Context

International IDEA has a mandate to support democracy worldwide. Since its establishment in 1995, the Institute has sought to fulfil this mandate by incrementally expanding its geographic footprint. Increasing demand for the Institute´s support in countries in Europe, coupled with key developments that have highlighted the weakness of democratic institutions in some European countries, has motivated the Institute to establish a Regional Europe Programme (REP).

The REP has a strategic objective to support democracy in Europe, with an emphasis on Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. In Ukraine, International IDEA aims to support state and civil society organisations in enhancing the resilience and quality of democratic institutions and processes. Key areas of our engagement relate to electoral processes and political finance, parliamentary strengthening, and promoting the expertise and capacity of civil society organisations to participate in decision-making processes.

The Project Manager will lead the development and fundraising for projects in support of Ukraine’s democratic deepening. While being based in Kyiv, the incumbent will be part of an evolving, larger team of staff to be based in Kyiv and in Brussels. They will also lead the implementation of programme activities including the organization of expert roundtables, conferences, thematic needs assessments, knowledge-exchange visits, knowledge products development, conducting researches etc. The Project Manager will also ensure relationships with key counterparts in Ukraine’s state and civil society sectors are maintained and will help build effective relations with international stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Programme Management and Coordination 
   1. Manages and coordinates all International IDEA activities in Ukraine;
   2. Lead the design and implementation of projects in electoral assistance, parliamentary support, countering digital harms, fostering responsive political parties, citizen outreach, and democracy assessments.
2. Project Development and Fundraising
   1. Collaborates with colleagues in Brussels and HQ to identify needs, develop project concepts, and leads fundraising efforts;
3. Partnership Development
   1. Maintains and develops partnerships with key stakeholders in Ukraine, including the Central Election Commission, election administration bodies, members of parliament, state ministries, academia, and civil society;
   2. Fosters closer partnerships and co-creates project interventions with International IDEA’s Member States and donor agencies based in Kyiv;
4. Representation and Thematic Interventions
   1. Represents International IDEA at various forums, delivering thematic presentations, and participating in high-level discussions, ensuring International IDEA’s visibility.
5. Procurement and Consultant Management
   1. Manages or coordinates the engagement of external consultants, ensuring the quality of deliverables;
   2. Ensures all procurement and provision of service are in line with International IDEA’s procurement policies and procedures;
6. Programme and Budget Planning
   1. Leads programme and budget planning for Ukraine and contributes to regional programme planning for Eastern Europe;
   2. Ensures oversight of project funds in accordance with donor and International IDEA regulations;
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
   1. Leads on the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of programme activities, ensuring alignment with International IDEA’s results-based management (RBM) system; Contributes to programme-related progress reports.

General Profile

• Combines in-depth knowledge, acquired through post-graduate academic achievements, excellent skills and significant experience in their field;
• Combines in-depth knowledge in current democratization trends and challenges, especially in Ukraine, as well as in the broader Eastern European region, with a particular focus on democratic governance, electoral processes, parliamentary development, constitutional reforms and democracy assessment frameworks.
• Manages assigned projects throughout the project life cycle, i.e. from strategic planning and project design, funding and budgeting to project assessment and accountability; leads meetings and discussions, supervises publications and input from external providers;
• Has contributed to publications on their relevant subject; is recognized as a knowledge resource in their broad professional community;
• Has the intellectual leadership to integrate innovation into their field of expertise;
• Fosters team-based activities in their unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
• Acts as a model and mentor for colleagues;
• Is expected to travel globally to any geographical area involved in their projects;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’ s core values; Respect, Integrity and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Programme Manager, Elections and Parliamentary Strengthening

Education and Experience

• University degree, preferably post graduate in political science, law, international relations, public administration or other related discipline;
• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in strengthening democracy and accountability in Ukraine;
• Experienced in the fields of electoral assistance, parliamentary support, as well as other rule of law and human rights-related fields in Ukraine;
• Demonstrated experience in conceptualization, formulation and management of project activities;
• Experience in fundraising and project design is essential;
• Demonstrated experience in report writing and reporting under a results-based management (RBM) system;
• Experience of working in an international context considered an advantage

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.
• Fixed term appointment for Two(2) years.
• Remuneration - USD 4,141 per month

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Ukraine for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CEST) 08 October 2024. 
• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.