The Danish Program Office in Kyiv is looking for a new Head of Programme for EU4Reconstruction 2025-2028
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The Danish Program Office in Kyiv is looking for a new Head of Programme for EU4Reconstruction 2025-2028
Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs are looking for a new Head of Programme to implement the EU4Reconstruction 2025-2028 programme.
Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine has begun a comprehensive recovery and reconstruction effort and has established key structures to this end. Ukraine’s reconstruction is a massive undertaking estimated at hundreds of billions of USD. The Ukrainian government, with support from international partners, is focusing on rapid recovery in areas like housing, energy, critical infrastructure, and humanitarian demining. The EU and Denmark are contributing with substantial financial support. The EU is supporting the national recovery and reconstruction through the Ukraine Facility and in addition to support as part of the EU, Denmark provides bilateral support to national reconstruction and specifically to the region and city of Mykolaiv.
The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine is the executive body responsible for reconstruction. The Agency of Restoration refers to the Ministry and will have a key role in the implementation of projects. Much of the project work will take place at the level of cities. Facing the immense task of recovery and reconstruction, Ukrainian authorities are in need of capacity development support. Therefore, the EU has decided to launch a new EU4Reconstruction program in cooperation with EU Member States.
Main task and responsibilities
The Head of Programme will lead the day-to-day implementation of the technical capacity development program EU4Reconstruction (workstream 2) that provides expertise, training, IT tools, institutional development and other capacity building activities within Ukraine’s reconstruction sector. The Head of Programme will contribute to policy dialogue, strategic planning, and strengthen the capacity development processes of relevant government and local authorities in close cooperation with Ukrainian partners and other donors.
The Head of Programme will lead a team of 10-14 local professionals - as well as a number of external national experts - divided in two teams – 1) one team providing support to the Agency of Restoration (SARDI) and 2) another team support to reconstruction at local level (bigger cities in southern and eastern parts of Ukraine). The Head of Programme will be supported by a local deputy.
The Head of Programme will be staff manager and provide strategic guidance and programme planning while actively supporting staff through mentoring, coaching and quality assurance of work and by creating an environment of trust. Due to the challenging environment of a country at war, the Head of Programme will give priority to ensuring a working environment where staff will feel comfortable and where safety issues are essential.
The Head of Programme will ensure that the programme is implemented within the policies and guidelines of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including regarding procurement, reporting, IT security etc. The programme will be supported by an administrative team as part of a joint cluster with the EUACI – an EU anti-corruption program implemented by Denmark. The Head of Programme will be part of the cluster management of EUACI/EU4R that will ensure synergy between activities of the programs and best use of the administrative resources under the leadership of the Cluster manager who is also Head of the EUACI.
EU4R workstream 2 is part of a Team Europe program including the EU-Delegation and EU Member States divided in two workstreams – workstream 1 that is implemented by Germany/GIZ in cooperation with France and is responsible for capacity building of the Ministry of Development, local authorities (smaller cities) and support to NGO’s – and workstream 2 implemented by Denmark/the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with Lithuania’s development agency, Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) that is responsible for capacity building support to SARDI and to local authorities (bigger cities). The Head of Programme is responsible for ensuring a smooth cooperation with workstream 1 in line with a Team Europe spirit.
CPVA will be responsible for sub-outcomes related to SARDI in line with the Description of the Action (DoA). The Head of Programme must ensure a trustful cooperation and an appropriate division of labour with CPVA with the aim to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the programme. The programme will be the intermediary between the CPVA and the EU-Delegation and the Head of Programme will act in accordance with the institutional agreements that will regulate CPVAs engagement.
Success criteria
The key success criterion is that EU4Reconstruction in general, and the Danish-led work stream in particular, are implemented effectively and with a significant capacity building impact. The programme is implemented in accordance with the objectives of the initiative, agreed plans, timelines, budget and in compliance with Danish MFA guidelines and accountability standards.
Another success criterion is to establish a trustful relationship with all the institutions and partners involved under the programme, including Ukrainian and international partners. It is important to establish local ownership and sustainability of the programme activities.
Finally, the candidate is expected to set an example through excellent leadership and management where an important task is to ensure that staff are well coached and mentored to ensure a high degree of job satisfaction.
Required qualifications and experience
Position: Head of Programme/Senior consultant (U4).
Salary and terms of employment: As a senior consultant your gross yearly salary excluding pension will be 606.257 DKK (November 2025 salary level) in accordance with the applicable collective agreement. In addition, it may be possible to negotiate a qualification allowance depending on experience and qualifications.
During the posting, you will receive a tax-free expatriation allowance based on the cost of living on the post. The expatriation allowance is calculated based on your personal circumstances, including your family composition. Official housing will be provided in accordance with the rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, expenses related to relocation, moving, medical treatment etc. will be covered in accordance with the rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is a prerequisite for receiving expatriation allowance that you are liable to tax in Denmark at the time of posting and during posting. The salary is taxed in Denmark during posting. If you already live in the posting country, special conditions regarding tax and residence apply. In this case, you should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' HR department [Mette Juul Trepka, email mettre@um.dk] for further clarification.
It is a condition of employment that you can be security cleared by the Danish Authorities and that you can maintain your security clearance during the employment.
Type of Employment: Two-years fixed term employment with the possibility of extension . The post is a non-family post. War zone compensation is currently provided, and there is currently access to 3 relief trips every six months. Psychological screening is required prior to – and annually during – posting. The post is covered by UM's policy for posts with difficult security and health issues.
Starting date: As soon as possible
Application and recruitment process: Do you recognize yourself in the profile, and would you like to be part of our team in Kyiv?
You apply by uploading a motivated application of maximum 1 page and CV containing information about education, previous work and other qualifications, level of language skills, references, etc. Please attach your diploma. Danish or English applications can be uploaded to ”Job” at the MFA website www.um.dk as soon as possible and no later than 14 December 2025.
Selected candidates will be invited for interviews expected to take place in the first half of January 2026.
By sending your application, you actively consent to the MFA processing of your personal information. You can find more information in the Privacy Notice on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s webpage.
Questions: If you would like further information or have specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact Marianne Rasmussen, Department for European Neighbourhood (EUNABO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, mrasmu@um.dk / +45 20289040 or Allan Pagh Kristensen, Head of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine (EUACI), allkri@um.dk / +380442001267.
Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine has begun a comprehensive recovery and reconstruction effort and has established key structures to this end. Ukraine’s reconstruction is a massive undertaking estimated at hundreds of billions of USD. The Ukrainian government, with support from international partners, is focusing on rapid recovery in areas like housing, energy, critical infrastructure, and humanitarian demining. The EU and Denmark are contributing with substantial financial support. The EU is supporting the national recovery and reconstruction through the Ukraine Facility and in addition to support as part of the EU, Denmark provides bilateral support to national reconstruction and specifically to the region and city of Mykolaiv.
The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine is the executive body responsible for reconstruction. The Agency of Restoration refers to the Ministry and will have a key role in the implementation of projects. Much of the project work will take place at the level of cities. Facing the immense task of recovery and reconstruction, Ukrainian authorities are in need of capacity development support. Therefore, the EU has decided to launch a new EU4Reconstruction program in cooperation with EU Member States.
Main task and responsibilities
The Head of Programme will lead the day-to-day implementation of the technical capacity development program EU4Reconstruction (workstream 2) that provides expertise, training, IT tools, institutional development and other capacity building activities within Ukraine’s reconstruction sector. The Head of Programme will contribute to policy dialogue, strategic planning, and strengthen the capacity development processes of relevant government and local authorities in close cooperation with Ukrainian partners and other donors.
The Head of Programme will lead a team of 10-14 local professionals - as well as a number of external national experts - divided in two teams – 1) one team providing support to the Agency of Restoration (SARDI) and 2) another team support to reconstruction at local level (bigger cities in southern and eastern parts of Ukraine). The Head of Programme will be supported by a local deputy.
The Head of Programme will be staff manager and provide strategic guidance and programme planning while actively supporting staff through mentoring, coaching and quality assurance of work and by creating an environment of trust. Due to the challenging environment of a country at war, the Head of Programme will give priority to ensuring a working environment where staff will feel comfortable and where safety issues are essential.
The Head of Programme will ensure that the programme is implemented within the policies and guidelines of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including regarding procurement, reporting, IT security etc. The programme will be supported by an administrative team as part of a joint cluster with the EUACI – an EU anti-corruption program implemented by Denmark. The Head of Programme will be part of the cluster management of EUACI/EU4R that will ensure synergy between activities of the programs and best use of the administrative resources under the leadership of the Cluster manager who is also Head of the EUACI.
EU4R workstream 2 is part of a Team Europe program including the EU-Delegation and EU Member States divided in two workstreams – workstream 1 that is implemented by Germany/GIZ in cooperation with France and is responsible for capacity building of the Ministry of Development, local authorities (smaller cities) and support to NGO’s – and workstream 2 implemented by Denmark/the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with Lithuania’s development agency, Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) that is responsible for capacity building support to SARDI and to local authorities (bigger cities). The Head of Programme is responsible for ensuring a smooth cooperation with workstream 1 in line with a Team Europe spirit.
CPVA will be responsible for sub-outcomes related to SARDI in line with the Description of the Action (DoA). The Head of Programme must ensure a trustful cooperation and an appropriate division of labour with CPVA with the aim to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the programme. The programme will be the intermediary between the CPVA and the EU-Delegation and the Head of Programme will act in accordance with the institutional agreements that will regulate CPVAs engagement.
Success criteria
The key success criterion is that EU4Reconstruction in general, and the Danish-led work stream in particular, are implemented effectively and with a significant capacity building impact. The programme is implemented in accordance with the objectives of the initiative, agreed plans, timelines, budget and in compliance with Danish MFA guidelines and accountability standards.
Another success criterion is to establish a trustful relationship with all the institutions and partners involved under the programme, including Ukrainian and international partners. It is important to establish local ownership and sustainability of the programme activities.
Finally, the candidate is expected to set an example through excellent leadership and management where an important task is to ensure that staff are well coached and mentored to ensure a high degree of job satisfaction.
Required qualifications and experience
- Master’s degree in relevant field
- Experience working with public administration, local authorities and political affairs
- At least 10 years of experience working with capacity development.
- Strong leadership skills
- Experience in the field of construction is an asset
- Experience in working with government institutions in Ukraine is an asset
- Experience in working with EU structures is an asset
- Experience in working with Danish development assistance is an asset
- Fluent in English
- Knowledge of Ukrainian language is an asset
- Ability to lead and manage team members
- Excellent judgement and decision-making skills
- Ability to effectively delegate
- Strong ability to deliver results
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills and ability to work in close cooperation with government and donors in a spirit of trust
- Ability to effectively interact at political, policy and technical levels.
- A two-year contract with the possibility of extension
- Standard working hours are 37 hours per week including a 30-minute lunch break
- You will be entitled to 25 days of paid vacation per year
- Your salary will reflect your qualifications, relevant experience and proven work-related results
- Travel within Ukraine and to Denmark is to be expected
- Currently Kyiv is a non-family post.
- The employment is subject to a psychological screening
Position: Head of Programme/Senior consultant (U4).
Salary and terms of employment: As a senior consultant your gross yearly salary excluding pension will be 606.257 DKK (November 2025 salary level) in accordance with the applicable collective agreement. In addition, it may be possible to negotiate a qualification allowance depending on experience and qualifications.
During the posting, you will receive a tax-free expatriation allowance based on the cost of living on the post. The expatriation allowance is calculated based on your personal circumstances, including your family composition. Official housing will be provided in accordance with the rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, expenses related to relocation, moving, medical treatment etc. will be covered in accordance with the rules of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is a prerequisite for receiving expatriation allowance that you are liable to tax in Denmark at the time of posting and during posting. The salary is taxed in Denmark during posting. If you already live in the posting country, special conditions regarding tax and residence apply. In this case, you should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' HR department [Mette Juul Trepka, email mettre@um.dk] for further clarification.
It is a condition of employment that you can be security cleared by the Danish Authorities and that you can maintain your security clearance during the employment.
Type of Employment: Two-years fixed term employment with the possibility of extension . The post is a non-family post. War zone compensation is currently provided, and there is currently access to 3 relief trips every six months. Psychological screening is required prior to – and annually during – posting. The post is covered by UM's policy for posts with difficult security and health issues.
Starting date: As soon as possible
Application and recruitment process: Do you recognize yourself in the profile, and would you like to be part of our team in Kyiv?
You apply by uploading a motivated application of maximum 1 page and CV containing information about education, previous work and other qualifications, level of language skills, references, etc. Please attach your diploma. Danish or English applications can be uploaded to ”Job” at the MFA website www.um.dk as soon as possible and no later than 14 December 2025.
Selected candidates will be invited for interviews expected to take place in the first half of January 2026.
By sending your application, you actively consent to the MFA processing of your personal information. You can find more information in the Privacy Notice on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark’s webpage.
Questions: If you would like further information or have specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact Marianne Rasmussen, Department for European Neighbourhood (EUNABO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, mrasmu@um.dk / +45 20289040 or Allan Pagh Kristensen, Head of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine (EUACI), allkri@um.dk / +380442001267.