Basic details of the job

Job title: Senior Officer Political Affairs
Location: Kyiv
Job level: 08 (EUR 2356,- / EUR 3534,- gross)
Number of hours: 37,5

General features of the job

You will cover political and security related topics and provide the political department with sharp analyses and relevant information. This means keeping your ear to the ground and using your network in the NGO, think tank, academic and media spheres. You will be the embassy’s eyes and ears for monitoring developments in de Verkhovna Rada and other domestic political processes like elections. This entails following political discussions, legislative trajectories and the implementation of reforms, while being in constant contact with civil society and other stakeholders. You also pay close attention to political debate in society and in the social media space.  

As a Senior Officer Political Affairs you will also be involved in the organization of high level political visits. This means assisting in setting up a program for incoming visits of Ministers, Parliamentarians or other dignitaries. You are also available to jump in for interpreter duties if the need arises. Besides visits you will also support project work. The embassy has a diverse project portfolio and you will specifically assist with the delegated embassy fund. A fund that supports small scale projects, predominantly with Ukrainian implementing partners, that are of strategic interest.

Duties

• Following and reporting on Ukrainian political and security developments with efficient and effective usage of a variety of resources for timely updates;
• Advise on liaisoning with Ukrainian national and regional authorities;
• Analysis of legislation and policy changes in relevant spheres including reforms;
• Responsible for monitoring domestic political debate;
• Organisational support prior and during high level visits, provision of advice to incoming missions;
• Organisation of internal and external meetings of the political department;
• Preparation of draft reports, speaking points and political updates;
• Providing assistance where relevant, including as translator and interpreter; 
• Supporting project work of the delegated embassy fund.  

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 Ukrainian political systems and legislative procedures; 
• Sharp analytical mind that is able to operate in many different spheres and constantly converts this into updates and reports of use for Dutch strategic priorities;   
• Experience in cooperation with authorities, experts and think tanks, journalists and NGOs; 
• Excellent level of English (native language is expected to be Ukrainian; knowledge of Dutch is a bonus);
• Analytical, networking and organisational skills;
• Skills in project management;
• Skills in internal and external communication, both orally and in writing.

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. Astute understanding of the Ukrainian political system and legislative procedures. High sense of integrity and political awareness, especially due to the sensitive nature of political and military related topics. 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.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to KIE-PA@MINBUZA.nl with the subject Senior Officer Political Affairs until May 10.