Specialist to support the modernisation and EU-Integration of the State Employment Service

About the Position

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in Ukraine is looking for a qualified professional for the connected projects “JobConnect” and “REYOIN” to fill the position of the Specialist to support the modernisation and EU-Integration of the State Employment Service (full-time, Kyiv).

This position foresees occasional travel within Ukraine and frequent travel to EU countries.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the overall planning, coordination and implementation of the REYOIN / JobConnect support measures related to the SES modernisation and its EU Integration.
• Support the SES related to the PES Benchlearning process (current and future), including coordination of inputs, assessments, peer exchanges, and implementation of follow-up measures (e.g. Thematic Learning Dialogues).
• Identify and address training, capacity building, organisational development and other support needs of SES (HQ, regional/local level), incl. by formulating Terms of Reference for external service providers, supervising the implementation of contracts, as well as monitoring and reporting results.
• Ensure constant exchange and collaboration between SES, the European Commission (DG EMPL, ELA), European PES (especially peers active in the EU PES Network), and other relevant international organisations (e.g. OECD, ILO) including planning, organisation and execution of relevant exchange formats (e.g. study tours).
• Facilitate and synchronize EURES integration of SES with other SES modernisation measures.
• Support the line-management with the development, strategic direction, management and successful implementation of (2), and ensure coherence with the other REYOIN / JobConnect, workstreams.
• Ensure coordination with other technical as well financial assistance projects supporting the SES (within GIZ and externally).
• Establish, maintain and ensure excellent communication flows based on mutual confidence and trust with all relevant stakeholders in Ukraine, the EU, and other EU Accession countries.
• Support the planning and the monitoring of activities in Ukraine, including timely contributions of accurate information to the overall results-based monitoring and knowledge management processes.
• Ensure timely preparation of briefing materials, presentations, analytical notes, and reporting documents for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and support the preparation of workshops, high-level meetings, consultations, donor coordination formats, and international exchange activities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in political sciences, economics, international relations, law, social sciences or any other relevant field.
• Minimum 5 years of proven professional experience in a comparable position.
• Proven experience in organisational / institutional development, change management methods and/or institutional / public administration reform.
• Sound knowledge of labour market integration, active and passive labour market instruments, public labour market institutions and other relevant labour market actors as well as respective EU / national policies and initiatives.
• Sound knowledge in areas related to the EU-Integration of the SES, e.g. EU Acquis, EU Employment Strategy, European Pillar of Social Rights, PES Network, European Labour Authority / EURES, European Social Fund + / Employment and Social Innovation (ESF+/EaSI).
• Working experience with vulnerable groups (e.g. IDPs, long-term unemployed, persons with disabilities, veterans, people 50+, returning Ukrainians).
• Experience in promoting gender responsive or gender transformative policies is considered an asset.
• Proven experience in liaising with stakeholders such as government officials, private sector representatives, and civil society actors, including proven experience initiating and/or facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues.
• Outstanding interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with a strong ability to network, negotiate, and maintain the highest standards of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
• Advanced project management skills and ability to self-organise and prioritise tasks.
• Ability to perform under pressure, including timely delivery of high-quality results.
• Strong communication and team skills, including cooperation with people of different social backgrounds and cultural backgrounds.
• High proficiency (C1) in written and spoken Ukrainian and English is mandatory; knowledge of German is considered an asset.
• Very good working knowledge of digital office applications.
• Willingness to travel locally and abroad (depending on the security situation).

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.
• Working in a team of highly committed, motivated and engaged colleagues.

Employment Conditions

• Full-time position with 40-hours working week.
• Place of assignment is Kyiv.
• Starting as soon as possible.
• The contract duration will be 12 months with the possibility of extension.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

We particularly encourage veterans and people with disabilities to apply.

Application

Application comprising of the candidate’s CV and a cover letter in the English language explaining the motivation to apply for the job is to be sent to @email until COB 17 August 2026, 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 protection | GIZ](Data protection | GIZ).