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

The Office will function as an interface between policymakers in Ukraine and the EU—such as politicians and government officials—and policy shapers, including experts and think tank leaders. It will foster improved common analysis and policy development while complementing traditional technical assistance and the work done by individual think tanks and research institutions. The Office will attract leading policy shapers from think tanks, research centers, and other institutions in Ukraine and The European Union, strengthening cross-border policy dialogue and collaboration. The goal is for the Office to employ around 15 staff when fully operational. Funding for the first three years is secured through Swedish Sida and the EU.

UI/SCEEUS is seeking a dynamic, experienced Manager and Thought leader to lead the establishment and operation of the Office. This is a rare opportunity to be part of an exciting project at a pivotal moment in Europe’s history. The Director must be a strategic thinker with strong management and operational problem-solving and management skills of development funded projects, capable of navigating a highly challenging environment, especially in light of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.

The Director will represent the Office in interactions with key stakeholders in Ukraine and the European Union and will play an active role in public discussions, including media representation.

The Director will come from an EU member state and will work closely as a team with a Ukrainian Deputy Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment and management of the European Think Tank Office in Kyiv under the supervision of UI/SCEEUS.
• Ensuring that the Office contributes to Ukraine’s EU-integration in line with the project’s goals through policy analysis and recommendations, events and other output and to ensure high quality policy-relevant output, impacting policy processes in Ukraine and in the EU, as well as produce own policy analysis. 
• Recruit and supervise a diverse team of Policy Fellows and support staff through clear leadership and the ability to inspire and motivate.
• Ultimately responsible for the work environment at the Kyiv office.
• Set strategic priorities for the Office, oversee their execution, and ensure compliance with donor requirements and budgets.
• Provide policy analysis and supervise policy analysis produced by Policy Fellows to ensure high-quality, policy-relevant output facilitating Ukraine’s EU-integration.
• Represent the Office publicly, including at events, in the media, and with key stakeholders both in Ukraine and across EU member states and EU institutions.
• Foster collaboration with partner think tanks in the EU and Ukraine to attract visiting Policy Fellows.
• Build and maintain a wide network of contacts with policymakers in Ukraine, EU member states, and EU institutions.
• Report to UI/SCEEUS Senior Management and an Advisory Board.
• Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements, including relevant anti-corruption measures.
• Secure additional funding from new donors both domestically and internationally to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Office.
• Ensure the security and safety of the operation, its staff and visiting fellows, in line with duty of care responsibilities.

Experience and Skills Required

• Relevant higher education.
• Extensive experience working in diplomacy/public service and/or in research institutes/think tanks, in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of policy processes, particularly within the EU.
• A minimum of 10 years' experience managing a team of senior experts.
• Experience working with or in Ukraine.
• Experience in project management, human resources, and budgeting (including fundraising and donor reporting).

Personal Characteristics

• Ability to be operational and agile in a challenging political and security environment.
• Outstanding leadership, management, and collaboration skills.
• A strong focus on quality output, with the ability to set and drive strategic priorities, creating impact.
• Ability to lead and empower a team of experts.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under tight deadlines.

Language Skills

• Fluency in English is essential.
• Proficiency in Ukrainian (or another Slavic language with an intention to learn Ukrainian) is advantageous.

Position Details

• Seniority: Senior
• Reports to: UI/SCEEUS Management and an ETTO Advisory Board
• Location: At least 70% of time in Kyiv, Ukraine (contracted by UI in Stockholm)
• Contract Type: Annual full-time contract with an 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 of no more than two pages and your Curriculum Vitae (CV) with at least two referees.

The application deadline is May 28th; however, the position may be filled prior to this date.

Union representatives:

Julia Kviberg, Unionen, julia.kviberg@ui.se.

Hugo von Essen, Akademikerförbunden, hugo.vonessen@ui.se.