Housing Policy, Market Development Specialist

The Housing Policy Specialist will play a technical support role in advancing HFHI’s mission in Ukraine by contributing to the development of inclusive, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions within the country’s evolving reform landscape. Ukraine is undergoing one of the most significant housing reform efforts in its modern history—driven by large scale war related destruction, massive internal displacement, and the urgent need to modernize an aging, inefficient housing stock. The Government of Ukraine is introducing new frameworks for social housing, rental housing, energy efficient reconstruction, and housing finance, while also aligning national policy with EU standards and post war recovery strategies.

Within this context, the Housing Policy & Market Development Specialist provides technical leadership to help shape and influence these reforms so they better serve low and middle income households, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups. The role supports HFHI in Ukraine in analyzing policy gaps, generating evidence, and advocating for regulatory changes that enable affordable housing supply, strengthen the rental market, and expand access to housing finance. The Specialist also contributes to the design of innovative financial mechanisms and market based solutions that can be scaled through public private partnerships and integrated into national recovery programs.

By combining policy expertise, market analysis, and stakeholder engagement, the Housing Policy Specialist ensures that HFHI’s programming and advocacy efforts are aligned with Ukraine’s broader reconstruction and housing reform agenda. The position strengthens HFHI’s role as a trusted technical partner to government institutions, financial actors, and international donors, helping to shape a more equitable and resilient housing system for Ukraine’s long term recovery.

This position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine and requires 30% of travel.

The actual salary offered for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including internal equity and the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package. The monthly gross pay starts at 90 930 UAH / month (based on previous experience + benefits).

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES? Policy Development & Advocacy (30%)

• Support HFHI Ukraine in co-leading national housing policy initiatives and advocating for reforms that promote affordable, inclusive housing
• Monitor and analyze housing policy developments, regulatory changes, and working group outputs at national and municipal levels
• Engage with government officials, policymakers, and sector stakeholders to influence housing policy frameworks and promote evidence-based solutions
• Contribute to the development of policy briefs, recommendations, and advocacy materials

Housing Finance & Market Development (30%)

• Provide advisory support for the design and implementation of innovative housing finance models, including microfinance, subsidies, mortgage schemes, and blended finance
• Assess existing housing finance systems and identify gaps affecting low- and middle-income households and vulnerable groups
• Recommend improvements to enhance affordability, accessibility, and financial inclusion
• Identify opportunities for public-private partnerships to mobilize resources for housing projects

Market Research & Analysis (20%)

• Conduct research on housing market trends, affordability challenges, and barriers to housing access in Ukraine
• Produce analytical reports, market assessments, and recommendations to inform HFHI’s strategic planning and program design
• Support evidence generation for policy advocacy and donor engagement

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships (10%)

• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, financial institutions, housing developers, NGOs, and international partners
• Collaborate with donors, private sector actors, and development organizations to secure support for housing initiatives
• Represent HFHI in relevant working groups, technical committees, and sector coordination platforms

Capacity Building & Technical Support (10%)

• Provide technical assistance to government counterparts, local partners, and HFHI staff on housing policy and finance mechanisms.
• Develop training materials, toolkits, and guidance documents, whenever necessary
• Mentor partners in implementing housing finance and policy solutions

WHAT DO WE REQUIRE?

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Development Studies, Urban Planning, Real Estate Economics, or a related field
• At least 3−5 years of experience in housing policy, real estate, urban development, or related fields in Ukraine
• Demonstrated experience working with or within Ukrainian government institutions
• Proven track record of collaboration with government agencies, financial institutions, and international development organizations
• Expertise in housing finance mechanisms (microfinance, mortgage lending, subsidies, credit schemes)
• Strong understanding of housing policy frameworks, affordable housing finance models, and public-private partnerships
• Excellent analytical, research, and report-writing skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities for effective stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of EU housing and resettlement policies is an advantage
• Fluency in Ukrainian and upper intermediate in English (written and spoken)
• Active support of HFHI values:
• Humility — We are part of something bigger than ourselvses
• Courage — We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular
• Accountability — We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission
• Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.

WHAT DO WE OFFER? We have a benefits package that invests in our employees' long-term personal and professional growth and well-being. Here’s a sample of what that includes:

• Meal allowance: 330 ₴ per day fully compensated by the employer.
• Internet, and cell phone allowance
• Credit for rehabilitation, sporting and cultural options
• Language training
• Extra days off
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to work for an International NGO contributing to eliminating poverty around the world and positively impacting millions of people annually
• Being part of a truly international environment — working with colleagues from various parts of the world
• Friendly and supportive working environment

Please submit your CV and cover letter English via Habitat Careers website. DEADLINE: Deadline for applications is July 2, 2026.