The embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine is searching for a Senior Officer EU Integration (Political Section), based in Kyiv.
 

General features of job

You will cover the EU accession process of Ukraine as well as the related reform process. Since the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014, Ukraine has made substantial progress in aligning with the EU. Since Russia’s full scale invasion of February 2022, this has accelerated significantly, which has resulted in the granting of EU candidacy status in June 2022, the opening of the EU accession negotiations in December 2023, and the formal launch of negotiations at the first Intergovernmental Conference with Ukraine in June 2024. Following the completion of the screening of the EU acquis, two clusters (1 on Fundamentals and 6 on External Relations) were opened in June 2026. In the coming years, the accession process will involve a vast amount of work for Ukraine: negotiating the accession chapters, bringing national law into line with the EU acquis, implementing the core reforms, as well as meeting the conditions of the Ukraine Facility Plan.

You will monitor and analyse these developments, together with the First Secretary for EU Affairs and other colleagues within the Embassy. This entails following closely the political discussions in both Kyiv and Brussels, legislative trajectories and the implementation of reforms, while being in constant contact with civil society and other stakeholders. You will prepare timely reports and policy recommendations for The Hague, the Ambassador in Kyiv, and for high-level (ministerial) visits. Because of the special importance the Netherlands attaches to the Rule of Law as a precondition for countries joining the EU, you will pay particular attention to developments in this field, such as the functioning of the judiciary and the fight against corruption. You will also help prepare the annual Ukraine-Netherlands Conference in support of Ukraine’s EU accession path. 

To support Ukraine with its reforms towards EU accession, the Embassy provides financing for dedicated civil society projects via the MATRA Programme. You will be responsible for administering these projects and will actively participate in the overall project management within the political cluster. You will also help to promote and administer Dutch participation in relevant accession projects via the EU itself (including Twinning and TAIEX).

Duties

•    Pro-actively analysing and monitoring relevant developments in Ukraine’s EU accession and reform processes against the agreed benchmarks.
•    Monitor the implementation of the Ukraine Plan under the Ukraine Facility, as well as IMF and World Bank programmes, and their conditionality, tracking progress against the indicators.
•    Contributing to reporting and policy advice to the headquarters on these developments. 
•    Preparing briefings, talking points and speeches for the Ambassador, Embassy colleagues, including for the high-level visits and bilateral consultations;
•    Maintaining a broad network within government and civil society relating to these developments.
•    Contributing to the promotion of Dutch priorities and support within Ukraine’s EU accession and reform processes.
•    Administering and monitoring MATRA projects dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s EU accession and reform processes: assessing project proposals, drafting contracts, ensuring timely reporting, etc.
•    Attending relevant meetings and reporting back to colleagues; organising relevant events on behalf of the Embassy.
•    Contributing to coordination of projects within the Political Section, as well as project implementation via the Netherlands (including Twinning and TAIEX); 
•    Contributing to the organisation of (incoming) visits.
•    Providing assistance where relevant, including as translator and interpreter. 

 

Working Environment

The Netherlands Embassy in Kyiv promotes and implements bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and Ukraine with the aim to strengthen bilateral ties and strengthen political stability, security and economic growth in Ukraine.

The Netherlands embassy in Kyiv has almost 40 staff members. The Embassy is organised in a political, an economic/agricultural, a consular/ administrative section and has several specialised attaches. Within the Embassy the ‘one team’-way of working is promoted, through crosscutting reporting, activities and information sharing.

Knowledge and skills

Level of education: higher professional level
Level of experience: 5 years’ relevant work experience required

- In-depth knowledge of the EU integration process and Ukraine’s judiciary system (a legal background is preferable);
- Familiarity with Ukraine’s civil society and reform process (a broad interest in policy topics will be helpful);
- Excellent English (native language is expected to be Ukrainian; knowledge of Dutch is a bonus);
- Skills in project management;
- Skills in internal and external communication, both orally and in writing;
- Analytical, networking and organisational skills.

We are looking for an open-minded, energetic and enthusiastic colleague. A team player who provides the Embassy with an additional and diverse network of contacts. Eager to share her/his knowledge and experience. High awareness of reform related developments in Ukraine. High sense of integrity and political awareness. Available for duty travel outside Kyiv. Function requires participation in events and accompanying delegations outside office hours (i.e. evenings or weekends). Well-developed organisational, administrative and communication skills. Ability to work on various projects at the same time.

How to apply?

Candidates need to submit a cover letter and a CV
Email address: KYI-PA@minbuza.nl
Deadline: Friday 7 August 2026