Вакансія: Capacity Development Advisor

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Ukraine is looking for a qualified professional for the project “Just and Green Urban Recovery Accelerator (GURA)” to fill the position of the:

Capacity Development Advisor (full-time, Kyiv)

(internal SAP code: Urban and Regional Development Advisor)

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project “Just and Green Urban Recovery Accelerator” (hereinafter – the Project) represents a strategic response to Ukraine’s urban challenges while fostering long-term sustainable development. By aligning with EU policies, international good practices, and national priorities, the initiative strengthens Ukraine’s urban governance, enhances climate resilience, and promotes inclusive growth in cities. With targeted interventions in capacity building, policy reform, and integrated planning, the Project contributes directly to Ukraine’s recovery and European integration aspirations.

The Project goal is to improve the requirements for the implementation of socially equitable, climate-friendly, resilient urban reconstruction and revitalization in accordance with the principles of the New Leipzig Charter and the New European Bauhaus (NEB) considering the EU accession agenda of Ukraine.

This shall be achieved with the help of evidence-based “model projects” for integrated urban reconstruction and recovery, which will be developed in selected partner cities as part of the “Urban Living Lab” approach. These model projects encompass both spatial planning and implementation-oriented elements (demo projects). With their exemplary and forward-thinking solutions, the projects will provide good practices for scaling-up as well as lessons learnt to inform Ukraine’s urban recovery and reconstruction framework considering the EU accession requirements. 

Main activities:

• Development and operationalization of sustainable capacity development support to urban practitioners in the selected urban lab partner cities of the Project and additional relevant stakeholders in the field of just and green urban recovery in Ukraine.
• Facilitation of close cooperation with strategic partnerships and initiatives in Ukraine in the context of climate-friendly and inclusive urban development considering the New European Bauhaus principles and the EU accession agenda.
• Facilitation of horizontal learning networks and knowledge exchange formats with Ukrainian and international stakeholders and practitioners in the field of just and green integrated urban recovery and reconstruction.
• Knowledge management and development of case studies, good-practices and communication materials for joint learning and scaling up of just and green urban recovery solutions in Ukraine.
• Project management support to the Project’s activities in the selected partner cities of the Project to implement the urban living lab approach and develop demonstrations projects in line with the Project’s main objectives.
• Close coordination and cooperation with other projects in the GIZ Ukraine portfolio and beyond to build synergies.
• Advice and support to the project management to achieve the Project’s main objectives.

Required qualifications, experience and competences:

• University degree in one or several relevant specializations in urban planning (architecture), geography, climate studies, good governance or in related fields.
• At least four years of professional experience in one of the following fields: development cooperation, urban and regional development, architecture and urban design.
• Experience in working with civil society, universities/educational institutions and/or international networks for knowledge generation, transfer and management, ideally in the field of integrated urban planning / climate-friendly and resilient urban development.
• Solid knowledge of key stakeholders in the fields of urban planning / green local recovery in Ukraine, including, civil society organizations, universities / educational institutions, private sector, associations, and other donor projects.
• Knowledge of integrated urban development instruments and approaches to integrated neighborhood development / functional urban area.
• Knowledge about the principles of the New European Bauhaus and / or the New Leipzig Charta is a strong advantage.
• Additional knowledge and/or professional experience one of the following fields would be a benefit: Ukrainian climate policy, post conflict and disaster urban recovery.
• Strong interest in broadening one’s knowledge, expertise and network on the abovementioned topics.
• Strong organizational and planning skills as well as solid experience in project management, including preparing of grant agreements and service contracts, conceptualizing and organizing event formats.
• Experience and interest in strategic communications as well as multi-stakeholder engagement approaches at national and city level.
• Experience working directly with city administrations would be an advantage.
• High competencies of communication and appropriate interaction with political and implementing partners.
• Very good writing skills and strong conceptual thinking abilities.
• Problem-solving, diligence and responsible working style.
• Strong team player; flexibility and ability to work in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• High level of integrity and willingness to take up responsibility.
• Very good user knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 ecosystem.
• Fluent in the Ukrainian and English language in verbal and written form.

We offer:

• Official employment.
• Salary fixed in EUR, performance-related bonuses and 13th salary.
• Medical insurance, 29 vacation days annually.
• Language classes, hard and soft skills trainings.
• Individual and group psychological support.
• Possible remote and flexible work.
• Meaningful and valuable work, international environment.

Employment conditions

The assignment starts as of April 2025. It’s a full-time position with 40 hours working week. Contract duration until 31.01.2028.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and offers an attractive and challenging working environment with opportunities for skill enhancement.

Application

Application comprising of the candidate’s CV and a cover letter in the English language explaining the motivation to apply for the job is to be sent to [email protected] until COB May 7, 2025, Wednesday.

By sending the application the candidate gives the consent for the personal data processing for recruitment processes solely. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.