Policy Evidence Lead

Job Title: Policy Evidence Lead

Project Name: Ukraine Ministry of Veterans Affairs Institutional Strengthening (Vet-IS)

Location of Position: Ukraine, Kyiv (on-site)

Reporting to: Field Manager, with technical oversight from MoVA focal point

Remuneration: Fees are subject to negotiation in line with market rates

Indicative LOE/Time Frame: Full-time, November 2026 - June 2029

Citizenship: Ukrainian (preferred)

Language Requirements: Fluency in Ukrainian and English required

Application Deadline: 10 November 2026

Application Instructions:

1. A cover letter is mandatory to be considered. Cover letters should effectively align your skills and experiences with the specific job responsibilities outlined in the position's description, demonstrating your aptitude and enthusiasm for the role, your daily fee and current availability.
2. Click the "Apply Now" link to upload your cover letter and CV in English.
3. Only successful shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About Alinea:

Alinea is an international development consultancy providing technical and management expertise that helps people improve their lives. Alinea works with governments, investors, companies, and communities to create lasting change. Over 39 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1,000 projects worldwide. For more information, please visit Alinea International website.

Alinea International does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process. All offers of employment or job opportunities with Alinea International that include any form of a request for payment of fees or collect information on bank accounts are fraudulent. Any requests for such payment or information should be refused and reported to your local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action and to Alinea International.

At Alinea International we value diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility and belonging in everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer opposed to all forms of discrimination. We actively seek and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds recognizing that an inclusive workforce enriches our organization and achieves smarter, more innovative results.

Alinea is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates will be subject to due diligence checks and extensive background checks where appropriate.

Project Description:

The Ukraine Ministry of Veterans Affairs Institutional Strengthening (Vet-IS) project is a multi-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented in partnership with Ukraine's Ministry of Veterans Affairs (MoVA). The project aims to strengthen MoVA's capacity to lead, coordinate, and standardize a coherent national system of policies, programs, and services for veterans and their families.

The project supports institutional strengthening, policy development, inter-ministerial coordination, and the establishment of inclusive, rights-based service models to improve access, quality, and consistency of services nationwide.

About the Role:

The Policy Evidence Lead will establish and lead the Policy Evidence Lab, a one-stop shop for evidence on veterans' issues serving the Ministry of Veterans Affairs (MoVA).

Working closely with the Field Manager, MoVA counterparts, technical assistance projects, and research partners, the role coordinates research across the veterans' policy ecosystem, owns the research methodology, and translates findings into practical policy recommendations that support evidence-based decision-making.

The position requires strong methodological rigor, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple research providers and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Evidence Lab Leadership

• Lead the set-up and operation of the Policy Evidence Lab as a single point of access to research, data, and analysis on veterans' issues for MoVA and other line ministries
• Develop and maintain a research agenda aligned with MoVA's policy priorities and the Vet-IS work plan
• Supervise and guide the Data Analyst and short-term research experts

Research Coordination and Methodology

• Coordinate research activities across MoVA, and other technical assistance projects to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication
• Own the research methodology: define standards for research design, data collection, analysis, and quality assurance
• Review research products for methodological soundness, accuracy, and usability before they are shared with MoVA and partners

Translating Evidence into Policy

• Translate research findings into clear, actionable policy recommendations, policy briefs, and presentations for MoVA leadership and line ministries
• Provide evidence inputs to policy development, strategy implementation, and inter-ministerial coordination processes
• Support MoVA in building its capacity to commission, use, and communicate evidence

Subcontractor Management

• Manage research subcontractors, including research firms and think tanks: prepare terms of reference, agree workplans, monitor progress, and review and accept deliverables
• Support the Finance and Admin Officer with procurement and contract oversight for research services

Reporting and Learning

• Contribute to project work plans and to reporting to Global Affairs Canada and Alinea
• Work with the Results and Inclusion Specialist to ensure research and data support the project's MEL and GESI/GBA+ requirements

II Expected Deliverables:

• Policy Evidence Lab concept, research agenda, and annual research plans
• Research methodology standards and quality assurance procedures
• Policy briefs and recommendations based on research findings
• Terms of reference, workplans, and accepted deliverables for research subcontractors
• Contributions to project reports

Required Qualifications:

Mandatory

• Master's degree in public policy, social sciences, economics, statistics, or a related field
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in research and policy analysis
• Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodology
• Experience working with or for government institutions
• Experience managing research providers or subcontractors
• Demonstrated ability to translate research findings into policy recommendations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in MS 365
• Fluency in Ukrainian and English (written and spoken)

Preferred qualification

• Knowledge of veterans' affairs, social protection, health, or security and defence policy
• Experience setting up or leading a research unit, think tank, or evidence function
• Experience working with research institutions such as universities and think tanks
• Experience working on Global Affairs Canada-funded projects