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 improve the resilience of women, groups in vulnerable situations, and communities in hromadas across two oblasts in government-controlled areas of Ukraine by fostering a collaborative and transparent local recovery process. U-RESTORE will enhance the effectiveness of national ministries and hromadas in coordinating and managing gender-responsive and inclusive recovery, while strengthening Ukrainian civil society to better influence recovery and hold the 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: Under the supervision of the Deputy Team Leader -Operations, the HR Officer will lead the human resource management and compliance functions for the U-RESTORE project in Ukraine. This includes all HR functions for the Project, covering both short-term and long-term Ukrainian staff and consultants. This role is responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of all human resource activities, including recruitment, onboarding, approval processes, document collection and verification, recordkeeping, and reporting. The HR Officer will collaborate closely with the Administrative and Logistics Officer and the Finance Manager to ensure effective coordination and proactive management of human resource operations. 
 
Responsibilities: 
 

1. Human Resource Management 

• Maintain proper human resource management process for the Project, including recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, performance monitoring and review, and human resource issue management. 
• Ensure proper document flow related to HR matters, including HR trackers and SharePoint documentation updates and maintenance. 
• Keep employee records up to date, including personnel forms, contracts, and contract amendments, and ensure proper close-out of personnel files. 
• Coordinate closely with Cowater International HQ, other Cowater projects in Ukraine and the U-RESTORE security manager.  

1. Recruitment and Onboarding 

• Lead recruitment activities such as posting job announcements, coordinating interviews, filing all interview records, processing selected candidates, preparing labour agreements and local Independent Consultant agreements. 
• Assist with the preparation of all personnel approvals and personnel-related deliverables, such as trip and assignment reports, working closely with administrative and finance staff. 
• Lead the development of a pool of experts/database. 

1. Donor Compliance & Policy Implementation 

• Ensure strict adherence to Global Affairs Canada's requirements and Cowater International Inc.'s HR policies, procedures, and manuals are communicated and understood by all staff. 
• Develop and lead the implementation of HR programs in employee relations, benefits administration, and staff welfare. 
• Provide guidance to staff on HR-related queries and policy interpretations 
• Support internal and external audits and implement corrective actions for any risks identified. 

1. Coordination with GDIP  

• Liaise with GDIP on all HR-related matters, including employment documentation, annual/sick/maternity leaves, and mobilization orders. 
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with contractual terms. 
• Support liaising with GDIP on matters related to short and long-term employees and documents, including annual/sick/maternity leaves, and mobilization orders, if any. 
• Coordinate the staff leave application process and manage leaves of absence in accordance with leave policy. 

1. Leave and Benefits Administration 

• Oversee staff leave requests in accordance with the leave policy; maintain accurate leave records and approvals. 
• Coordinate employee health insurance coverage in collaboration with the DTL-O and finance staff. 

1. Performance Management  

• Manage staff leave requests in accordance with the leave policy; maintain accurate leave records and approvals. 
• Coordinate employee health insurance coverage in collaboration with the DTL-O and finance staff. 
•  Perform other duties as assigned by the DTL-O. 

Requirements 
Education: 
 
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Psychological, or related field.  
Experience: 

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, preferably within donor-funded international development initiatives. 
• Solid understanding of HR best practices and strong familiarity with Ukrainian labor legislation. 
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships across all organizational levels. 
• Advanced computer proficiency, with strong digital literacy skills. 
• Capable of working independently while effectively managing multiple priorities in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment; demonstrates sound professional judgment that upholds the Project's reputation. 
• Culturally sensitive and aware of the ethical and political dynamics involved in managing human resources. 
• Skilled in handling sensitive matters with discretion and upholding strict confidentiality. 
• Well-versed in Global Affairs Canada's compliance standards and reporting procedures will be an asset. 
• Familiarity with gender-responsive budgeting and financial oversight of community-driven development initiatives is an asset. 
• Commitment to human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion principles. 
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and reporting skills. 

 
Language Proficiency: 
Candidates must possess an advanced professional proficiency in English and Ukrainian.  
Employment Conditions: 
The ideal candidate will be a Ukrainian national already living in/based in Kyiv or in Ukraine.  
Application Process: 
Please submit your CV by [insert deadline, , August , 5] to .  
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We especially encourage applications from women, individuals of diverse backgrounds and identities, veterans, and Ukrainian nationals. Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications relevant to professional experience and the requirements of the position. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 
About Us 
Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company founded in 5. 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 0 projects and assignments in more than countries. We collaborate with governments, private sector actors, and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, and environmental improvements, ultimately advancing 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 7. We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.