CARE Ukraine is seeking an interim Program Development (PD) Lead to support program development until a long-term PD is recruited and comes on board. The interim PD Lead is required to start as soon as possible, ideally by early November 2025. The role will be completed by 28 February 2026. During this four-month period the interim PD Lead is required to work up to 45 working days, as per task orders issued by CARE Ukraine. At least 60% of the time the consultant is required to be based in Ukraine, working out of the Kyiv office, including at the outset of the consultancy and during peak proposal development periods. The balance of the time (up to 40%), the consultant may work from home, in a location not more than 2 hours’ time difference from Kyiv (ie GMT +2 to GMT + 4).

Program Development Lead role
The PD Lead is responsible for leading CARE Ukraine’s efforts to design new programs and raise new funding. He/ she works with the Program Quality (PQ) Lead, the Partnership Unit, Finance Department, HR Department and Safety and Security Manager to develop quality, winning concept notes and proposals for submission to donors.

Tasks which are undertaken by the PD Lead include

Lead the proposal development planning process, including analysis of funding calls, development and monitoring of proposal development plans, organizing proposal kick-off meetings, ensuring the engagement of the relevant teams and ensure timely submission of CARE Ukraine proposal checklists and other assessments
In collaboration with technical advisors and others, lead the development of high-quality narrative components for Concept Notes and Proposals, in line with CARE Ukraine’s priorities and donor requirements
Perform a principal role in consolidating technical narratives, budget and relevant annexures with the contributions from relevant technical, finance and other team members, partners and other stakeholders, ensuring their alignment to the purpose of the call/ opportunity; and edit and proofread content to ensure high-quality final proposal output
Make informed and strategic decisions on the technical and contextual content included in the narrative.
Closely work with DCD P, Program Quality Lead and Technical Advisors to gather information and insights to enhance the quality and relevance of concept note/proposal content.
Deliver high-quality, tailored content for technical and financial proposals or related documents in full compliance with CARE Ukraine and quality standards.
Ensure consistency in proposal writing by complying with CARE Ukraine standards and donor requirements.
Leading the GO/ NO GO process for new prospects
Coordinating the concept note/ proposal development process, ensuring that relevant members of the team collaborate, and that the concept note/ proposal is completed and submitted prior to the deadline
Development of boiler-plate language for concept notes and proposals
Writing key non-technical sections of concept notes/ proposals, and supporting technical staff in the writing of technical sections
In the case of major proposals where an external (consultant/ secondment) proposal writer is recruited, manage the work of the proposal writer
Ensure that any concept note/ proposal that is submitted is compliant with donor requirements and CARE policies
Interim PD Lead role

The consultancy is to provide interim support for program development while recruitment for the Program Development (PD) Lead position is underway.
The Interim PD Lead will focus on the writing of new proposals and concept notes which are due for submission either within the period of the consultancy, or soon thereafter.
The priority tasks for the Interim PD Lead are thus to lead the development, review, and submission of high-quality proposals, concept notes and donor pitches and ensure all submissions are accurate, complete, and meet donor requirements.
Priority proposal development tasks

Lead on the design, development and submission of the Later -day Saints Charities full proposal for 2026
Lead on the development of and submit the ECHO Single Form for CARE Ukraine proposed actions under the HIP in FY26
Lead on the development of and submit CARE Ukraine’s proposal in response to the expected GFFO and BMZ calls for proposals for FY26
Lead on the design, development and submission of the UN Ukraine Humanitarian pooled fund proposal for 2026
Lead on the design, development and submission of the concept note for the anticipated DANIDA FY26 humanitarian CfP
Lead on the design, development and submission of the International Climate Initiate ‘IKI’ concept note anticipated to be launched in November 2025
NB: this isn’t an exhaustive list flexibility

Lower priorities are

To monitor donor funding strategies and trends and to propose adjustments to CARE’s donor engagement and fundraising strategies
to foster strategic partnerships and alliances with INGOs, CSOs, government agencies, and private sector actors
Required qualifications and skills

At least five years’ experience in program development with international NGOs or national CSOs
At least three years’ experience working in a context similar to that in Ukraine, or in a HO role in support of program development in a context similar to Ukraine
Understanding of the Ukraine context
Strong team management skills
Experience and excellent skills in collaborating across teams
Demonstrated strategic thinking ability
Excellent English writing skills with proven ability to develop high quality concept notes and proposals
Desired qualifications and skills

Experience preparing proposals for submission to donors such as Netherlands DGIS, DANIDA, SDC, GFFO, BMZ, ECHO, Humanitarian Pooled Fund ECHO, other European MoFA’s, UN, HPF etc.
Experience working in support of humanitarian/ development programs in Ukraine
Experience living in Ukraine
Master’s degree or equivalent in a field relevant to international humanitarian or development programs
Experience working in both humanitarian and development contexts
Experience with both institutional donors and foundations

Please send your resume/CV