Are you a passionate advocate for civil society and democratic reform? We are looking for a Senior Officer for the MATRA Program to join our team at the Dutch Embassy in Kyiv. In this role, you are responsible for promoting social transformation and supporting Ukraine during a pivotal time. Join us to make a meaningful impact and help shape the future of democracy and rule of law in Ukraine!

Basic details of the job

Job title: Senior Officer Political Affairs
Location: Kyiv
Job level: 08 (EUR 2356,- / EUR 3534,- gross)
Number of hours: 37,5

General features of the job

You are responsible for all issues related to the MATRA Programme for social transformation that has been running in Ukraine since 1993. MATRA started as a programme aimed at helping East European countries, including Ukraine, to become democratic, pluriform constitutional states with a strong civil society. Today, the MATRA Programme still continues to help strengthening civil society, democracy and the rule of law in Ukraine.

To respond effectively to the current challenges and developments in Ukraine, the MATRA Programme will help to meet the needs of Ukrainian people during wartime, overcome the consequences of Russia’s aggression, continue with the ongoing reform process, prepare for a post-war recovery and reconstruction, and Ukraine’s European integration.  

You promote the MATRA Programme, give clarification on eligibility requirements and are responsible for the administration of the program. You participate actively in the overall project coordination within the political cluster and will be the back up for the Senior Human Rights Officer (and vice versa). 

You actively participate in activities of other development partners, are aware of relevant developments in civil society and the reform process in Ukraine, with a focus on social cohesion, veterans reintegration policy and accountability. You share your knowledge accordingly with Embassy colleagues.
 

Duties

•    Pro-actively provide information on the objectives and eligibility criteria of the MATRA Program, for which purpose you maintain a broad network amongst NGO’s;
•    Receive and assess project proposals, drafts memoranda of approval or rejection on the basis of which the Head of Political Section is able to decide.
•    Monitor the implementation of the MATRA projects including all admin duties (in cooperation with the MFA Financial Support Office): ensuring drafting of contracts, timely reporting etc. 
•    Organise and participate in field trips to MATRA projects.
•    Coordinate the MATRA Rule of Law Training Programme and other funds/activities within the Political Section, as well as in The Hague.
•    Follow developments in the area of social cohesion, veterans policy, accountability and consolidate this information into relevant reports.
•    Attend donor coordination meetings, as well as meetings of NGO’s and report back to colleagues. 
•    Maintain an alumni network and organise public diplomacy activities involving the Programmes’ alumni.
•    Be the backup for the Senior Human Rights Officer (Political Section).
•    Contribute to the organisation of incoming visits from the Netherlands.
•    Provide assistance as translator and interpreter. 
 

Working environment

The Netherlands Embassy in Kyiv promotes and implements bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and Ukraine with the aim to strengthen bilateral ties and strengthen political stability, security and economic growth in Ukraine.

The Netherlands Embassy in Kyiv has almost 40 staff members. The Embassy is organised in a political, an economic/agricultural, a consular/ administrative section and has several specialised attaches. Within the Embassy the ‘one team’-way of working is promoted, through crosscutting reporting, activities and information sharing.
 

Knowledge and skills

Level of education: higher professional level
Level of experience: 3-5 years’ relevant experience required

• Good knowledge of Ukraine’s civil society and democratic reforms.
• Excellent English, knowledge of Dutch is a bonus.
• Skills in project management, and specifically in grant management.
• Skills in internal and external communication, both orally and in writing.
• Analytical, networking and organisational skills.

We are looking for an open-minded, energetic and enthusiastic colleague. A team player who provides the Embassy with an additional and diverse network of contacts in civil society. Eager to share her/his knowledge and experience. High awareness of reform related developments in Ukraine. High sense of integrity and political awareness. Available for duty travel outside Kyiv. Function requires participation in events and accompanying delegations outside office hours (i.e. evenings or weekends). Well-developed organisational, administrative and communication skills. Ability to work on various projects at the same time. 
 

Please submit your CV and cover letter to KIE-PA@MINBUZA.nl with the subject Senior Officer MATGRA Program until October 31.