Program Officer

Company Overview

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the world through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include Enterprise Ecosystems, Democratic Governance, Business Advocacy, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Anti-Corruption & Ethics, and Trade.

Position: Program Officer, Ukraine (Remote/Based in Kyiv, Ukraine)

Reports to: Program Manager, Ukraine

Period of Performance: September 2026 – September 2027

Scope: CIPE is seeking a temporary full-time position with the possibility of extension based in Kyiv, Ukraine, to support National Endowment for Democracy (NED)- funded projects in Ukraine. The Program Officer will report to CIPE’s Kyiv-based Program Manager, Ukraine and will work closely with CIPE’s Eastern Europe team and Anti-Corruption and Governance practice area to oversee program management, procurement and grant management while ensuring full compliance with the NED and U.S. government donor regulations, and CIPE’s internal policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage a portfolio of projects and grants for Ukraine, supportive of CIPE’s overall goals and strategies for the country and in collaboration with local partner organizations and CIPE team members.
• Develop project concept papers, proposals, reports, and correspondence.
• Identify potential partner organizations and beneficiaries in the region and collaborate to design effective democratic and economic-reform programs.
• Collaborate with partners to refine project proposals, monitoring and evaluation plans, and project budgets.
• Establish and maintain regular communication with project partners and other stakeholders.
• Evaluate projects through on-site visits, file reviews, and coordination with independent evaluators, where appropriate.
• Oversee project financial management and budgeting, including developing monthly budget forecasts and comparing against actual spending. Lead budget realignment processes when necessary, working with CIPE’s Grants Manager.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage contracts, subgrant agreements, and modifications with partners and vendors, ensuring compliance with donor, procurement, and organizational requirements.
• Coordinate procurement processes, including competitive solicitations, bid evaluations, price analyses, approval documentation, and sole-source justifications in accordance with CIPE policies.
• Maintain complete and accurate procurement, contract, and grant records, including documentation archiving, deliverable tracking, payment schedules, and agreement renewals.
• Monitor grantee and contractor performance, reviewing invoices and supporting documentation to ensure compliance and timely implementation.
• Collaborate with multiple CIPE departments to achieve programmatic goals, including Communications, Grants and Finance, and other regional teams.
• Monitor local political and economic developments in Ukraine and the broader region, as they pertain to programming. Report on these developments in weekly staff meetings, monthly written reports, and more frequently by email when the situation requires it.
• Draft monthly and weekly internal reports to CIPE’s Washington, D.C. office and contribute to funder reporting, translating documents when necessary.
• Adhere to appropriate CIPE and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields is required: International Relations, International Business, Economic Development, Political Science, Regional/Area Studies or Public Policy.
• Master’s degree, or the equivalent experience in International Relations, International Business, Economic Development, Political Science, or Public Policy is preferred.
• Minimum 3-7 years of professional experience with international assistance programs, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, and/or associations.
• Minimum 3-7 years of experience with project budgets, financial management, and procurement, preferred.
• Background in Eastern European or international affairs with an emphasis on political and economic issues and/or democracy development programs required.
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken in English and Ukrainian.
• Experience with international development and topics consistent with CIPE’s mission, including business ethics, democratic governance, business association advocacy, entrepreneurship, and others.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, establish, and maintain good relationships with international partners, donors, and colleagues.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated thought leadership skills are required.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment, as well as independently with minimum supervision; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to supervise, develop and manage young professionals and other staff, when applicable.
• Proficiency in MS-Office, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• High degree of cultural competence.
• Commitment to free market principles and the democratic ideals of freedom, participation, prosperity, and growth.