Country Director at IREX – Washington, District of Columbia

• Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing your qualifications for this critical role.

ABOUT IREX

For more than 50 years, IREX has delivered results in complex environments. We solve problems through partnership, bridge divides where interests conflict, and develop leaders committed to impact. The youth we empower build stronger economies. The educators we support improve learning for countless students. The critical thinking skills we advance help people make informed decisions about their futures.

We approach our work through three horizon goals: leaders bridge divides; learners succeed in the world of work; and people thrive in a technology-, AI-, and data-driven world.

In Ukraine, IREX has worked for over three decades to invest in human capital, catalyze innovation, and empower communities. Today, our efforts contribute to Ukraine’s resilience, recovery, and reconstruction through programming that expands access to education, strengthens workforce development, enhances informed decision-making, supports IDP integration, and advances veterans’ rehabilitation and reintegration. Through deep local partnerships, IREX builds systems that enable Ukrainians and their communities to thrive during and after the war.

POSITION SUMMARY

IREX is seeking a strategic, innovative, and collaborative Country Director (CD) to lead our Ukraine portfolio across education recovery, workforce development, local partner strengthening, community resilience, IDP integration, and veterans’ reintegration. Reporting directly to the Chief Impact Officer, the CD will serve as IREX’s senior representative in Ukraine, stewarding organizational strategy, external engagement, donor diversification, operational excellence, and staff and partner support.

This position requires the following:

Collaborative Problem-Solving:

The ability to bring together diverse stakeholders and build trust in a nonpartisan manner to create practical
solutions, especially in complex or contentious environments.

Results-Driven Action:

A proactive orientation that moves quickly from ideas to execution; pilots and tests solutions; and maintains disciplined focus on delivering measurable, high-impact outcomes — redirecting efforts when results do not materialize.

Intellectual Curiosity:

A commitment to learning, staying informed about emerging trends and evidence, and applying insights to solve problems in innovative ways.

Embracing Change:

Comfort with ambiguity and organizational transformation; the ability to adapt to shifting contexts, pivot strategies, and remain effective during transitions.

External Engagement:

Active relationship-building with partners, customers, and stakeholders, and the capacity to articulate IREX’s value proposition and represent the organization authentically in diverse settings.

Market Responsiveness:

The ability to design solutions based on what customers and partners need rather than merely what funding streams support.

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management & Oversight

Provide leadership and oversight to ensure that all programs in Ukraine are strategically aligned, well-coordinated, compliant, and delivering high-quality results

Ensure cohesive planning, implementation, and alignment across the portfolio

Oversee program performance with teams, ensuring compliance, adherence to quality standards, and excellence in results delivery. Lead teams in addressing risks and challenges with a solution-oriented mindset

Strategy, Donor Engagement & Business Growth

Monitor national and regional developments to inform strategic planning and organizational positioning

Lead a comprehensive donor engagement strategy with a diverse range of international partners, including bilateral and multilateral donors, European and U.S. government institutions, philanthropic organizations, and private-sector actors

Identify and cultivate opportunities aligned with IREX’s strengths and Ukraine’s recovery needs

Forge and sustain partnerships with national and local governments, local organizations, private-sector actors, and international donors

Guide the development of high-quality concept notes, proposals, and consortium strategies

Representation, Partnerships & External Relations

Serve as IREX’s senior representative in Ukraine and maintain cross-sector relationships

Strengthen IREX’s profile through strategic communications, media engagement, and thought leadership

Oversee strategic communications and ensure compelling visibility of IREX’s work

Advocate for IREX’s expertise across education, youth, workforce development, civic engagement, livelihoods, IDP integration, and veterans’ reintegration

Finance & Operational Oversight

Collaborate closely with the Deputy Country Director (DCD), providing strategic support and reinforcement to ensure all financial, operational, procurement, and compliance procedures align with Ukrainian law and IREX policies

Support the DCD in overseeing financial stewardship and promoting cost-effective use of resources across the Ukraine portfolio

Approve and sign documents, contracts, and agreements on behalf of IREX Ukraine, as delegated and in coordination with the DCD. Open, operate, and close IREX bank accounts as needed; maintain authorized signatory responsibilities

Ensure sound office management, security protocols, and duty-of-care measures in support of the DCD’s operational oversight

Maintain legal authority (e.g., Power of Attorney) for required Government of Ukraine transactions

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ years of demonstrated leadership experience required
• Substantial professional experience working in Ukraine
• Proven ability to navigate complex political, operational, and security environments
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-sector programs in challenging environments, including managing and motivating multidisciplinary teams
• Strong experience working with diverse international donors, including U.S. Government agencies, European Union institutions, bilateral donors, multilaterals, philanthropic organizations, and private-sector partners
• Proven track record in pipeline development and new business efforts, including leadership of major proposal processes and consortium building
• Proven leadership in working with local partners and positioning them as primary development actors
• Strong budgeting, financial oversight, and strategic planning skills. Excellent leadership, communication, representational, and organizational skills
• Deep understanding of the Ukrainian context required
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of Ukrainian highly preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

IREX seeks to attract the best-qualified candidates who support IREX’s mission and respect and promote excellence through diversity. IREX is committed to equal opportunity and follows recruitment and selection practices that comply with all applicable employment laws. To this end, IREX recruits, hires, trains, and promotes individuals based on merit and experience.

We conduct background and reference checks on all successful candidates.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE