Senior Military Engagement Officer, Ukraine (Ukrainian nationals only)

ABOUT CIVIC 

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm. 

CIVIC has been present in Ukraine since 2017, focused on constructive engagement between communities and the Ukrainian security and defense forces; the development of implementation of tools, training and policies on protection of civilians; and the promotion of a national Protection of Civilians policy. In March 2022, CIVIC’s work in Ukraine shifted to focus on the urgent need to protect civilians from the effects of the Russian invasion. CIVIC Ukraine also conducts research into topics that inform the sector, and advocates for protection of civilians at all levels. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org. 

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Senior Military Engagement Officer leads CIVIC's engagement with Ukraine's security and defense institutions to strengthen the protection of civilians through policy development, institutional partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives. 
Working as part of the Ukraine team, the incumbent provides strategic and technical leadership to military engagement activities, supports the development and implementation of protection-focused initiatives, and fosters collaboration with government institutions, security and defense actors, civil society organizations, and international partners. The role also contributes to advancing CIVIC's mission by promoting sustainable institutional change and strengthening civilian protection practices within Ukraine's security sector. 

LOCATION:                Kyiv, UKRAINE

TRAVEL:                     30% of time

REPORTING TO:         Senior Program Manager, Ukraine

STAFF REPORTING:   Two Program Officers

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure effective implementation of the projects, including meeting deliverables on time, within budget, and according to CIVIC and donor standards; 

• Develop project planning documents outlining strategies for policy advocacy, partners engagement, etc.; coordination with international organizations and local civil society; 

• Work with CIVIC personnel at HQ, especially the global military advisor, to develop the framework for the protection policy and work with relevant stakeholders on its adoption; analyze best practices on setting up CCMTs and developing SOPs to maintain its functioning; 

• Liaise with the relevant security and defense actors and other agencies for protection of civilian advocacy and coordinated training activities; 

• Identify key trends in human security and PoC and propose concrete research projects to study trends affecting PoC in the military and security forces of Ukraine; 

• Revise and provide additions to, and adapt, threat-specific curricula on protection of civilians and conduct trainings for security and defense actors, including but not limited to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, National Guard, State Border Service, National Police of Ukraine, and military educational institutions; 

• Ensure sustainability through incorporating the training curricula in educational programs of UA Armed Forces officers; 

• Work with national NGOs to identify and leverage existing training delivery mechanisms to distribute CIVIC training; 

• Conduct quality assurance and monitoring of the content and delivery of training materials, ensuring high standards and contextual relevance; 

• Manage a team of Military Engagement Officers, including assessment of deliverables, impact, and performance; oversee performance reviews, provide regular feedback, and support staff development; 

• Provide input from the Military Engagement Team to proposals, concept notes, monthly, quarterly, interim, and final donor reports, ensuring accurate reflection of activities and impact; 

• Provide subject matter input and expertise from the Military Engagement Team to research activities conducted by CIVIC, including sharing knowledge, field insights, and validation of findings; 

• Represent CIVIC with NGO and international organizations and government stakeholders and promote effective collaborations and partnerships; 

• Keep CIVIC’s international, domestic, and other partners informed about progress of projects and plans for the development of new activities; 

• Perform other duties as required to further the organization’s mission and goals in Ukraine. 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience of managing projects in the field of conflict and security; 

• Knowledge, experience, and understanding of issues civilians face during armed conflicts; 

• Experience training armed actors, preferably while serving in a military, specifically relating to protection of civilians and/or International; 

• Humanitarian law; additional experience working with police forces is also highly desired; 

• Prior experience working for an INGO/IO desired; 

• Understanding of and commitment to humanitarian principles; 

• Former experience as military officer operating successfully in conflict zones and with other security actors is preferred; 

• Experience in security and armed force training and participatory facilitation preferred; 

• Knowledge, experience, and understanding of civilian protection issues in armed conflict and understanding of the military/civilian/humanitarian spaces; 

• Proven ability to think analytically and plan strategically, including setting objectives and identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for our work; 

• Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere and as a team member; 

• Well organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize and implement programs in stressful environments; 

• Ability to write high-quality narratives and qualitative reports as well as public-facing products (op-eds, press releases); 

• Familiarity with the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, and an understanding of the current situation and major issues related to gender-based violence in Ukraine; 

• Demonstrated experience networking with government officials; 

• Experience in representing organizations in sensitive political and security environments; 

• Good knowledge of the eastern Ukraine context; 

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; 

• Computer literacy including excellent knowledge of MS suite. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced university degree preferably in international affairs, political science, human rights, etc; 

• Minimum 5-7 years relevant work experience required, including work in conflict zones; 

• Demonstrated tireless work ethic; 

• English, Ukrainian fluency mandatory. 

Additional Details 

Application Deadline: September 15, 2026 

Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will receive an email invitation with further details regarding the next stage of the recruitment process.

CIVIC is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.