Economic Development Project Officer/ Project specialist in economic development in HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation

Helvetas is an organization specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. 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 welcome applications from motivated individuals in Kyiv, Ukraine. The expected starting date is as soon as possible or upon agreement.

RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries. More information: https://www.reconomyprogram.com/.

Within the framework of the RECONOMY Program, a Program Facilitation Unit (PFU) led project “Navigating the Road Ahead: Creating Shared Values through Market Systems Development in Ukraine” is being implemented in collaboration with Volvo Group. The project aims to support Ukraine’s recovery through systemic improvements in the logistics, transport, and construction sectors.

The project focuses on three interlinked workstreams:

• workforce development 
• private sector growth 
• enabling business environment 

Position Overview

The Economic Development Project Officer will contribute to the implementation of the PFU-led project in Ukraine, ensuring effective coordination of activities, partnerships, and interventions in line with the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach.

The role requires close collaboration with private and public sector stakeholders, active participation in market analysis and intervention design, as well as coordination of implementation and monitoring processes. The Project Officer will ensure that all activities contribute to systemic change and align with RECONOMY’s objectives and learning processes.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain partnerships with SMEs, industry associations, large companies, and relevant public institutions. 
• Identify and engage potential partners in the transport, logistics, and construction sectors. 
• Facilitate collaboration between private sector actors and education providers to support workforce development initiatives. 
• Represent the project in meetings, working groups, and events, ensuring active stakeholder engagement. 

Market Analysis & Intervention Design

• Conduct continuous market and system analysis to identify constraints, opportunities, and leverage points for private sector development. 
• Contribute to the design of interventions, activities, and strategic approaches within project components based on analytical insights. 
• Identify entry points for systemic change in line withthe MSD approach and Sida program priorities. 

Project Development & Contracting

• Prepare Concept Notes and full documentation packages for partnership agreements. 
• Coordinate internal approval processes and support contracting procedures. 
• Ensure compliance with administrative and financial requirements and risk management standards. 

Implementation & Partner Support

• Coordinate implementation of project activities jointly with partners. 
• Support partners throughout all stages of implementation, ensuring alignment with project goals and MSD principles. 
• Maintain regular communication with system actors and adapt interventions as needed. 

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Collect and analyze data on implementation results and partner performance. 
• Conduct regular monitoring of partner activities and assess effectiveness of interventions. 
• Contribute to reporting processes and ensure evidence-based learning and adaptive management. 
• Coordinate monitoring activities in line with RECONOMY’s MRM framework. 

Coordination & Communication

• Ensure continuous coordination with project stakeholders, including donors and other development initiatives. 
• Collaborate with knowledge management and communication teams to develop relevant outputs and promote project visibility. 
• Support organization of workshops, events, and study visits. 

Other Responsibilities

• Contribute to reporting at different levels of the program. 
• Support implementation of other RECONOMY projects in the Eastern Partnership region, if required. 
• Undertake business trips within Ukraine (regional visits, field missions) and abroad, as needed. 

Key Areas of Work

Private Sector Development

Focus on improving the competitiveness of businesses, particularly SMEs in transport, logistics, and construction sectors. This includes:

• improving access to finance 
• development of business support services (mentoring, consulting) 
• supporting technology adoption 
• strengthening market linkages and business networks 

The overall objective is to stimulate business growth, job creation, and increased productivity.

Enabling Business Environment

Focus on improving regulatory and institutional conditions for business, including:

• simplification of administrative procedures 
• support for digitalization (e.g., customs and logistics systems) 
• strengthening public-private dialogue 
• supporting business associations 
• contributing to reforms in the context of Ukraine’s EU integration 

The goal is to reduce barriers for businesses, increase transparency, and create a more efficient and predictable business environment.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in private sector development, economic development, or Market Systems Development projects. 
• Degree in economics, business administration, education, or a related field. 
• Strong understanding of private sector dynamics and business models. 
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development. 
• Experience in market analysis and data-driven decision-making. 
• Understanding of Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM). 
• Knowledge of Ukraine’s education system, particularly VET, is an asset. 
• Understanding of transport, logistics, or construction sectors is an advantage. 
• Familiarity with GESI and Environment & Climate Change approaches is a plus. 

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a dynamic environment 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Excellent writing skills (reports, concept notes, ToRs) 
• Ability to work in a diverse team 

Other Requirements

• Fluent in English and Ukrainian 
• Resident of Ukraine 
• Willingness to travel frequently 

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work format (2-3 days in the office / 2-3 days remote) 
• Official employment 
• 24 calendar days of annual leave 
• Health insurance
• Access to a psychological platform

Equal Opportunity

We’re Hiring – Inclusive Opportunities! At Helvetas, we believe that diversity and inclusivity make us stronger. We welcome professionals with disabilities and are ready to provide a supportive and accessible work environment.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Helvetas — це організація, що спеціалізується на міжнародному розвитку та гуманітарному реагуванні, заснована у Швейцарії. Наше бачення — справедливий світ, у якому люди самостійно визначають своє життя з гідністю та безпекою, використовуючи природні ресурси сталим чином.

Ми запрошуємо до участі у конкурсі мотивованих кандидатів, які проживають у Києві, Україна. Очікувана дата початку роботи — якнайшвидше або за домовленістю.

RECONOMY — це інклюзивна та «зелена» програма економічного розвитку, що фінансується Шведським агентством міжнародного розвитку (Sida) та реалізується HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation у країнах Східного партнерства та Західних Балкан. Детальніше: https://www.reconomyprogram.com/.

У межах програми RECONOMY в Україні реалізується проєкт Program Facilitation Unit (PFU) “Navigating the Road Ahead: Creating Shared Values through Market Systems Development in Ukraine” у співпраці з Volvo Group. Проєкт спрямований на підтримку відновлення економіки України через системні зміни у сферах транспорту,logistics and construction.

The project covers three interrelated areas:

• workforce development
• private sector growth
• improvement of the business environment (enabling business environment)

Position description

The Economic Development Project Officer will be responsible for the implementation of the PFU project in Ukraine, ensuring effective coordination of activities, development of partnerships and implementation of interventions in accordance with the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach.

The position involves close interaction with representatives of the private and public sectors, participation in market analysis, development of interventions, as well as coordination of implementation and monitoring processes. Project Officer ensures compliance of all activities with project goals and contributes to the achievement of systemic changes.

Main Responsibilities

Developing partnerships and interaction with stakeholders

• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with SMEs, industry associations, large companies and government institutions. 
• Identification and involvement of potential partners in the fields of transport, logistics and construction. 
• Promoting cooperation between business and educational institutions for skills development and employment. 
• Project presentation at meetings, events and working groups. 

Market analysis and intervention development

• Conducting regular market and system analysis to identify constraints, opportunities and points of influence. 
• Participation in the development of interventions, measures and strategic approaches within the project components. 
• Identifying opportunities for systemic change according to the MSD approach. 

Development of projects and contracting

• Preparation of Concept Notes and a complete package of documentation for the conclusion of partnership agreements. 
• Coordination of internal approval processes and contracting support. 
• Ensuring compliance with administrative, financial requirements and risk management standards. 

Implementation and support of partners

• Coordination of implementation of project activities together with partners. 
• Support of partners at all stages of implementation. 
• Ensuring compliance of activities with project goals and MSD approach. 
• Regular communication with stakeholders and adaptation of interventions as needed. 

Monitoring, evaluation and training

• Collection and analysis of data on the results of implementation. 
• Monitoring the activities of partners and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. 
• Participation in the preparation of reports and ensuring an evidence-based approach. 
• Coordination of monitoring activities in accordance with RECONOMY's MRM approach. 

Coordination and communication

• Ensuring interaction with donors, partners and other projects. 
• Collaboration with the communications team to prepare materials and increase project visibility. 
• Organization and support of events, workshops and study trips. 

Other obresponsibilities

• Participation in the preparation of reports at different levels. 
• Supporting other RECONOMY projects in the region as needed. 
• Business trips around Ukraine (field visits, regional trips) and abroad. 

Main areas of work

Private Sector Development

The area is aimed at increasing business competitiveness, in particular SMEs in the fields of transport, logistics and construction. This includes:

• improving access to financing
• developing business services (mentoring, consulting)
• supporting the introduction of new technologies
• developing business networks and market connections

The goal is to stimulate business growth, create jobs and improve productivity.

Enabling Business Environment

The direction is focused on improvement of regulatory and institutional conditions for doing business, including:

• simplification of administrative procedures
• support of digitalization (especially in customs and logistics systems)
• development of public-private dialogue
• strengthening of the role of business associations
• support of reforms in the context of European integration

The goal is to reduce barriers to business, increasing transparency and creating an effective business environment.

Qualification requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in the field of private sector development, economic development or MSD projects
• Higher education (economics, business administration, education or related specialties)
• Understanding of business models and functioning of private sector
• Experience of interacting with stakeholders and developing partnerships
• Experience of conducting market analysis and working with data
• Understanding of Monitoring and Results Measurement (MRM) approaches
• Knowledge of the Ukrainian education system (especially VET) will be an advantage
• Understanding of transport, logistics or construction sectors will be an advantage
• Knowledge of approaches GESI and ECC will be a plus

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Developed communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to work in multitasking environments
• Organized and effective time management
• Excellent writing skills (reports, concepts, ToR)
• Ability to work in a multicultural team

Other requirements

• Fluency in Ukrainian and English
• Living in Ukraine
• Readiness for frequent business trips

Working conditions

• Hybrid format (2 days in the office / 3 days remotely)
• Official employment
• 24 calendar days of annual leave
• Medical insurance
• Access to a psychological platform

Equal opportunities

Helvetas supports the principles of diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates with disabilities and are ready to provide an accessible and comfortable working environment.