Consultant position as Program Associate, Kyiv

About RWI
The Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) has worked for nearly forty years to promote respect for human rights through research, education and capacity development. We believe that by supporting practitioners and bringing people together around human rights, on the basis of new knowledge and tools developed, connecting theory and practice, we contribute to lasting human rights change.

If you are passionate about human rights and want to work to achieve this in a dynamic international environment, this position may be for you.

RWI is an independent academic institution established at Lund University in Sweden in 1984. We combine multi-disciplinary human rights research with education, capacity building, and outreach to contribute to a wider understanding of, and respect for, human rights and humanitarian law. We work with multiple thematic areas within human rights: ‘rule of law and access to justice’, ‘international humanitarian law, ‘human rights and the environment’, ‘business and human rights’, and ‘non-discrimination and inclusion’. Since the early 1990s, we have cooperated with a wide range of individuals and institutions in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, to advance the practical application of human rights around the world. Our cooperation is characterised by mutual trust, long-term commitment, and achievement of common objectives. Currently, we have offices in Bangkok, Harare, Jakarta, Lund, Nairobi, Phnom Penh, and Yerevan.

The Role as Programme Associate
The successful candidate will be coordinating a new RWI project that will support Ukraine’s EU accession process through human rights expertise for Chapter 23. The project will engage Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice with the support of multi-stakeholder partnerships, local perspectives and outreach on the national and EU levels.

The consultancy will be based in Kyiv, full-time, estimated 40 hours per week. The position is subject to the availability of funding for the initial period of February – December 2025. The Programme Officer will report to the Regional Director Europe, based in Lund, Sweden.

In this role, you will provide logistical and administrative support for the implementation of project activities. This includes making travel arrangements, identifying and booking venues, and coordinating communications with resource persons, participants, and partners. You will also handle administrative tasks such as sourcing and preparing equipment and materials, collecting and filing activity documentation, and summarising information for reports. Additional responsibilities include preparing periodic expenditure reports and assisting RWI staff in ensuring compliance with donor and internal standards regarding procurement, financial rules, and reporting requirements.

You will play a key role in designing, delivering, and auditing project contracts while contributing to RWI’s broader operational practices. Identifying and developing improved methods and tools for finance and administration will be an essential part of your work. You will also be tasked with identifying, reporting, and mitigating risks that could jeopardise the project or RWI’s organisational reputation. Maintaining accurate records of expenditures, processing invoices and payments, and liaising with RWI’s Finance and Administration Department in Lund will also form part of your day-to-day responsibilities. Additionally, you will support the Regional Director Europe and a Programme Officer by performing other project-related duties as needed.

Your Profile
We are seeking candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as finance, administration, or related disciplines, and at least three years of professional experience in project administration, logistics, and support for development projects. You should have experience coordinating events, including travel arrangements, venue bookings, and managing participants or stakeholders. Strong organisational and time management skills, along with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities, are essential for this role.

A basic understanding of financial management, including budget monitoring and administrative tasks related to financial reporting, is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with financial management systems are also necessary. Fluency in both Ukrainian and English is essential.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy, the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a diverse team, and a proactive, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving. You should be comfortable working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines. A commitment to fostering a learning organisation and a willingness to share knowledge, combined with cultural sensitivity, are highly valued traits for this position.