Policy Advisor on Integrated Urban Regeneration

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. 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide targeted, high-level policy advisory support to the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine (MinDevelopment) in developing and refining national policy instruments and frameworks for socially equitable, climate-friendly, and economically sustainable urban development and recovery. 
• Deliver strategic expert advice to align national urban policy instruments and frameworks with the principles of the New Leipzig Charter (NLC) and the New European Bauhaus, while considering Ukraine’s EU accession requirements. 
• Advise on and support strategic digital transformation initiatives in urban planning, including the development and implementation of state-level urban planning cadastres and digital tools supporting national urban planning and investment reforms. 
• Support the establishment and strengthening of strategic partnerships and networks with Ukrainian and international stakeholders involved in just, green, and productive urban reconstruction and recovery. 
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and the dissemination of good practices and lessons learned related to urban recovery, integrated planning, and EU accession processes. 
• Facilitate and organise multi-level dialogue formats between national and local stakeholders to derive lessons from integrated neighbourhood development initiatives in partner cities and inform national recovery and urban planning frameworks. 
• Develop terms of reference for service contracts and grant agreements and coordinate the work of national and international consultants. 
• Ensure close coordination and cooperation with other projects within the GIZ Ukraine portfolio and with external partners to maximise synergies and strategic coherence. 
• Support project management in achieving overall project objectives and deliverables. 
• Perform additional duties and tasks as requested by project management. 

Required qualifications, professional experience and personal competences:

• University degree in law; additional qualifications in urban planning/architecture, geography, good governance, or public administration are a strong asset.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in political settings and multi‑stakeholder coordination, including liaison with ministries/regulators and drafting official correspondence (e.g. for parliament, ministries, public affairs, NGOs).
• Proven experience in providing policy advice and collaborating with Ukrainian ministries and other national or local government entities.
• Proven experience advising and supporting strategic digital transformation initiatives in urban planning, including the development of state-level urban planning cadastres and IT tools that facilitate key national reforms in urban planning and investment. 
• Strong knowledge of EU accession requirements, instruments and support programmes related to integrated urban development and recovery.
• Expertise in integrated urban development instruments and approaches, including integrated neighbourhood development and functional urban areas.
• Knowledge of housing sector policies is a strong advantage.
• Prior experience with international donors or donor‑funded organisations is an advantage..
• Strong analytical writing (minutes, reports, briefs) and facilitation skills; excellent diplomatic skills.
• High level of integrity with a strong commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Strong networking skills and proven ability to steer processes and provide strategic coordination in complex contexts.
• Great team player and strong motivation to contribute to the wider project vision and objectives 
• Fluent in Ukrainian and very good English language proficiency 
• Very good proficiency with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

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 flexible and remote work (depending on projects’ needs up to 10 days a month within Ukrainian border). 
• Meaningful and valuable work, international environment.

Employment conditions:

Full-time position with 40-hours working week. Place of assignment is Kyiv. Starting as soon as possible. The contract duration will be 12 months with the possibility of prolongation.

GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. 

We particularly encourage veterans and people with disabilities to apply.

Application:

We are looking forward to your application in English, comprising your CV and a Cover letter explaining your motivation to apply for the job to @email until COB 10 June 2026, Wednesday.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process.

Candidates are requested to submit their documents with the following title:

•  Surname Name_CV

•  Surname Name_Cover letter

By sending the application you give the consent for the personal data processing for recruitment processes solely according to GIZ data privacy regulations. You can familiarize yourself with these regulations by the link Data protection | GIZ