The Project Lead will be responsible for the overall management and successful implementation of the Veteran Spaces Project, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the Veteran Space State Agency, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other national and international stakeholders. 

Reporting to the Field Portfolio Manager, the Project Lead will be supported by a Project Assistant, the Project Support Unit based in the Expertise France Country Office in Ukraine, and the relevant geographical and technical teams at Expertise France Headquarters, including the Peace, Security and Stability Department.

The Project Lead will oversee project delivery, coordinate the project team, manage institutional partnerships, and represent Expertise France in its engagement with Ukrainian authorities, NATO, international organizations and other partners. The position will also contribute to the visibility and coherence of France's engagement in Ukraine, in coordination with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE).

Beyond the successful delivery of the project, the Project Lead will contribute to shaping and institutionalizing one of Ukraine's most significant veteran reintegration reforms.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Strategic leadership

•         Lead the overall implementation of the project and ensure delivery of expected results.
•        Translate project objectives into operational work plans and measurable outcomes.
•      Monitor risks, maintain and update the project risk register on a quarterly basis, and adapt implementation strategies according to the evolving context.
•         Ensure compliance with Expertise France and NATO contractual requirements.
•     Contribute to overall project risk management, security protocols and duty of care considerations for project staff and partners, in the specific context of Ukraine.

Partnership and institutional coordination

•         Serve as the main focal point for the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Spaces Agency.
•         Prepare and coordinate the biannual Project Governance and relevant Technical Working Group(s).
•         Facilitate coordination between national authorities, regional stakeholders, civil society organizations, NATO and international partners.
• Promote ownership and sustainability of project achievements 

Program management

•         Ensure the definition and planning of all activities from the project.
•    Supervises implementation of both project components: 1/ development of the national Veteran Spaces model and governance framework; 2/ equipment of 14 new Veteran Spaces and operationalization of the full 21-space network.
•      Ensure coordination between technical assistance, capacity building, equipment delivery, digital integration and communication activities.
•         Oversee procurement, grants and service contracts where applicable.
•         Ensure compliance with EF and NAO standards and procedures during project implementation.

 Team leadership

•       Manage and support the project team including the Project Assistant, as well as international and national experts mobilized across both components.
•         Foster collaboration, accountability and professional development.
•         Promote an inclusive and high-performing working environment.

Financial and contractual management

•         Manage project budget and financial planning, in close collaboration with Expertise France's country office support functions (finance, procurement, contracts) and Paris headquarters.
•         Supervises contractual implementation and procurement processes.
•         Ensure timely reporting and compliance with donor requirements.

Monitoring, reporting and visibility

•         Ensure quality monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
•         Report to EF HQ for monthly and yearly reporting exercises.
•         Lead preparation of narrative and financial reports, in close collaboration with the portfolio manager in Kyiv and technical team in Paris, and ensure their timely delivery.
•         Promote visibility of the project in accordance with NATO communication requirements.
•         Capitalize on lessons learned and support knowledge sharing.