Development Finance Lead

Connecta Projects is a newly launched business unit within the Connecta Consulting Group, a Ukrainian social impact group dedicated to Ukraine's reconstruction, European integration, and international cooperation.

Connecta Projects sits at the intersection of development finance and project advisory. We help Ukrainian municipalities, businesses, SMEs, and public institutions access and benefit from international funding and cooperation. In practice, this means developing funding applications, structuring bankable projects, advising on DFI and IFI instruments, and building the partnerships that make complex cross-border initiatives happen.

Being new means two things at once. You join a group with established operational processes, financial infrastructure, and a track record of delivery and at the same time, you get in early enough to shape how Connecta Projects works, what it stands for, and where it goes. We are looking for people who find that combination exciting.

We are currently opening several positions at this profile across seniority levels — from Project Manager to Senior Manager — because we are building the team from the ground up and are open to strong candidates at different stages of their careers. The right level and scope of the role will be shaped together based on your background and ambitions.

What skills and experience will be valuable:

• At least 3 to 7 years of experience in development finance, public investment management, project finance, or a related field. We are opening multiple positions and welcome applications from candidates at different seniority levels. 
• Understanding of international public finance instruments, including Ukraine Facility, and bilateral donor instruments. You do not need to have worked across all of these, but you need to know how they work and how to navigate them.
• Experience developing, structuring, or preparing projects for external financing  (feasibility assessments, investment memos, financing applications, or bankable project documentation).
• Familiarity with the types of clients we serve, such as Ukrainian municipalities and communal utility companies (water, heating, energy), public institutions, or private sector businesses seeking access to international capital.
• Ability to think through a project from concept to financing structure, identifying the right instrument, the right partners, and the right sequencing.
• Strong analytical and writing skills. You will produce project documents, financing proposals, and client-facing materials to a high standard.
• Excellent written and spoken English. You will work on complex documents, engage with international partners, and participate in meetings conducted in English. Ukrainian proficiency required.
• Experience in either public investment management or private sector project finance is equally welcome.

Key responsibilities:

• Identify, develop, and structure projects for DFI and IFI financing, including projects for Ukrainian municipalities, communal utilities, public institutions, and private sector clients.
• Map and monitor relevant international financing instruments and programmes and match them to client needs and project pipelines.
• Manage the preparation of  bankable project documentation, including concept notes, feasibility inputs, financing applications, investment briefs, and supporting materials.
• Work closely with clients to understand their investment needs and translate those into viable project structures and financing strategies.
• Coordinate with financial modelling, legal, and advisory colleagues to ensure projects are technically sound and ready for submission.
• Build and maintain a structured database of financing instruments, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and active project pipeline.
• Contribute to proposals and tenders where development finance expertise is required, including joint applications with partner organisations.
• Stay current on the evolving landscape of reconstruction finance and international investment instruments relevant to Ukraine.

What we offer:

• A founding-team opportunity. You join a new company with the backing and infrastructure of an established group, and you have real power to shape how it grows.
• Work at the centre of Ukraine's reconstruction finance landscape, on projects that matter and with instruments that are actively being deployed.
• A carefully assembled team of experts across international cooperation, advisory, and finance.
• No micromanagement. Results and deadlines are what matter.
• Office in the city centre of Kyiv, 5 minutes walk from the metro, in Business Centre Leonardo near the Opera.
• Hybrid format: a mix of office days and remote work, arranged to fit how we all work best.
• Leadership that listens and trusts.
• Room to grow both within your role and across Connecta Projects' expanding portfolio.

We are opening multiple positions and reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 10 business days. If you don't hear from us this time, your profile will be kept in our talent pool and we will reach out when a relevant opportunity arises.