Country Director (100%), based in Kyiv, Ukraine  

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland, and operating in over 35 countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

We are looking for a

Country Director Ukraine (100%), based in Kyiv, Ukraine

Helvetas has been working in Ukraine to support economic recovery, resilience, and sustainable development in the context of war and large‑scale disruption. Our organisation combines humanitarian response with long‑term development approaches, focusing on inclusive economic growth, employment, and the rehabilitation of housing, public services and water infrastructure.

Grounded in robust analysis of labour‑market and economic trends, Helvetas designs evidence‑based and scalable solutions that respond to the needs of people, businesses, and communities affected by the war. Current activities span multiple regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Poltava, with plans for further expansion.

Working at both national and local levels, Helvetas collaborates closely with public authorities, the private sector, vocational education institutions, and a strong network of civil society partners. Through support to SMEs, workforce reskilling, inclusive labour‑market reforms, and sustainable infrastructure recovery. Helvetas contributes to rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening local economies, and supporting Ukraine's long‑term recovery.

To lead and further strengthen our engagement in Ukraine, Helvetas is seeking a Country Director who will provide strategic direction and overall leadership for the country programme.

YOUR MAIN TASKS

• Providing strategic leadership and overall direction for the Helvetas country programme, ensuring alignment with the organisation's mission, values, and strategic priorities
• Responsible for steering programme development and positioning Helvetas as a credible, relevant, and trusted actor in Ukraine's recovery, including the proactive identification of funding and partnership opportunities, and business development.
• Leading and overseeing effective, compliant, and high‑quality implementation of programmes, ensuring sound financial management, risk mitigation, accountability to donors, and robust safety and security management in a complex operating environment
• Building, leading, and motivating a diverse team, fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, integrity, and inclusion.

The position further represents Helvetas at national and international levels, strengthens strategic relationships with authorities, donors, partners, and networks, and promotes the documentation and communication of results to contribute to organisational learning and public reputation.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced university degree in international development, humanitarian action, project management, or a related field; recent HEAT training required.
• At least 15 years of professional experience in development cooperation and humanitarian response, including a minimum of 6 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience managing complex, co-financed, multi‑donor and multi‑sector programmes in fragile or conflict‑affected contexts; prior experience in Ukraine is a strong asset.
• Demonstrated track record in strategic planning, programme oversight, budgeting, compliance, and successful business development.
• Strong experience working with national and local partners, including co‑design of interventions, capacity assessments, and institutional capacity development.
• Proven track record in developing and implementing robust processes and systems to enhance organizational efficiency, accountability, and compliance at country level.
• Technical expertise/experience in economic resilience programming, inclusive market systems development, and infrastructure/ development is a strong asset.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop diverse teams, foster collaboration, manage conflict, and lead under pressure.
• Experience in security management and decision‑making in volatile operating environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, representation, negotiation, and communication skills, with high intercultural sensitivity and alignment with Helvetas' values.
• High level of resilience, sound judgement, and ability to manage stress while promoting a healthy work environment.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is an advantage. French or German is a plus.
• Strong IT skills (MS Office required; advanced digital competencies are an asset).

OUR OFFER

At Helvetas, you will be part of a purpose-driven organization where your work creates meaningful global impact. We foster a caring and collaborative culture built on trust, flexibility, and accountability. You will grow in a professional environment that values integrity, empathy, and continuous learning

We care. We commit.

We offer you an interesting challenge in a motivated team with attractive working conditions

READY TO APPLY?

Please submit your complete application (motivation letter, CV, and certifications) via our online portal. For any questions related to this position please contact Thomas Mauget, Regional Coordinator Ukraine , Tel. +41 31 385 10 49 or visit our website www.helvetas.org.

To learn more about Helvetas and our mission & vision, visit our website http://www.helvetas.org
Connect with us on LinkedIn: Helvetas LinkedIn Page and Follow us on Instagram @Helvetas_ch


--> Apply now