Call for External Experts (Consultant Roster) — Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Poland, Romania

Call for External Experts (Consultant Roster) — Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Poland, Romania

About Voluntās (Latin: will, goal, purpose, meaning)

Voluntās specializes in providing meaningful research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (RMEL) services in developing countries, conflict zones, fragile states, and transitional environments. We use insights to inform fact-based recommendations and policy options grounded in extensive research and data collection. Our goal is to generate positive, sustainable impact for populations affected by crisis, improving their living standards and access to rights.

To date, Voluntās has implemented more than 250 projects in volatile regions with partners including UN agencies, the EU, USAID, and international NGOs. We operate in nine countries, with ongoing projects across East and North Africa, the Middle East, and Ukraine. Our work spans policy and programming, needs assessments, perception studies, contextual analysis, and monitoring and evaluation. Thematic areas include environment and climate change, conflict resolution, employment, food security, gender, governance, human rights, migration, political economy, prevention of violent extremism, public health, WASH, and youth.

Since 2023, we have an established office and team based in Kyiv, Ukraine and an expanding portfolio of projects in Ukraine and the region.

To support us in delivering our growing portfolio of projects, we are seeking qualified candidates for potential long- and short-term consultancies on research, monitoring, evaluation, and strategic advisory on diverse thematic areas. Consultancies will mainly be remote unless travel is required for the specific assignment.

Your profile

Candidates will be expected to provide technical expertise and guidance across various stages of project cycles – from the design of the methodology and instruments to the analysis of findings and recommendations. We welcome diverse profiles that meet the requirements and selected desired criteria below:

Requirements:

• Master’s or PhD in relevant fields or equivalent based on experience
• At least five (5) years of experience in a relevant field (as a researcher or practitioner)
• Thematic expertise in governance, economics, climate, agriculture, food security, energy, organizational development, humanitarian assistance, health, youth, education, conflict resolution, migration, human rights, or other relevant thematics in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Georgia, or other countries in the region.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Ukrainian, Russian, or other regional languages are a plus.
• High level of personal initiative, accountability, and a strong work ethic
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team

Desired additional criteria:

• Extensive contextual and historical understanding of regional issues in Ukraine and/or Eastern Europe.
• Knowledge of end-to-end implementation of research, monitoring, and evaluation projects—from design and planning to data collection, analysis, reporting, and client presentations.
• Knowledge of research methods for social science (qualitative and/or quantitative)
• Experience engaging with Donors (EU, FCDO, BMZ, Global Affairs Canada, Norad, etc.), UN Agencies (UNICEF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNDP, etc.), and INGOs/CSOs
• Track record of engaging with government ministries/institutions in Ukraine and/or other Eastern European countries. 
• Technical expertise in statistical analysis, data visualization, dashboard development, GIS, social media listening or other relevant capabilities.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).