Background
The OSCE, in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, implements the project “Involving and Supporting Youth in Crisis Management and Post-Conflict Rehabilitation in Ukraine” (Project), which is aimed at providing support to youth centers and spaces in the regions of Ukraine, as well as youth civil society organizations (CSOs) in matters of increasing the involving and supporting youth in crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation in Ukraine.
Within the framework of the project, it is planned to modernize the Information and Communication System (ICS) ‘Youth Centres and Youth Spaces of Ukraine’.
The ICS ‘Youth Centres and Youth Spaces of Ukraine’ is a key tool for the digital transformation of youth policy in Ukraine. It was created as a comprehensive solution for accounting, managing and supporting the activities of youth centres and youth spaces operating in different regions of the country. Its purpose is to create a unified digital environment that systematizes information on youth infrastructure, promotes transparent cooperation among participants in the youth sector, and supports communication at the national level.
Modernizing the system will expand its functionality, making it more inclusive, accessible, and adapted to the needs of people with disabilities and reduced mobility. It also includes updating the interface, introducing new search tools, filtering information, automating application review and certificate generation, and enabling analytics, reporting, and coordination at all levels.
Please note that this is a vacancy notice to enlarge the roster. Successful candidates are expected to work within several short-term consultancy assignments throughout the Project implementation. The detailed information regarding the dates and the duration of the contracts will be provided at a later stage. The consultants will be required to work from home with the ability to travel to perform tasks, if necessary.
Tasks
The OSCE is looking to recruit highly qualified experts on digital transformation of youth policy, who will be assigned the following tasks:
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Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the needs of users of the ICS ‘Youth Centeres and Youth Spaces of Ukraine’ through consultations and collection of requirements from the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Youth Centre, youth centeres and spaces, youth public organizations, as well as a comparative analysis with the current functionality of the system to identify gaps, technical limitations and areas for improvement.
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To form a technical vision and roadmap for modernization with the definition of priorities, stages, resources and implementation deadlines.
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Participation in the development of the updated architecture of the ICS, definition of user roles, access levels, scenarios of interaction between system components, coordination of the logic of operation between the backend, front end, databases, and Application Programming Interface, with mandatory consideration of the requirements for inclusiveness, accessibility, information security, fault tolerance, and compliance with DSTU EN 301 549:2022.
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Design and development of a modernized system UX/UI, including the creation of interface prototypes for the main page, user dashboards for youth centeres, administrators, and commission members, as well as for the “Grant History,” “Shelter,” and “Quality Mark” modules; ensuring intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, usability testing, and integration of accessibility features for users with disabilities and limited mobility.
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Compliance with the technical specifications for the modernization of the ICS, including a description of functional and non-functional requirements, data formats, database structure, information security requirements, integration with state and external electronic services (in particular BankID, Diya, id.gov.ua), as well as formalization of all business processes: registration of centeres and spaces, submission of applications for the National Quality Mark, verification of applicants’ electronic information cards, moderation, commission voting and automated generation of certificates.
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Development of a comprehensive package of methodological and user materials for all roles in the system, including step-by-step instructions, technical documentation templates, testing checklists, reference and advisory materials, as well as participation in the preparation and conduct of training events, consultations and technical sessions for system users.
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Supporting regular communication between the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Youth Centre and the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine.
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Ensuring compliance with the work schedule, priorities and quality of implementation, preparing regular reports, presenting interim and final results, and responding promptly to changes in requirements and requests.
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Supporting the process of implementing the updated version of the system into operation, participating in control testing of functionality, monitoring the stability of operation and correctness of implemented changes, providing support during the warranty period, assessing the effectiveness of modernization, and preparing strategic recommendations for the further development of the ICS in accordance with user needs and the priorities of state youth policy.
Job Requirements
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First-level university degree in the field of information technology and technical disciplines, as well as in management, public/policy administration, social sciences, and management, or in related fields.
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Minimum three (3) years of relevant professional experience at national and/or international level, in particular in management or consulting on digital projects; development and implementation of information systems or digital tools.
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Experience in project management in the public or social sector.
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Background in coordinating interaction between government agencies, civil society, and technical teams.
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Experience in implementing projects related to the digital transformation of youth policy or social infrastructure.
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Proven in-depth knowledge and understanding of issues related to youth policy, the functioning of youth centres in Ukraine, as well as relevant legislation and regulatory framework.
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Knowledge of national and international standards in the field of digital accessibility.
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Experience in co-operation with the Ukrainian Armed Forces will be an asset.
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Strong leadership skills.
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Good analytical, interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
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Professional fluency in English and Ukrainian with excellent communication (both oral and written) skills.
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Computer literacy with practical experience using Microsoft applications.
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Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
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Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
Remuneration Package
Remuneration will be paid in accordance with the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine established consultancy rates. Applicants are encouraged to include in their applications their financial proposals for the foreseen services.
Only online applications will be considered. To apply, please use the online application system at https://vacancies.osce.org; the Requisition/Vacancy Number is OSC000503. The deadline for applications is 9 January 2026.
Applications received after the published deadline will not be considered. Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted. Details of the assignment and contract may be further discussed during the interviews.
The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.
The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the organization.
Candidates should be aware that OSCE consultants shall conduct themselves at the highest personal and professional level at all times, while on assignment and shall not act in a manner which is likely to bring discredit to the Organization in general. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.
Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.
Additional Information