Background

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to strengthen democratic institutions around the world by engaging civil society and promoting openness and accountability in government. NDI has been supporting local democratization efforts in Ukraine since 1992. For more information about NDI, please visit: www.ndi.org 

General overview of the position

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) seeks a Senior/Program Officer (S/PO)  based in Kyiv, Ukraine, to support the Political Parties program in Ukraine. The successful candidate will provide analytical, programmatic, and administrative support to NDI’s party work under the supervision of the Resident Senior Program Manager, and ultimately the Resident Country Director. The position requires high discretion, strong organizational skills, good judgment, and an interest in political analysis. The candidate should be a citizen of Ukraine or have a permanent residence and work permit. Fluency in English is required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and design of political party program activities in cooperation with the Senior Program Manager for Political Party Program and external political party experts.
• Plan and implement program activities in consultation with political party partners.
• Serve as primary support to the Senior Program Manager through close oversight of daily operations of the program in all aspects.
• Follow and provide an analysis of the political situation in the country.
• Contribute to the development of strategic documents – concept papers, project proposals, work plans, M&E plans, and reports.
• Develop briefing materials for staff, external consultants, and partners in the program.
• Develop and maintain relationships and communication with program partners among political parties, NGOs, and government institutions as needed.
• Supervise program assistants’ work on program activities such as forums, consultations, trainings, workshops, and meetings as well as administrative support to program activities, including data entry, arranging appointments, travel, preparing correspondence, and records maintenance.
• Coordinate the organization of NDI expert visits to Ukraine and study trips of program partners to other countries.   
• Represent NDI at meetings and other events with partners in coordination with the Senior Program Manager. 
• Provide programmatic assistance to DC staff members as needed. 
• Maintain regular and efficient internal communication on the program developments within the Political Parties team and with other program teams. 
• Contribute to the regular weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, and provide input to annual and semi-annual reports.
• Provide advice on program strategy changes and work plan adjustments arising from internal and external factors.
• Ensure timely monitoring and evaluation of program activities and collect data for M&E purposes. 
• Develop monthly program and activity budgets.
• Ensure compliance with program expenses within the budget, procurement regulations, and financial procedures. 
• Provide necessary training and guidance to the program assistants and interns on programmatic and administrative tasks. 
• Provide oversight and guidance to program assistants on financial reporting. 

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Political Science, International Affairs, Public Administration, or related subject. 
• At least 4 years of experience in political party development, political systems/processes, political campaigning and/or direct work with local or national elected officials.
• Excellent understanding of the political landscape in Ukraine and an ability to quickly access emerging political developments and make recommendations for responding. 
• Ability to navigate complex, sensitive, and fluid political dynamics.
• Experience with developing, designing, and/or delivering educational or training programs.  
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills, and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with high-level principals such as elected. officials, political party leaders, and or donors.
• Strong writing skills with the ability to present clear and concise analysis.
• Demonstrated success working in a team environment.
• Language fluency in Ukrainian and English.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Programs, Google Suite) 

Remuneration Package

NDI Ukraine’s salaries are subject to applicable employment taxes established by the government legislation. Gross salary reflects a 40-hour per week work schedule. Healthcare insurance coverage is available from the first day of employment. The full benefits of local staff members of the NDI-Ukraine office after the probation period include 20 days of paid vacation leave per year, paid sick leaves, and officially observed Ukrainian holidays.

Deadline: The deadline for the submission of the required documents is by close of business on May 06, 2024. Only selected candidates will be invited for a written test and a subsequent interview.

Interested applicants should submit CVs and motivation letters by filling in the online application form: https://forms.gle/umd3D5maQ8wmLXgE8.

The NDI Ukraine is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the organization.

The NDI Ukraine is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and encourages all applicants, regardless of their abilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

NDI Ukraine has the authority to re-promote the vacancy, terminate the recruitment process, provide an appointment at a lower grade, or offer an appointment with a revised job description or for a different duration.