Description

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Position Status: Full-time, Regular (Open to both Expatriates and National applicants)

Risk Level:     ☒ Level 3       ☐Level 2         ☐Level 1 

(Level 3: Frequent contact with participants, direct contact with children, access to sensitive data, and/or high level of accountability.  

Level 2: Some contact with participants; unplanned non-direct contact with children.

Level 1: Likely to have no contact with participants or sensitive data)  

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions

into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.

Now, and for the future. 

The Program 

Enhancing resilience is at the heart of what Mercy Corps does and how we work. We strengthen the capacities of people, markets, and institutions to withstand shocks, reduce risk, and build more equitable, responsive systems. Through our programs, partnerships, and influence, we support communities to cope, adapt, and ultimately thrive. 

Since the escalation of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Mercy Corps has reached more than 1.2 million conflict-affected people across Ukraine and neighboring countries with life-saving humanitarian assistance and support to rebuild livelihoods, including war-affected micro, small, and medium businesses, farmers, and agribusinesses. Increasingly, we apply Market Systems Development (MSD) approaches to drive systemic solutions that create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic opportunities for conflict-affected populations. At the same time, we are helping communities and businesses secure reliable energy access, accelerating green recovery and energy resilience, and advancing Ukraine's transition toward low-carbon, climate-aligned systems through innovation, market-based approaches, and blended finance. 

Notably, nearly all our programming is delivered in partnership with civil society organizations — integrating program delivery, mutual growth, and experience exchange with a genuine commitment to localization. Accountability to affected populations (AAP) is at the core of Mercy Corps’ programming and we are committed to accountability to all our stakeholders, the resources that are entrusted to us, and especially to the people we serve. 

The Position  

The Strategic Program Advisor plays a pivotal role in translating Mercy Corps Ukraine’s strategic vision into funded initiatives, strategic partnerships, evidence, and influence, as the country program transitions toward a strategic leadership role in market systems development, economic resilience, agriculture, and energy resilience, and locally led recovery. The position drives cross-cutting strategic initiatives that link program implementation, evidence generation, business development, donor engagement, private sector partnerships, and organizational learning. Working closely with the Country Director, Director of Programs, and program teams, the Strategic Program Advisor identifies and pursues new strategic and business development opportunities, strengthens the evidence base underpinning Mercy Corps Ukraine’s programmatic pillars, and builds relationships with donors, private sector actors, and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to expand Mercy Corps’ influence and funding base in Ukraine.  

Essential Responsibilities

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

• Lead the implementation of Mercy Corps Ukraine’s strategic initiatives across market systems development, economic resilience, agriculture and agribusiness, and energy resilience, tracking progress and ensuring milestones are met.
• Develop pillar-level evidence and learning products, including a strategic evidence framework, that capture program impact, inform strategic decision-making and positioning for future funding.
• Prepare executive briefings, presentations, and thought leadership products that position Mercy Corps Ukraine as a strategic leader in its sectors of focus.
• Support the translation of Mercy Corps Ukraine’s strategic vision into funded initiatives, strategic partnerships, evidence, and influence.
• Facilitate quarterly strategic opportunity reviews with senior leadership to assess progress and refine priorities. 

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Prepare concept notes and coordinate strategic fundraising efforts, maintaining a strong concept note pipeline.
• Prepare Development Finance Institution (DFI) information sessions and investment briefing materials, and support development of a DFI engagement strategy.
• Identify, follow up on, and develop private sector partnership concepts, building a corporate partnership pipeline.
• Strengthen engagement with Mercy Corps’ Corporate and Foundations team to expand and diversify Mercy Corps Ukraine’s funding base.
• Maintain a donor engagement tracker and strategic opportunities tracker, ensuring timely and effective follow-up on all opportunities. 

PARTNERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Coordinate closely across Programs, MEL, Partnerships, Communications, and Grants Management and Business Development teams to ensure strategic initiatives are well-integrated and mutually reinforcing.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, private sector actors, and other strategic partners to advance Mercy Corps Ukraine’s strategic positioning and influence. 

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.
• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options. 

Supervisory Responsibility

None. 

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Country Director and Director of Programs

Works Directly With: Program Advisors and Program Teams, Program Quality Team, Regional and Global Support Team, Corporate & Foundations Team. 

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. 

Minimum Qualification & Transferable Skills

• Advanced degree in international development, economics, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international development, with demonstrated success in strategic program design, business development, and donor engagement.
• Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
• Proven track record developing successful concept notes, proposals, and partnerships that secure new funding, including from institutional donors, the private sector, and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).
• Strong experience in evidence generation and learning, with the ability to translate program data into strategic products and thought leadership materials.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including donors, private sector partners, and civil society organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce high-quality concept notes, briefings, and presentations for senior leadership and external audiences.
• Strong coordination and project management skills, with the ability to work across multiple teams and manage competing priorities. 

Success Factors

The successful Strategic Program Advisor will be a strategic thinker who is equally comfortable engaging with senior leadership, donors, and technical program teams. They bring strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative, consultative approach, working effectively across departments and cultures to bring people together around shared strategic priorities. They are a proactive self-starter who takes initiative in identifying new opportunities, anticipates challenges, and follows through on commitments with minimal supervision. Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling materials for varied audiences are essential. This individual demonstrates resilience and adaptability in a dynamic operating environment, remains calm under pressure, and is deeply committed to Mercy Corps’ mission, values, and approach to accountable, locally led programming. When these behaviors and attitudes are consistently applied, they will translate into more funding secured, stronger donor relationships, improved pillar-level evidence, greater organizational influence, and effective follow-through on strategic opportunities. 

Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions

The position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine and may be requested to travel — sometimes on short notice — to areas with limited access to medical facilities and amenities. We anticipate up to 20% travel to locations within the country. Housing for this role is in shared housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard. 

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development. 

Team Engagement and Effectiveness 

Achieving our mission starts with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together individuals with a variety

 of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to do their best work. 

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law. 

 Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline ([email protected]).