The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Programme Roles) Job Subcategory Programme / Project Delivery Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

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.

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Essential qualifications, skills and experience

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.  Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Nice to have: 

Experience working with international development projects or NGOs. Administrative skills. Grant management experience. Experience of working internationally.  Required behaviours Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Application deadline 15 March 2026 Grade Executive Officer (EO) Type of Position Full-time, Fixed Term Working hours per week 40 Duration of Post 12 months Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Ukraine Location (City) Kyiv Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 2 Salary Currency USD Salary USD 2,536.13 Type of Salary monthly Start Date 11 May 2026 Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term contract for the period of 13 months, for 40 working hours per week including 1 hour per day for lunch. 

The start date mentioned in the advert is just an expected start date. The appointment can start earlier or later depending on several factors.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

Working in a diverse, multi-cultural team of Ukrainian and British colleagues with wide-ranging experience. A well-balanced work/life culture and a friendly and supportive team.Medical and dental plan (non-contributory for the employee and contributory for qualified dependants).24 working days of annual leave and additional public and privilege holidays.System of performance-based bonuses for high-achievers every twelve months.Participation in staff gatherings organised by the Social Committee (team get-togethers, Christmas Party etc.) as well as cultural events hosted by the Ambassador.Direct contribution towards to accelerating Ukrainian victory and supporting the country’s recovery from the consequences of war.

The British Embassy does not provide a hardship allowance.

Learning and development opportunities: 

The jobholder will have access to BE Kyiv’s full learning and development offer, which includes FCDO International Academy.

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Ukraine. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Kyiv is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Ukrainian employment law. This is an official employment, and the salary is subject to official tax; currently 23%. The salary is a set rate and there are no additional allowances on top.