Grants Development Manager

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 6 years of experience in project management, grant management, business advisory, or international cooperation. We are opening multiple positions and welcome applications from candidates at different seniority levels. 
• Understanding of grant instruments and programmes available to SMEs and private sector businesses, including EU-funded programmes, bilateral donor facilities, and private sector recovery instruments. Experience preparing or coordinating grant applications is a strong advantage.
• Experience advising businesses on international cooperation strategy: identifying relevant programmes, structuring partnerships, preparing applications, and managing reporting requirements.
• Strong project management skills: the ability to run multiple workstreams simultaneously, meet deadlines, and keep clients informed and engaged throughout.
• Strong analytical and writing skills. You will prepare grant applications, advisory reports, and client-facing materials to a high standard.
• Excellent written and spoken English. You will work on complex documents, liaise with international partners and donor representatives, and participate in meetings conducted in English. Ukrainian proficiency required.

• Comfort working across the private sector landscape: from early-stage SMEs to established Ukrainian companies to international businesses exploring the Ukrainian market.

   

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare and coordinate grant applications for SME and private sector clients across a range of available programmes, including EU facilities, bilateral donor instruments, and private sector recovery facilities.
• Advise SME and private sector clients on available funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application strategy.
• Support international businesses entering the Ukrainian market through private sector recovery facilities, including those operating under home-government grant or incentive schemes, by coordinating the process on the ground and liaising with relevant institutions.
• Help clients develop and articulate their international cooperation strategy, including identifying partnership opportunities and structuring cross-border collaborations.
• Build and maintain a structured database of grant programmes, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application requirements relevant to SME and private sector clients.
• Manage client relationships throughout the project lifecycle: from initial scoping and application preparation through to reporting and follow-up.
• Monitor the evolving landscape of SME support programmes and private sector recovery instruments and proactively flag new opportunities to the team and clients.
• Contribute to joint proposals and tenders where private sector or SME expertise is required.

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 on a diverse and meaningful portfolio — from helping Ukrainian SMEs access EU funding to supporting international companies invest in Ukraine's recovery.
• 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.