The Role of a Country Representative
A country representative plays a vital role in fostering diplomatic and economic relationships between nations. In Moldova and Ukraine, these representatives are key figures in facilitating communication and cooperation across various sectors. Their work involves promoting the interests of their home country while being sensitive to the political and cultural context of Moldova.
Key Responsibilities in Moldova and Ukraine
Country representatives in Moldova and Ukraine are tasked with several important responsibilities. They engage in negotiations, enhance trade relations, and provide assistance to their nationals living in Moldova. Additionally, they often work closely with local government officials to address various issues ranging from economic development to social initiatives.CRS Moldova and Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, leading to millions of refugees fleeing to nearby countries in addition to millions of internally displaced populations. In response, CRS Moldova and the Ukraine Country Office (CO) rapidly expanded their programs, reaching over 500,000 people between 2022 and 2025 through a broad emergency, recovery, and development strategy. This approach covers shelter, infrastructure, winterization, basic needs, education, livelihoods, protection, and care reform. The CO also emphasized building partner capacity and encouraging local leadership to boost their impact and extend aid to even more individuals. Within Ukraine, CRS collaborates closely with Caritas Ukraine (CUA) and Caritas Spes, delivering technical and management support. CRS support and accompany CUA as they lead a U.S. Government Department of State-funded initiative, Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine, which began in February 2024. In Moldova, CRS partners with Caritas and other organizations to support both refugees and host communities.
Job Summary:
As Country Representative, you will lead, manage and advance the programming and operation objectives to support those affected by the war in Ukraine and Moldova. Your strategic leadership will enable you to advance CRS’ reputation and impact while you proactively manage security and mitigate security risks and liabilities. This role involves frequent travel between both countries.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
In Moldova and Ukraine, the Country Representative is responsible for advancing local leadership and catalyzing significant humanitarian and development outcomes by:
Championing and guiding the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the organization. This includes overseeing the review and design of the 2025-2027 Country Strategy, setting medium and long-term goals, and ensuring program and operational objectives are aligned with the established strategy.
Ensuring all projects consistently meet and surpass CRS and donor standards, with an emphasis on maximizing impact and reach through effective design and implementation.
Exercising strong management over senior programming and operations staff, providing high-quality supervision, fostering positive team dynamics, and supporting staff well-being. Direct coaching and mentoring are provided to the Head of Programs, Head of Operations, and other senior personnel, alongside strategic development of individual growth plans and completion of performance assessments for direct reports. The representative also oversees staffing strategies for major projects and leads recruitment processes for senior roles.
Developing strategic partnerships with national Caritas affiliates, as well as other national and international organizations, in alignment with CRS partnership principles to leverage resources, reputation, and expertise. The role involves ensuring robust representation to key stakeholders including Catholic Church representatives, governmental entities at various levels, US government agencies, UN bodies, and international donors.
Proactively managing and mitigating risk by monitoring pertinent national and regional developments that could affect staff or programming. The representative ensures all personnel adhere to CRS safety and security protocols and oversees the ongoing review and updating of these plans.
Promoting and modeling a commitment to efficient use of agency and donor resources, guaranteeing operational compliance, and providing thorough oversight and analysis of monthly expenditures.
Leading efforts to pursue strategic growth opportunities, facilitating prepositioning and capture planning, and maintaining collaborative relationships with HQ G-REM to maximize stewardship and impact of Leadership Giving awards.
Creating and sustaining an environment conducive to learning and innovation by fostering open communication, rapid response to deficiencies, and the sharing of ideas and solutions. The representative promotes accountability and knowledge management, overseeing implementation of the MEAL policy and encouraging cross-sectoral and departmental learning.
Cultivating a workplace culture rooted in respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Supporting the Caritas Country Forum on Ukraine in close collaboration with Caritas partners and networks.
For more details visit:CRS Website