Background

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works to strengthen democratic institutions around the world by engaging civil society and promoting openness and accountability in government. NDI has been supporting local democratization efforts in Ukraine since 1992. For more information about NDI, please visit: www.ndi.org 

General overview of the position

The Senior Program Assistant (SPA) will provide crucial support in the implementation of NDI’s Citizen Engagement program activities, operating with a higher level of independence under the primary direction of the Citizen Engagement Program Manager and the overall direction of the Senior Program Director, and ultimately the Resident Country Director.

The SPA will contribute to the design and development of program activities while ensuring smooth operations and communication within the team, the administration team, and with external partners.

The position has no supervisory responsibilities, except for possible supervision of an intern.

Responsibilities

Administrative:

• Independently arrange logistics for NDI activities, including online and in-person conferences, workshops, study visits, and consultations for NDI’s civil society, media, and governmental partners.
• Prepare comprehensive meeting/activity notes, background information, and briefing papers as required.
• Assist with and provide backup for the day-to-day operations of the program, ensuring prompt and accurate internal communication and responding to routine inquiries.
• Maintain regular communication with program partners, participants, and vendors to cultivate strong relationships.
• Provide high-quality oral interpretation and written translation from English into Ukrainian and vice versa as needed.
• Collaborate with NDI’s Administration and Finance team to prepare payments and reconcile program expenditures.

Programmatic:

• Work with increasing independence to support the implementation of NDI’s program activities in Ukraine, under general guidance from a supervisor.
• Contribute to the design and development of all program activities and events.
• Contribute to the analysis of the civic and information context in Ukraine, including monitoring national and international media and developing political newsletters and analysis papers.
• Prepare drafts of contributions to reports, including weekly reports for internal purposes, under the supervisor’s review and edits.
• Contribute to quarterly and annual reports on program developments.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Linguistics or Public Administration or related field;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Ukrainian and English;
• Keen interest in contributing to civil society development, Ukraine’s recovery and national reforms;
• Excellent understanding of political and civic landscape in Ukraine;
• Work experience in a related field is a plus;
• Strong writing skills with the ability to present clear and concise analysis;
• Experience in storytelling is a plus;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment;
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office Programs, Google Suite, Google Meet, Zoom and other online platforms)

Remuneration Package

NDI Ukraine’s salaries are subject to applicable employment taxes established by the government legislation. Gross salary reflects a 40-hour per week work schedule. Healthcare insurance coverage is available from the first day of employment. The full benefits of local staff members of the NDI-Ukraine office after the probation period include 20 days of paid vacation leave per year, paid sick leaves, and officially observed Ukrainian holidays.

Deadline: The deadline for the submission of the required documents is by close of business on September 13, 2024. Only selected candidates will be invited for a written test and a subsequent interview.

Interested applicants should submit CVs and motivation letters by filling in the online application form: https://forms.gle/HzYCN2yide41pGhA8.

The NDI Ukraine is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the organization.

The NDI Ukraine is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and encourages all applicants, regardless of their abilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

NDI Ukraine has the authority to re-promote the vacancy, terminate the recruitment process, provide an appointment at a lower grade, or offer an appointment with a revised job description or for a different duration.