Recovery Coordinator in Cowater International Inc., U-RESTORE Project

Context: U-RESTORE is a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Cowater International in partnership with Ukrainian civil society and academic institutions. The project seeks to enhance the resilience of local communities, particularly women and groups in vulnerable situations, in 12 hromadas across two oblasts in government-controlled areas of Ukraine by fostering a collaborative and transparent local recovery process. U-RESTORE will increase the effectiveness of national ministries and hromadas in coordinating and managing gender-responsive and inclusive recovery, while strengthening Ukrainian civil society to better support recovery and hold government accountable. The Project will work with civil society organizations, especially those representing women and groups in vulnerable situations, to influence recovery decision-making in hromadas and foster inclusive and transparent governance. It will also implement social infrastructure reconstruction and small-scale economic development projects responding to priority community needs. 

Description of Position: The Recovery Coordinator in Zhytomyr oblast will be responsible for effective planning, coordination and quality control of implementation of recovery-related activities in Zhytomyr oblast.  The Recovery Coordinator will support the Kyiv-based U-RESTORE team and implementing partners in providing support to local government and civil society organizations in applying inclusive and transparent recovery practices. Extensive travelling within the oblast between communities is expected.

Responsibilities:

Regional Coordination and Implementation oversight

• Coordinate project implementation in target hromadas within Zhytomyr oblast, ensuring that activities align with project outcomes and donor standards, and do not overlap and logically sequenced.
• Serve as liaison with local partners (CSOs, women rights organizations (WROs), local governments) and other stakeholders in Zhytomyr oblast with the Kyiv-based team and implementing partners.
• Serve as regional security focal point, coordinating with the Security Manager in Kyiv.

Support to Hromadas and Local Recovery Committees

• Participate, and when needed, facilitate local recovery committee meetings and ensure meaningful participation of CSOs and representatives of women, youth, and groups in vulnerable situations.
• Provide hands-on support to hromadas in participatory recovery planning and implementation, community consultations, and transparent selection of recovery priorities.
• Support local authorities in coordinating recovery initiatives with oblast-level structures and other donor or government programs.

Partner and Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate and maintain regular communication with CSOs, WROs, and other partners involved in local recovery in Zhytomyr oblast.
• Support the Kyiv-based team and implementing partners in organizing oblast-level workshops, coordination meetings, and peer-learning sessions.
• Represent the project in oblast-level coordination platforms related to recovery, inclusion, and governance, ensuring complementarity with other actors.

Monitoring, Learning, and Reporting, with technical guidance from MEL specialist

• Track implementation progress across all target hromadas in Zhytomyr oblast; identify challenges and propose corrective actions.
• Collect and consolidate data, field reports, and success stories for project MEL and communications teams.
• Facilitate field monitoring visits, assessments, and learning reviews with project advisors and donor representatives.
• Send periodic updates on regional developments to the Kyiv-based team.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Economics, Sociology, or related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience supporting local governance, inclusive recovery, or community-driven development.
• Proven experience coordinating multi-partner field operations or local development projects.
• Experience working with hromadas and local authorities in Ukraine, particularly in strategic planning, capacity building, financial management, recovery or decentralization contexts.
• Understanding of gender equality, inclusion, and accountability in local governance.
• Excellent organizational, coordination, and communication skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills.
• Fluency in Ukrainian, working knowledge of English is required.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain high-quality standards under pressure.
• Ability to travel frequently within the oblast.

Employment Conditions: 

This is a national position and will be filled by a Ukrainian national based in Zhytomyr. 

Application Process 

The application deadline is April 8, 2026. To be considered, please send your documents to [email protected] using the following format: Last Name, First Name – Position Title, salary expectation. 

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We particularly welcome and encourage applications from women, individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities.

Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications relevant to professional experience and position requirements. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other status protected by law.

We thank all applicants; however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

About Us

Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company founded in 1985. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada and with corporate hubs in Montreal, Canada, Brussels, Belgium, and London, UK. Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements, and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.