Are you an expert on the political and human rights situation in Ukraine? Do you want to use your strategical skills to contribute to the advocacy work of Civil Rights Defenders? Then you might be the one we are looking for.

About the role

As Eurasia Programme Officer you will work closely with the Department Director to manage and follow up on long-term partnerships with human rights organisations in Eastern Partnership with particular focus on Ukraine. The role combines programme management, political analysis, partner engagement, reporting and advocacy-related work.

The position is based in Ukraine. The Programme Officer reports to the Eurasia Department Director.

The role offers great variety, including work such as:

Programme Management and Partnerships

• Manage long-term partnerships with human rights organisations, including planning, implementation and follow-up in line with the Department Plan of Action and donor agreements.

• Oversee the full project cycle, including monitoring, evaluation, reporting and compliance.

• Act as the main point of contact for partners and maintain regular, secure communication.

Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor and analyse human rights and socio-political developments in Ukraine and the Eurasia region as a whole.

• Contribute analysis and contextual updates to team discussions and across the organisation.

• Support programme and internal adaptations when needed.

Fundraising, Reporting and Coordination

• Contribute to project proposals, budgets and donor reporting.

• Coordinate deadlines, documentation and financial processes in close collaboration with relevant colleagues.

Advocacy, Representation and Communication

• Contribute to advocacy and communication outputs related to the region.

• Represent Civil Rights Defenders in relevant coordination forums and maintain key networks.

About you

As a person, you like to take initiative and generate activity. You collaborate with others and make sure to contribute to reaching common goals and you understand that responsibilities as well as rewards should be shared within the team.

Furthermore, you see the long-term significance and further consequences of things and can accept and tackle demanding goals with enthusiasm and flexibility to fulfil our mission and vision.

It is fundamental for you to resist undue pressure in decision-making and to communicate key points and ideas with clarity. If you also understand how background, culture and group affiliation affects oneself and others and have the ability to take this into account when making decisions, you will be successful in this role.

We assume that you share our values.

To be suitable for this role you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations or a related field, including education on international human rights mechanisms.

• Min 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably within human rights or civil society organisations.

• Documented experience in project and grant management, NGO work and advocacy.

• Experience working with or on the Eurasia region, and Ukraine in particular, preferably in human rights-related contexts.

• Solid experience working with human rights and civil society in challenging and restrictive environments.

• Demonstrate strong understanding of political and societal dynamics in Eastern Partnership countries.

• Are willing to travel within the region under complex conditions.

• Can work under stress and maintain confidentiality over extended periods.

• Are someone who can work independently and be a strong team player at the same time.

• Fluency in English (written and spoken), working proficiency in Ukrainian.

• Strong IT skills, including good knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Teams, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word).

It is a merit, if you bring experience in digital and physical security and/or knowledge and experience of PMEL systems.

For this position, a valid work permit for Ukraine is required.

About the employment

This is a full-time permanent employment with 6 months probationary employment, starting date is 15 September 2026 or according to agreement. As an organisation, we strive for diversity and we see your background, experience and personality as a contribution to the organisation.

You will be based in Kyiv.

Please apply as soon as possible, as we recruit on an ongoing basis. Last day of application is July 17, 2026. 

For more information about the position, please contact recruiting manager Zinaida Muradova, Director Eurasia Department, zinaida.muradova@crd.org.

About us

Civil Rights Defenders is a politically and religiously independent international human rights organisation. We defend people’s civil and political rights in some of the world’s most repressive regions. We partner with and support human rights defenders in more than 300 organisations in 50 countries on four continents. Together with our partners, we hold those in power accountable when people’s civil or political rights are violated. We also act as Sweden’s civil rights watchdog.

Civil Rights Defenders has around 70 staff members working in various functions towards our vision - a world of democratic societies in which we all enjoy our civil and political rights. Our headquarter is located in Stockholm, and we have eight branch offices around the world. Learn more about our work at crd.org.