The Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI) is establishing a European Think Tank Office (ETTO) in Kyiv through its Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS). This Office will be a central hub for forward-looking policy analysis on Ukraine’s EU accession and the unique security context in which it is unfolding. It aims to be a visible and influential participant in both European and Ukrainian policy debates, supporting Ukraine’s EU integration during this critical and transformative phase.

UI, founded in 1938, is Sweden’s leading center for research and information on foreign and security policy. Through research, analysis, conferences, and publications, UI fosters informed dialogue and contributes to public debate on global affairs. With over 70 employees and two national knowledge centers—the Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS) and the National Knowledge Centre on China (NKK)—UI continues to grow. The institute recently moved into newly renovated premises in the historic Admiralty House on Skeppsholmen in Stockholm.

The office in Kyiv serves as a dynamic interface between policymakers in Ukraine and the EU—such as politicians and government officials—and policy shapers, including experts and think tank leaders. It fosters cross-border analysis, policy dialogue, and collaboration, complementing traditional technical assistance efforts and research work. The goal is for the Office to have around 15 staff when fully operational, with funding secured through Swedish Sida and the EU for the first three years.

UI/SCEEUS is now seeking a Deputy Director to support the Director in establishing and operating this unique and ambitious initiative. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Ukraine’s European future through high-level policy work, leadership, and collaboration in an international setting. The Deputy is expected to be a strong thought leader and an experienced manager contributing to the leadership of the Office as well as producing policy-relevant output.

The Deputy Director will be based in Kyiv and work closely with the Director. The Deputy Director is expected to be a Ukrainian citizen with extensive local knowledge, experience, and network.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Director in the strategic and operational leadership as well as the establishment of the European Think Tank Office. Lead the Office in the absence of the Director.
• Help ensure that the Office delivers high-quality, policy-relevant analysis and recommendations that contribute to Ukraine’s EU integration, and to optimize the outreach and impact of the office’s output.
• To be a thought leader and to guide and contribute to the production and review of policy outputs and help coordinate the intellectual output of Policy Fellows.
• Help recruit and manage a diverse team of staff, including providing support for a positive, safe, and inclusive work environment.
• Represent the Office in Ukrainian public and policy discussions, including in media and at events, in coordination with the Director.
• Assist in building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders in Ukraine, including policymakers, think tanks, civil society actors, and media.
• Act as a key liaison with Ukrainian partners and help ensure that the Office remains attuned to local developments and needs.
• Contribute to fundraising for the Office to ensure its sustainability.
• Support compliance with donor requirements, project reporting, and relevant administrative procedures.
• Contribute to ensuring staff security and wellbeing in a challenging and dynamic environment.
• Higher education in political science, international relations, law, or a related field.
• Significant experience in public service, diplomacy, or the think tank/research sector, ideally with a focus on European or Ukrainian policy.
• Strong understanding of the EU as well as the Ukraine’s EU integration process and its policy landscape.
• Experience managing teams or projects in complex environments.
• Experience with donor-funded projects, including budgeting and reporting, is an asset.
• Ability to be operational and agile in a challenging political and security environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and strategically in a leadership role.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster trust-based relationships with partners.
• Capacity to operate effectively under pressure and in a demanding political and security environment.
• Commitment to high-quality work and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Experience and Skills Required

• Higher education in political science, international relations, law, or a related field.
• Significant experience in public service, diplomacy, or the think tank/research sector, ideally with a focus on European or Ukrainian policy.
• Strong understanding of the EU as well as the Ukraine’s EU integration process and its policy landscape.
• Experience managing teams or projects in complex environments.
• Experience with donor-funded projects, including budgeting and reporting, is an asset.

Personal Characteristics

• Ability to be operational and agile in a challenging political and security environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and strategically in a leadership role.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster trust-based relationships with partners.
• Capacity to operate effectively under pressure and in a demanding political and security environment.
• Commitment to high-quality work and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Language Skills

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is essential.

Position Details

• Seniority: Mid to Senior level
• Reports to: ETTO Director and UI/SCEEUS Management
• Location: Based in Kyiv, Ukraine
• Contract Type: Annual full-time with the option for extension during the initial three-year project phase
• Start Date: As soon as possible, ideally by the end of summer/beginning of autumn

Please submit your application, including a personal letter (maximum two pages) and your CV with at least two referees.

Application deadline: 22 August 2025

The selection process is ongoing and includes interviews and reference checks. The position may be filled before the application deadline.


We value diversity and inclusion and strive to create a workplace where everyone feels welcome. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.