Grant Writer & Defense Program Coordinator

Job Opening: Grant Writer & Defense Program Coordinator

• Location: Kyiv, Ukraine (In-person office)
• Organization: Defense Tech for Ukraine (DTU)
• Employment Type: Full-time / Contract
• Compensation Structure: Base Salary + Milestone Performance Bonus
• Base Salary: $800-1200 USD per month
• Performance Bonus: Up to $200 USD per month upon successful award and initial disbursement (at least 33%) of target grant(s)
• Point of Contact: jobs@defensetechforukraine.org

About the Role

Defense Tech for Ukraine (DTU) is seeking an experienced, highly-motivated Grant Writer & Defense Program Coordinator to join our team in Kyiv. In this role, you will help secure international non-dilutive defense funding and support the end-to-end integration of battlefield technologies—from frontline feedback to European and NATO compliance.

Veteran Preference & Physical Accessibility Note:

We strongly encourage applications from disabled Ukrainian military veterans . Please note that our current Kyiv office building is located in an older structure and is not wheelchair accessible (stair access required).

Key Responsibilities

1. Grant Identification & Proposal Development

Research, monitor, and map suitable grant calls across major international defense pipelines, primarily:

• European Union / European Commission: European Defense Industry Program (EDIP), European Defense Fund (EDF), and EU Defense Innovation Scheme (EUDIS).
• NATO Initiatives: Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Program and Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
• US Defense & Security Assistance Programs. Draft, assemble, and submit competitive grant proposals, narrative descriptions, budgets, and compliance documentation under DTU guidance.

2. Defense Ecosystem Liaison & Field Coordination

• Coordinate directly with Ukrainian defense tech hardware manufacturers and front-line end-user soldiers to identify operational needs and technical specifications.
• Facilitate defense innovation certifications and regulatory submissions with Brave1 , the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, and relevant European defense authorities.
• Identify western firms open to partnering with Ukrainian defense firms
• Help organize and track prototype testing schedules, field trials, and combat feedback reporting.

3. Compliance & Grant Administration

• Oversee post-award reporting and compliance monitoring once funds are disbursed.
• Ensure all expenditures, procurement activities, and milestone reports align strictly with European Commission, NATO, or partner mission requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Grant-writing experience: Prior experienced is required for this role. In the future we may consider entry-level coordinators who we will train up on the role. In addition to grant writing skills, we are looking for someone resourceful, tech-literate, and eager to improve their knowledge of the mechanics of international defense procurement and grant mechanisms.
• Language Skills: Functional English proficiency (must be able to read guidelines, draft formal written applications, and communicate with international partners) along with fluent Ukrainian.
• Computer Literacy: Highly tech-literate; proficient with standard productivity suites (Google Workspace/Docs/Sheets), online application portals, project management tools, and secure communications.
• Work Location & Schedule: Must be based in or near Kyiv and able to work on-site at DTU's Kyiv office 3-5 days per week (with flexibility on office hours and remote work for non-office days).
• Mindset: Proactive problem solver, strong organizational skills, and high attention to detail regarding guidelines and deadlines.

Compensation & Structure

This role offers a foundation of predictable base income coupled with direct upside tied to fundraising success:

• Monthly Base Pay: $800 – $1200 USD per month (based on schedule and onboarding).
• Milestone / Disbursement Bonus: Additional $200 USD per month awarded upon the successful winning and initial disbursement of at least 33% of the target grant(s).

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send an email to jobs@defensetechforukraine.org with:

1. A brief introduction outlining your background, current availability, and interest in working with Ukrainian defense tech.
2. LinkedIn - This is DTU's preferred method of applicant evaluation.
3. A CV / resume (or bullet-point summary of relevant military, technical, or civilian experience).
4. Subject line format: Application: Grant Writer - [Your Name]