Deputy Team Leader – Recovery and Reconstruction Project (EU-funded) (M/W)

Описание

Ukraine continues to face the dual challenge of large-scale post-war recovery and progressing on its path to EU membership. In response, the EU and its Member States Germany, France, Denmark and Lithuania are preparing the launch of a Team Europe Initiative (TEI) focused on supporting Ukraine’s strategic, inclusive, and EU-aligned reconstruction. The initiative aims to strengthen governance, improve public investment management, and enhance coordination across levels of government, with a strong emphasis on EU values. The TEl is to be divided into two parallel and communicating streams ; one stream will gather the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark (Lead Organisation) and CPVA (Partner Organisation), and the second stream will be composed of GIZ (Lead Organisation) and Expertise France (Partner Organisation).
The Deputy Team Leader will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the multi-donor project in Ukraine, and will be responsible for all activities to be implemented by Expertise France, as part of the Team Europe initiative. S/he will provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and operational oversight for a critical component of the project, while also closely coordinating with and serving as a key support to the Team Leader (GIZ) in overall project management and representation. This position requires a seasoned professional with a strong understanding of recovery and reconstruction dynamics, EU project management methodologies, and the unique socio-political context of Ukraine.
Key Responsibilities:
A. Component Leadership & Technical Oversight (Approx. 60-70%):
Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Component dedicated to support of civil society and media, ensuring timely delivery of activities and achievement of component-specific objectives and results.
According to area of expertise of the selected candidate, provide high-level technical expertise and strategic guidance related to recovery and reconstruction, local governance, public procurement, civil society and media.
Develop detailed work plans, budgets, and resource allocation for the component, ensuring alignment with the overall project logframe and EU guidelines.
Oversee the technical quality of all component outputs, including studies, reports, training materials, and policy recommendations.
Manage and mentor a team of component staff, experts, and consultants, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
Identify and mitigate risks specific to the component, developing contingency plans in consultation with the Team Leader.
Ensure mainstreaming of cross-cutting themes within the component activities (e.g., gender equality, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, social inclusion, accessibility).
B. Deputy Team Leader Functions & Project Management Support (Approx. 20-30%):
Act as the primary point of contact and project representative in the absence of the Team Leader.
Support the Team Leader in overall strategic planning, operational management, and coordination of the entire project.
Contribute to the development of overall project reports, work plans, and financial forecasts for submission to the EU Delegation and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.
Assist in stakeholder management, including liaison with governmental counterparts (e.g., MCTD, sectoral Ministries, local authorities), civil society organizations, international partners, and the EU Delegation.
Represent the project at high-level meetings, conferences, and public events as delegated by the Team Leader.
Contribute to overall project risk management, security protocols, and duty of care considerations for all project staff, particularly in the context of Ukraine.
C. Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting & Learning (Approx. 10%):
Ensure robust monitoring and evaluation of component activities, tracking progress against indicators and targets.
Contribute to the preparation of timely and high-quality periodic project reports (progress reports, financial reports) for the EU Delegation and other relevant stakeholders.
Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning within the project team and with external partners, documenting best practices and lessons learned.
Participate in internal and external project reviews and evaluations.

Expertise France is the French agency for international cooperation, part of AFD Group, under the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Recovery. The agency develops and implements projects that sustainably strengthen public policies in low- and middle-income countries. Expertise France intervenes in key areas of sustainable development, such as climate, health and education, and contributes alongside its partners to the realization of the 2030 Agenda.
Expertise France in Ukraine
Ukraine is a long-standing partner of Expertise France, which has been present in the country since 2006, mainly through European technical cooperation programmes and bilateral technical cooperation programmes run by French administrations and institutions (some fifteen European twinning arrangements have been implemented).
In 2025, Expertise France's portfolio now includes 15 national projects and 3 regional projects, spread over two cross-cutting themes (European integration and reconstruction) and 7 sectors of activity:
Health and social protection
Rule of Law and Justice
Local governance and decentralisation
Innovation and support for the private sector
Economic and Financial Governance
Defence and security
Sustainable development and climate change adaptation 

Required Qualifications:
Education:
Master's degree in e.g., Public Administration, International Development, Political Science or a related field.
Professional Experience:
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in project management, technical assistance, or advisory roles in the fields of recovery, reconstruction, urban development, governance, infrastructure, or relevant sectors.
Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership experience in a Deputy Team Leader, Component Head, or similar senior management position on complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
Demonstrated experience with EU-funded projects (e.g., ENI, IPA, Neighbourhood Instrument), including familiarity with EU project management guidelines (PRAG), reporting requirements, and financial regulations.
Proven experience working in a conflict-affected or post-conflict environment, with direct experience in Ukraine being a significant asset.
Experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring capacity-building initiatives for governmental and non-governmental actors.
Strong understanding of Ukraine's reform agenda, decentralization process, and national recovery frameworks (e.g., DREAM Ecosystem).
Technical Skills:
Excellent project management skills, including planning, budgeting, risk management, and reporting.
Strong technical expertise in the specific component area (e.g., infrastructure resilience, public financial management, digital governance for recovery, accessibility standards in construction).
Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate diverse teams, including national and international experts.
Proficiency in data analysis and using monitoring and evaluation tools.
Advanced IT literacy, including MS Office Suite and project management software.
Language Skills:
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential.
Professional working proficiency in Ukrainian (written and spoken) is highly desirable and a significant asset.
Soft Skills & Competencies:
Strong leadership and mentoring abilities: Ability to inspire, empower, and guide a team in a challenging environment.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and international partners.
Cultural sensitivity and adaptability: Ability to work effectively in a diverse cultural context and navigate complex local dynamics.
Problem-solving and decision-making: Proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing effective solutions under pressure.
Resilience and stress tolerance: Ability to maintain performance and well-being in a demanding and unpredictable environment.
Commitment to the project's mission: Passion for supporting Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.