Project Manager – Research, MEL, & Strategic Advisory (Ukrainian Nationals)
Project Manager – Research, MEL, & Strategic Advisory (Ukrainian Nationals)
About Voluntās
Voluntās specializes in providing meaningful research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (RMEL) services in developing countries, conflict zones, fragile states, and transitional environments. We use insights to inform fact-based recommendations and policy options grounded in extensive research and data collection. Our goal is to generate positive, sustainable impact for populations affected by crisis, improving their living standards and access to rights.
To date, Voluntās has implemented more than 250 projects in volatile regions with partners including UN agencies, the EU, USAID, and international NGOs. We operate in nine countries, with ongoing projects across East and North Africa, the Middle East, and Ukraine. Our work spans policy and programming, needs assessments, perception studies, contextual analysis, and monitoring and evaluation. Thematic areas include environment and climate change, conflict resolution, employment, food security, gender, governance, human rights, migration, political economy, prevention of violent extremism, public health, WASH, and youth.
Since 2023, we have an established office and team based in Kyiv, Ukraine and an expanding portfolio of projects in Ukraine and the region.
We are seeking a highly motivated Project Manager to join our Kyiv office. The Project Manager will play a dual role:
- Lead RMEL Projects – taking full responsibility for managing and delivering high-quality research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning assignments in Ukraine and the region.
- Support Business Development – contributing actively to expanding Voluntās’ Ukraine portfolio through proposal development, partnerships, and strategic positioning.
This position is ideal for a professional with 4–6 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, applied research, and/or strategic advisory to international and national organizations.
Role & Responsibilities
`Project Management
- Lead end-to-end implementation of RMEL projects—from design and planning to data collection, analysis, reporting, and client presentations.
- Design methodologies (scoping, sampling, instruments, analytical frameworks) and tools for research, monitoring, and evaluation with guidance from Project Directors.
- Coordinate fieldwork (interviews, focus groups, surveys) with local research partners.
- Oversee qualitative and quantitative analysis, including data cleaning, thematic/statistical analysis, and visualization.
- Develop high-quality reports with strategic recommendations and clear visualizations.
- Manage day-to-day project delivery (workplans, tasks, timelines, risk management), support junior colleagues’ development, and maintain client/stakeholder relationships.
- Ensure quality, timeliness, and client satisfaction across deliverables.
Business Development
- Identify new project opportunities in Ukraine and the region by engaging in dialogue with potential and current partners
- Lead or support the preparation of technical and financial proposals for donors, UN agencies, international NGOs, and other partners.
- Build and strengthen relationships with current and prospective clients, partners, and networks.
- Provide thought leadership on emerging issues, thematic priorities, and innovative approaches.
Culture
At Voluntās, we place as much value on how we work as what we deliver. The right candidate will:
- Bring a do-er attitude: proactively tackle challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.
- Bring innovative ideas and contribute to continuous improvement across projects and organizational culture, driving strategic objectives forward independently.
- Demonstrate a high level of personal initiative, accountability, and strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Enjoy working in a small, but dynamic team; spending time in the office, energizing and inspiring colleagues through mentorship and collaboration.
- Engage actively in team events and contribute to a vibrant and fun company culture.
- Be an independent thinker and problem solver, balancing autonomy with teamwork.
- Pay close attention to detail and quality, while always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
- Enjoy multitasking, thriving in both managing projects and contributing to business development, outreach, team growth, and mentorship.
Experience
- Experience engaging with Donors (EU, FCDO, BMZ, Global Affairs Canada, Norad, etc.), UN Agencies (UNICEF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNDP, etc.), and INGOs/CSOs (required)
- Track record of engaging with Ukrainian government ministries/institutions (desirable)
- Experience with business development processes, including proposal writing and partnership development (required).
- Expertise in the development and humanitarian sector in Ukraine, and on research, monitoring, or evaluation assignments (highly desirable).
- Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research (required). Familiarity with relevant tools (Stata, R, SPSS, NVivo, Atlas.ti, Python, or others) (preferred).
- Excellent writing and analysis capabilities, and ability to triangulate complex data sources and develop strategic recommendations (required).
- Proven track record in project management, including managing teams and budgets.
- Familiarity with data visualization and presentation methods (Excel, Powerpoint, Tableau, PowerBI) (desirable).
- Masters’ degree in sociology, political science, economics, law, international development or other relevant field (required).
- Native level written and spoken Ukrainian; written and spoken fluency in English (required); Proficiency in Russian, Romanian, Georgian, or other regional languages (desirable)
How to apply
Job listing: https://voluntas.keka.com/careers/jobdetails/38471
Please note that candidates should be a Ukrainian national and/or have a permit to live and work in Ukraine.
Don’t let the fact that you do not tick all boxes stop you from applying. At Voluntas we are committed to creating a diverse environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a community of colleagues from all continents and varied backgrounds.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply irrespective of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, or veteran status.
Interested candidates should apply here by sharing a resume (CV), grade transcript, and a cover letter (maximum one page) addressing the three points below:
- What does “meaningful work” mean to you, and how have you pursued it in your professional journey?
- Share an example of a time you took ownership of a complex challenge and mobilized others to move it forward. How did you approach it, and what does it say about your leadership style? What might you do differently in the future?
- Describe the three biggest weaknesses you will bring to Voluntās.
The cover letter (maximum one page) and CV must be written in English. Selected candidates will be invited for a written test/quantitative assessment followed by interviews to discuss their self-awareness, interests, and experience.
Deadline: September 30, 2025; 23:59 Kyiv time. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
For any inquiries feel free to contact Elizabeth Jones (ejo@voluntas.com).