The British Council in Ukraine, in cooperation with Advance HE (United Kingdom), is developing a new programme for women leaders in higher education. The aim of the programme is to strengthen leadership potential and managerial skills of women in higher education, in order to enhance their role in decision-making processes and institutional transformation within Ukrainian higher education institutions.
The programme will be developed based on leading British and Ukrainian practices.
To ensure the programme reflects the Ukrainian higher education context, the British Council is forming an expert group of 5-7 experts with relevant experience in gender issues, leadership development and higher education. Selected experts will work together with the UK partner during the programme design stage and may have the opportunity to take part in its subsequent delivery as trainers.
Purpose of the Expert Group
The Expert Group will play an advisory role and will contribute to:
- analysing the current situation and challenges regarding gender equality and women’s leadership in Ukrainian HEIs
- developing the concept, content and methodology of the programme
- preparing training materials and the implementation roadmap
Expert Group Engagement
Period of engagement for programme development: December 2025 – March 2026
Key activities will include:
- online consultations with UK experts and the British Council team
- participation in focus groups with other stakeholders
- a study visit to the United Kingdom to explore UK practices and discuss the programme concept. Visit dates: 15-21 February 2026.
Participation in the programme design stage will be on a voluntary basis, as a contribution to the development of women’s leadership in higher education. Potential involvement in programme delivery from April 2026 as a trainer or facilitator will be on a paid basis.
Benefits of Participation
Participation in the programme development offers extensive professional development and networking opportunities, including:
- exposure to UK practices in leadership development and gender equality during the study visit to the UK (all costs covered by the British Council)
- opportunity to directly contribute to the development of a national leadership programme for women in higher education
- expanding professional networks with colleagues from Ukraine and the UK
- developing soft skills in leadership, facilitation and international cooperation
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
- Professional experience in higher education, leadership development, and gender equality
- Experience designing educational programmes and/or training courses
- Experience working as a trainer, facilitator or mentor in educational, professional or capacity building programmes
- Ability to communicate fluently in Ukrainian and English (minimum B2 – Upper Intermediate level)
Desirable:
- Previous participation in international projects in education or gender equality
- Experience conducting research on gender equality, leadership, or higher education policy
- Active involvement in professional networks, associations, or national/international platforms
- Application Process Interested candidates are invited to submit their application via the online form by 30 November 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview, after which a final selection decision will be made.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application via the online form by 30 November 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview, after which a final selection decision will be made.
Selection Timeline
| Stage | Date |
| Open call announcement | 12 November 2025 |
| Application deadline | 30 November 2025 |
| Announcement of results | 10 December 2025 |
Contacts
If you have any questions regarding the open call, please contact: ua_ihe@britishcouncil.org.ua