Programme Officer Ukraine

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine Two full-time consultancy positions, one-year fixed term. Start date as soon as possible.

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) is an independent academic institution based in Sweden. In May 2025, RWI and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) entered a historic partnership to implement the “Human Rights Infrastructure for Ukraine 2025–2027” (HRIU) project. This initiative aims to strengthen Ukraine's human rights protections as the country advances in its reconstruction and European Union accession process, particularly focusing on judiciary and fundamental rights requirements. The HRIU project builds upon RWI engagement in Ukraine, including projects supported by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Institute.

This role is part of RWIs growing presence in Ukraine. We are also recruiting a Deputy Country Director and Programme Associates, as well as a Finance and Administration Officer in Lund who will support the Ukraine programme part-time.

The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Ukraine’s transformation and EU accession, through the strengthening of justice institutions and human rights protections.

As Programme Officer, your primary responsibility is to ensure that programmes of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Ukraine are planned, implemented and followed up on to achieve expected results enhancing the impact and quality of the programmes.

You will:

• Plan and implement activities as outlined in approved work plans, including: developing terms of reference and agreements; developing agendas and materials; securing resource persons and other necessary inputs for activities; making necessary logistical arrangements (travel, accommodation, etc.); and coordinating completion of activity deliverables.
• Develop and monitor programme budgets, ensuring that budgetary resources are efficiently utilised to achieve expected results.
• Regularly assess and monitor programme developments and results.
• Stay informed of relevant geographic/thematic/political developments for the successful carrying out of duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Initiate and maintain regular contact with partners, relevant authorities, organisations, donors, etc.
• Prepare narrative reports to analyse the results of activities/programmes carried out.
• Develop work plans.
• Assess new programme opportunities within the mandate and concerning the priorities of RWI, and when relevant develop proposals for new programmes.
• Develop working methodologies and tools for the improvement of programmes.
• Conduct relevant research that informs and enhances the quality of programmes.

Required qualifications and experience:

• At least 3-5 years of documented experience of programme management, human rights work, relevant work in Ukraine, or similar contexts, and of development cooperation work.
• Strong knowledge of international human rights standards and mechanisms, including relevant university degree with preferably specialisation in human rights or related field.
• Knowledge of means and methods of international development cooperation work.
• Analytical skills.
• Fluency in English and Ukraine with excellent writing skills.
• Proven skills to work in teams.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritise work tasks.
• Ability to work under pressure and complete tasks within given timeframes.
• Supportive of a learning organisation with a strong willingness to share knowledge.
• Flexible, proactive and solution-oriented mindset with a desire to continuously improve work performance.
• A high sense of responsibility and commitment as well as strong attention to detail.
• Cultural sensitivity.

We offer a meaningful and challenging role in a respected international organisation, where your work will directly contribute to justice and rights for all.

How to apply: Submit your application no later than 8 June, including a cover letter and CV.

For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Deputy Director Operations Jason Naum at jason.naum@rwi.lu.se.

For more information on the HRIU project and RWI's partnership with Sida, please refer to the official press release: 🔗 Press Release: Historic Partnership to Strengthen Ukraine’s Human Rights Infrastructure toward EU Accession (https://rwi.lu.se/news/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)