Programme Officer - Ukraine Programme in Lund

Location: Lund, Sweden with frequent trips to the RWI Ukraine Country Office placed in Kyiv. One full-time consultancy position, one-year fixed term with a potential continuation in 2027 subject to the availability of funding. Start date as soon as possible.

About RWI

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) is an independent academic institution that combines multi-disciplinary human rights research with education, support and outreach to contribute to a wider understanding of, and respect for, human rights and international humanitarian law. Our impact extends across more than 40 countries, and we have offices in Lund (HQ), Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Harare, Jakarta, Kyiv, Nairobi, Phnom Penh, and Yerevan.

About the Position

The successful candidate will join a team supporting Ukraine’s EU accession process through human rights expertise for Chapter 23.

As Programme Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the implementation and development of RWI’s Ukraine programme. The position involves regular travel to the RWI Ukraine Country Office in Kyiv and close collaboration with both Ukraine-based programme staff and colleagues in Lund, ensuring effective liaison and coordination across teams.

You will assist in the planning and implementation of programme activities in line with approved work plans. This includes developing terms of reference and agreements, supporting contracting processes, preparing agendas and materials, securing resource persons, and making all necessary logistical arrangements such as travel and accommodation. You will also help coordinate the timely completion of activity deliverables and contribute to the ongoing assessment and monitoring of programme progress and results.

In addition, you will support the overall administration of the Ukraine programme and prepare narrative reports that analyse the outcomes and impact of implemented activities and programmes. You will contribute to the development and improvement of working methodologies and MEAL tools, helping to strengthen programme quality and effectiveness over time.

The role also involves contributing to external communication and outreach by documenting and sharing results, lessons learned, and best practices from programme activities. You will stay informed about relevant geographic, thematic, and political developments to ensure that programme implementation remains contextually informed and responsive.

You will work closely with RWI colleagues and a wide range of external stakeholders, maintaining regular contact with partners, authorities, organisations, and donors. You will also support the identification and assessment of new programme opportunities within RWI’s mandate and priorities, contributing to the development of concept notes and proposals where relevant. As part of a collaborative team environment, you will actively share your areas of responsibility, research insights, and challenges faced, contributing constructively to collective learning and problem-solving.

Your Profile

• At least five years of documented experience of programme management and human rights, preferably justice sector- and policy-focused.
• Previous experience travelling to Ukraine, or a clear willingness and ability to do so, is required.
• Knowledge of international human rights law, standards and mechanisms, including relevant university degree with preferably specialisation in human rights, law, international relations, European studies or related field.
• Knowledge of means and methods of international development cooperation work including experience with project management.
• Organisational and analytical skills.
• Fluency English with excellent English language 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.
• Previous experience with EU integration and with international development cooperation in Ukraine is an advantage.

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

Application

Apply with your CV, cover letter and by answering the selection questions no later than 15 January.

Please note that applications sent by email will not be registered. We will review applications as soon as they are received. Interested applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Every application is reviewed with care. Our recruitment team takes the time to assess each candidate thoughtfully and thoroughly. Once your application is submitted, you will receive system-generated confirmations and updates. These are triggered by our recruitment team to keep you informed throughout the process. If we decide not to invite you for an interview, we unfortunately won’t be able to provide individual feedback. While we appreciate the effort behind every application, the volume of candidates makes personalised responses impossible.

For any questions about the position, please contact Country Director Ukraine, Theresia Kirkemann Boesen at theresia.kirkemann_boesen@rwi.lu.se

The Raoul Wallenberg Institute promotes diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified persons, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, age, disability, or other protected status under the law.

We look forward to receiving your application!