Project Manager MLG-Directorate (full-time, Kyiv)

Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is seeking for the programme U-LEAD with Europe: Ukraine – Local Empowerment, Accountability and Development Programme Phase II (U-LEAD with Europe III) a qualified staff member to fill the position of an:

 Project Manager MLG-Directorate (full-time, Kyiv)

(internal SAP code: Project Manager)

 Since 2016, the Multi-Donor Programme U-LEAD with Europe, supported by the European Union and its Member States Germany, Denmark, Slovenia, France and Poland, empowers local self-government (LSG) in Ukraine and continues to strengthen key actors at national, regional and local level to effectively fulfil their tasks in the course of decentralisation and reconstruction and in the context of EU integration. With its nationwide systematised approach, U-LEAD builds capacities through 24 regional offices in all regions of Ukraine. U-LEAD with Europe is part of GIZ’s Multi-Level Governance Cluster (MLGC) in Ukraine.  

The project manager will support the MLG Directorate Office (MLG-DO) that is part of the "MLG-Directorate" responsible for the management, monitoring, reporting, communication, implementation of activities, strategic orientation of U-LEAD and other projects of GIZ’s MLG Cluster in Ukraine. The MLG-DO is inter alia responsible for supporting the Directorate/Programme Director in providing strategic orientation to Ukrainian partners and other stakeholders in Ukraine, managing relationships with the Ukrainian political partners and other relevant stakeholders and coordinating requests from donors and partners. 

The project manager will support the MLG-DO in these areas through high-quality consultancy and advice as well as in drafting high-quality relevant internal and external documents. Given that a vast majority of tasks must be conducted in English, the project manager must have outstanding proficiency in the language. 

Areas of responsibility 

• Providing advice on cooperation with the beneficiary of the Programme and other partners and stakeholders in Ukraine to shape the strategic direction of the Programme.
• Responding to issues/requests raised by the donors, beneficiary of the Programme and other partners and stakeholders on national and local level in Ukraine via analysis, advice, recommendations or direct action as appropriate.
• Drafting of notes, reports, overviews and other documents on U-LEAD’s Ukrainian partner structure, priorities and strategies of the beneficiary of the Programme and other partners and relevant stakeholders in Ukraine, including municipal associations, on developments regarding LSG and EU accession of Ukraine.  
• Monitoring and regular reporting on relevant developments and analysis of important tendencies in the Ukrainian landscape regarding LSG, advising on possible needs that should be considered as well as impacts and risks for the Programme’s activities. 
• Support the communication and attend meetings with the Programme’s beneficiary; keep updated online data base of the Programme’s beneficiary on key activities of interest. 
• Support the organisation and preparation of high-level meetings, workshops, conferences and networking events, as well as other tasks to support the DO, as needed.  
• Loyal and discreet behaviour vis-a-vis third parties in all internal matters in respect of the guidelines on integrity.

Qualifications

• MA in such fields as social or political sciences, economics, law or an equivalent.
• Sound knowledge of the Ukrainian government’s reform agenda regarding local self-government, decentralisation, reconstruction and Ukraine’s EU accession (e.g. Ukraine Plan) as well as on the key priorities of MinDevelopment and other relevant Ukrainian institutions. 
• Good knowledge of structure and procedures of Ukraine’s national and local government structure and procedures. 
• At least 3 years of professional experience in public administration, previous professional experience in ministries is an asset.  
• Experience liaising with stakeholders such as government officials, private actors, civil society and the press. 
• Previous experience with GIZ or other international organisations is an asset. 
• Outstanding proficiency in the English language is a must. 
• Excellent working knowledge of IT technologies (related software, phone, fax, email, the internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office). 

Personal competences 

• Team player with excellent intercultural competences.
• Very good coordination and management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• High degree of loyalty and discretion.
• Availability to take on responsibility and a corresponding sense of responsibility.
• Availability to develop core competences and expertise and to develop further.
• Willingness to travel within Ukraine, if required.

We offer: 

• Official employment, salary fixed in EUR, performance-related bonuses and 13th salary.
• Medical insurance, 29 vacation days annually.
• Language classes, hard and soft skills trainings.
• Individual and group psychological support.
• Possible flexible and remote work (depending on projects’ needs up to 10 days a month within Ukrainian border). 
• Meaningful and valuable work, international environment.

 Employment conditions:

 Full-time position with 40-hours working week. Place of assignment is Kyiv. Starting as soon as possible. For now, the contract duration is till the end of December 2027.

 GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and challenging working environment with opportunities for skill enhancement.

 Application:

 We are looking forward to your application in English, comprising your CV and a Cover letter explaining your motivation to apply for the job until COB 01 December 2025, Monday. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.

  Candidates are requested to submit their documents with the following title:

•  Surname Name_CV

•  Surname Name_Cover letter

 By sending the application you give the consent for the personal data processing for recruitment processes solely according to GIZ data privacy regulations. You can familiarize yourself with these regulations by the link Data privacy statement | Career-Portal | Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH