Center for Economic Strategy seeks Senior project manager (War-risk insurance), short-term position, for the WNISEF-funded project “Technical support for the Ministry of Economy regarding investments, war-risk insurance and development of the processing industries” in the context of support of Ukraine’s entrepreneurial system development in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine (MoE), CES major partner and WNISEF beneficiary, intending to restore and elevate Ukraine’s industrial potential to the European level estimate that it is necessary to establish approximately 600 modern productions in various sectors, including the textile industry, woodworking, construction materials manufacturing, green metallurgy, the food industry, machinery, and automotive. The approximate need for investments in such productions amounts to about USD 90 billion.

The pursuit of these opportunities requires a set of well-coordinated policy actions: in this regard, the MoE is establishing the Project Office to ensure and strengthen the economic development toolset. Through this assignment CES will provide short-term expert support to the MoE to assist with the workstreams on investments, international cooperation, war-risk insurance, and processing industries support, particularly as government resources are still scarce to efficiently manage and successfully implement such large-scale programs.

In particular, Senior project manager (War-risk insurance) will be responsible for assisting the Ministry with coordinating the development and implementation of comprehensive political and war risk insurance programs in Ukraine. 

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Collaboration with the National Bank of Ukraine (the “NBU”), Ukrainian Export Credit Agency (the “Ukrainian ECA”), foreign export credit agencies (ECAs), the World Bank, MIGA, DFC, IFC, EBRD, OECD, European Commission, UNDP, local and international insurance companies, brokers and underwriters as well as other stakeholders to negotiate and establish partnerships for the development and implementation of political and war risk insurance mechanisms in Ukraine;
• Development and implementation of mechanisms compliant with international standards for political and war risk insurance in Ukraine;
• Monitoring and evaluation of performance of political and war risk insurance programs in Ukraine and making recommendations for enhancements and improvements as necessary;
• Assisting the Ministry in coordination with International Financial Institutions (IFIs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and ECAs to cover political and war risk for investors;
• Identifying potential risks and challenges and developing mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions to the initiatives;
• Measuring success by the reduction in the perceived risk for investors and increased economic activity in war-affected areas;
• Assisting the team in maintaining and expanding business pipeline for insurance products;
• Identifying awareness needs of the private sector representatives about the war-risk insurance measures and proposing appropriate communication initiatives.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

• Degree, preferably in Economics, Business, Banking Sector, Insurance or similar;
• Knowledge in insurance broking and risk management, reinsurance / political/war-risk analysis of business ventures;
• Experience in provision of advice and solutions to companies and lenders looking to improve the return on their investments, protect their assets, and unlock opportunities for growth;
• Experience in preparing actionable analysis for companies facing political risk exposure;
• Experience working with a team under close supervision on international projects or investments while working at a political risk insurance firm, commercial bank, consulting firm, investment bank, international project development company, international financial institution, or multilateral organization; or
• Experience analyzing the underlying causes of changes in investment conditions and political climate at a non-profit, government agency or business that has international operations;
• Demonstrated initiative and problem solving skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Excellent English, both spoken and the ability to draft clear written communications.

The place of performance for this assignment is Ukraine (remotely and in person, as feasible), with relevant local travel required to fulfill the assignment.   

This assignment will require up to 12 months of LOE, from on/about 01 April 2024, through on/about 31 January 2025. 

Application Instructions:

Please send a CV and brief letter of interest in English indicating related experience and achievements by March 10, 2024, to [email protected]. Please include your name and “Senior project manager (War-risk insurance)” in the subject line. Please note the position is open for Ukrainian citizens only. Candidates will be reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.