Who are we? 

The British Embassy in Kyiv forms part of a global network representing the United Kingdom’s political, economic, and consular interests overseas. We are seeking a motivated Programme Assistant to join the UK Integrated Security Fund (UKISF) team. UKISF is a cross-government fund designed to tackle priority threats to UK national security both domestically and internationally. In Ukraine, UKISF delivers a diverse portfolio spanning Stabilisation, Security and Defence Reform, and International Crimes Accountability programmes.

Roles and responsibilities: 

You will be responsible for a range of project management, financial, and administrative tasks. We are looking for a proactive, organised, and diligent professional with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks at pace. You should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment, able to identify and respond to emerging risks, and committed to supporting effective programme delivery. The role offers an excellent opportunity to build experience in programme management, stakeholder engagement, compliance, risk management, and financial oversight.

This position may be extended on a one-year fixed-term basis.

Project and Administrative support:  

Working with Programme Managers and the Finance Manager to support with:

• Provide day-to-day administrative and coordination support to programme teams across a ISF portfolio of projects, helping colleagues and implementing partners stay on track.      
• Support Programme Managers with internal communications, keeping key briefing notes updated and sharing research with relevant colleagues.
• Coordinate with the external comms team to ensure the UK effectively amplifies work in support of Ukraine.
• Supporting meetings, stakeholder engagement and communications support, organising meetings and engagement moments (internal and external) including booking logistics, circulating agendas, capturing actions and tracking follow-up. 
• Provide day-to-day administrative and coordination support to programme teams across UKISF portfolio of projects, helping colleagues and implementing partners stay on track.
• Supporting wider Team in events or visits from London.  
• Providing translation as required for senior officials
• The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop project and contract management skills, incl. stakeholder management, monitoring and evaluation, conflict sensitivity analysis and risk management. You may also have the opportunity to manage some additional bilateral projects for which you would have more direct responsibility.

Finance support: 

• Assessment of the newly submitted project budgets against FCDO guidance on eligible spend and against the project objectives; drafting financial provisions within the grant agreements. 
• Overseeing the finances of the approved ISF projects, reviewing project financial reporting, and forecasts.
• Ensuring that all project payments are processed according to the agreed payment schedules and in compliance with the FCDO requirements.
• Maintain strong working relationships with implementers and stakeholders to agree timelines and deliver financial objectives.
• Support the UKISF Finance Manager with portfolio-level financial coordination and reporting.  
• Wider corporate contribution All staff are expected to support with corporate and cross-Embassy activities that contribute to British Embassy Kyiv corporate objectives as needed, including committees, crisis response, event planning, learning and development, and programme assurance activity.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Proficiency in English and Ukrainian (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework).
• At least 2 to 3 years’ experience in project management, including excellent time management and organisational skills; ability to manage workload, deliver at pace, and prioritise effectively whilst maintaining quality.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills (financial management, budget management).
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills; ability to build productive, respectful relationships quickly, including with external stakeholders.
• Experience working with donor-funded projects, or another diplomatic mission (UN). Excellent communication skills (written and oral) to provide balanced, sound feedback and represent FCDO in external meetings.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Commitment to ethical financial practices and anti-fraud measures.