Freelance Expert – Decentralization & Local Democracy in Ukraine (May-July 2025) | Jobs at EA Europäischer Austausch gGmbH / European Exchange

Freelance Expert – Decentralization & Local Democracy in Ukraine (May-July 2025)

Freelancer, Part-time · Berlin

About the role

We are seeking a freelance expert (May-July) to strengthen the policy and advocacy work of our program Kyiv Dialogue in the lead-up to and during the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC), scheduled for 10-11 July 2025 in Rome. This is a key opportunity to amplify the voice and agency of Ukrainian local communities and strengthen civic participation and local democracy in Ukraine’s recovery process.
The expert will develop policy content, coordinate expert roundtables, and design advocacy and exchange formats to connect Ukrainian civil society actors and associations with EU institutions and policymakers.

Kyiv Dialogue is an independent civil society platform dedicated to fostering dialogue between Ukraine and Germany. Founded in 2005 as an international conference format addressing social and political issues, it has moved to support civil society initiatives aimed at strengthening local democracy in Ukraine since 2014.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the focus has shifted to social resilience, cohesion, and security policy—including military support for Ukraine and Western sanctions policy.
Kyiv Dialogue is a program of the European Exchange.

Key responsibilities

Organize expert roundtables and dialogue events connecting Ukrainian stakeholders with EU institutions and international partners, particularly around the 2025 URC in Rome.
Design and coordinate advocacy and exchange visits for Ukrainian stakeholders to Brussels and other key European locations, with a focus on representing the needs of Ukrainian local communities.
Prepare and contribute to policy papers and briefings on decentralization and democratic local governance, in collaboration with Ukrainian and international partners.
Support Kyiv Dialogue’s strategic and programmatic planning by providing high-quality policy input and contributing to stakeholder network development.

Your profile

Proven expertise in decentralization, local governance, and democratic reform in Ukraine, including relevant stakeholders and civil society organizations
Excellent understanding of European Union institutions, policy-making processes and relevant support mechanisms for Ukraine.
Strong analytical and strategic planning skills.
Professional fluency in English and Ukrainian is required; German is an asset.
Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government, civil society, and international donors.
Strong intercultural communication skills and the ability to work independently.
Readiness to travel to Ukraine, Brussels, and other relevant European locations.
Valid work permit in Germany required.

What we offer

A meaningful short-term engagement with high impact potential.
Flexible, part-time freelance arrangement.
Opportunity to contribute to democratic recovery and EU integration efforts in Ukraine.
Collaboration within a committed and dynamic international team
Loft office in Berlin and remote working

How to apply

The contract runs from the earliest possible date until end of July 2025, with potential for extension depending on funding.

There is no fixed deadline – applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For any questions, feel free to contact us at: info@kyiv-dialogue.org

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About us

The European Exchange ("Europäischer Austausch gGmbH", EA) was founded in Berlin in 2005 and has since been committed to the democratic development of Europe and its neighbourhood. EA is committed to pluralism, open societies and respect for human and civil rights throughout our continent. The essential prerequisites for these goals are strong political institutions, free elections, and governments controlled by their citizens.

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Your application!

We appreciate your interest in the European Exchange (Europäischer Austausch gGmbH). Please fill in the following short form. Should you have any difficulties in uploading your files, please contact us by mail at info@european-exchange.org