Head of Mission, Ukraine

An exceptional career opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to the future of Ukraine and its global Ukrainian communities.

Ukrainian World Congress | Kyiv | Full-time | Frequent international travel

Ukraine is defending its sovereignty and rebuilding its future at the same time. The decisions made in Kyiv over the coming years will shape Ukraine, and Ukrainian communities worldwide, for generations. The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) represents the interests of 25 million Ukrainians in over 85 countries, and works to shape that future alongside Ukraine’s government and defenders, international institutions including the UN, NATO, and the EU, and national governments around the world.

The Head of Mission is UWC’s senior representative in Ukraine, with significant access and a broad mandate. You will engage the most senior Ukrainian government officials, military leadership, legislators, media, thought leaders, and civil society organizations on behalf of the largest organized Ukrainian constituency in the world, and lead programs that deliver concrete support to Ukraine’s defenders and its recovery.

Key responsibilities

• Represent UWC at the most senior levels of Ukraine’s government, military, parliament, diplomatic corps, and international institutions in Kyiv.
• Provide strategic counsel to UWC’s President, Executive Director, and Board on political developments, government relations, and emerging opportunities requiring timely action.
• Build trusted relationships with the officials, diplomats, media, and international partners shaping Ukraine’s security, recovery, and European integration.
• Lead and grow UWC’s programs in Ukraine, including initiatives supporting Ukraine’s defenders, resilience, and reconstruction.
• Represent the global Ukrainian community as a credible spokesperson in high-level forums, conferences, and media, in Ukrainian and English.
• Build and lead a team of Mission staff, consultants, and volunteers, and oversee the Mission’s operations, finances, and governance to the highest standards of accountability.

Who we are looking for

• We are seeking an accomplished leader with a record of delivering meaningful outcomes at a senior level. Qualified candidates will bring:
• Ten or more years of senior experience in government relations, diplomacy, public affairs, international organizations, or nonprofit leadership, with demonstrable results.
• First-hand knowledge of Ukraine’s political, governmental, military, and civil society environment, and the judgment to translate fast-moving developments into clear, actionable recommendations.
• A proven record of leading teams and delivering results in demanding, rapidly changing conditions.
• Discretion, political acuity, and integrity appropriate to a role of this visibility and trust.

Requirements

• Excellent Ukrainian and English communication skills, both verbal and written, including experience preparing policy briefings, speeches, and reports for senior decision-makers.
• Strong demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, global Ukrainian communities, including how the diaspora is organized, mobilizes, and makes decisions.
• Full-time residence in Kyiv. This role is built on presence and relationships, and both require being based in Ukraine.
• The ability to travel frequently and without restriction internationally. The role regularly requires representing UWC at summits, conferences, and member community events around the world.
• An AI-forward approach to work. You use AI tools regularly to improve the speed and quality of your output, and you build that expectation into how your team operates.

What we offer

• A mandate to lead UWC’s work in Ukraine at the most consequential moment in its modern history.
• Direct access to UWC’s President, Executive Director, and Board, and to a global network of leaders across more than 85 countries.
• A platform recognized by the United Nations and the Council of Europe as the voice of Ukrainians worldwide.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with the seniority of the role.

About UWC

For 60 years, the Ukrainian World Congress has represented the interests of the global Ukrainian community. We advocate for Ukraine’s independence and sovereignty and work to build a democratic, prosperous Ukraine and strong, connected Ukrainian communities worldwide. UWC holds consultative status with the United Nations and participatory status with the Council of Europe. Learn more at www.UkrainianWorldCongress.org.

How to apply

Please submit the following to [email protected]

• Your CV.
• A one-page letter describing why you want this job and why UWC should hire you.
• Two short video recordings, each a maximum of 2.5 minutes, answering the questions below.
• Video question 1 (answer in Ukrainian, maximum 2.5 minutes): Which area of UWC’s current work do you consider most consequential for Ukraine today, and how would you strengthen its impact as Head of Mission?
• Video question 2 (answer in English, maximum 2.5 minutes): Describe the accomplishment from your career that best demonstrates why you are the right person for this role. What was at stake, what did you do, and what was the outcome?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled.