation between English and Ukrainian.
- Work closely with HAIโs Director of Global Security to support the compilation of a risk assessment and security plan for travel to and within the country.
Qualifications/Bid Evaluation Criteria:
Education and Experience:
- Advanced degree in law, international development, business operations, or related field with a minimum of eight years of professional experience.
- Experience setting up and operationalizing a local organization office, including conducting risk assessments, hiring and managing staff, and managing logistics and procurement of devices and equipment.
- Experience navigating the administrative and legal processes to register a business or organization in Ukraine is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of or experience working on projects with mental health, social services, and/or trauma and torture treatment providers operating in-country desirable.
- At least one year of experience in humanitarian and development settings desirable.
- Experience working remotely, cross-culturally, and on projects in sensitive operating environments.
Language Skills:
- Excellent oral and written English and fluency in Ukrainian is required.
Note: Must be a Ukrainian citizen and must be based in Ukraine.