MISSION IN UKRAINE

Economic Recovery and Development

Drawing on its global experience, Helvetas in Ukraine works with local organisations to design and pilot solutions that support the country’s economic recovery even amid the ongoing war. Helvetas’ expertise is particularly valuable in the context of EU accession, given over a decade of work in the Western Balkans.

Helvetas strengthens local capacity to implement agreed solutions independently, ensuring long-term, sustainable impact. In its entrepreneurship support models, Helvetas combines targeted grants with capacity development for local businesses.

Since beginning work in Ukraine, the organisation has awarded more than 300 grants to micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises. In parallel, it provides advisory support on legal and tax specifics under martial law, on starting and growing a business, and on access to finance.

To improve employment outcomes, the Helvetas team has piloted an internship model for people from vulnerable groups at 27 enterprises across the selected regions of Kharkiv, Poltava and Sumy.

Beyond work with businesses at the local level, Helvetas collaborates with state institutions that shape economic policy. In partnership with Diia.Business and the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, it has developed an export potential dashboard, a catalogue of export-promotion tools, and a Marketplace of digital solutions for business.

As a result, war-affected businesses gain tools not only to recover but also to grow: creating jobs, generating income, and stimulating the development of their communities.

Human Capital Development through Education and Skills

Human capital is the foundation of economic recovery and a well-functioning labour market. Helvetas works at both national and regional levels to maintain a comprehensive approach to Ukraine’s long-term recovery.

To ensure policy alignment, the Helvetas team provided expert support in drafting the Law «On Vocational Education» and took part in the working group.

Helvetas also collaborates with at least ten vocational education and training institutions, helping them develop short, practice-oriented training programmes for adults and providing equipment and consumables. This approach links education to labour-market needs and equips the next generation of skilled workers with relevant, up-to-date skills.

Infrastructure Recovery

For Helvetas, recovery is not only about targeted aid — it’s about building sustainable systems. Since 2022, the organization has moved from humanitarian response to systemic recovery. Today, Helvetas is a strategic actor in Ukraine’s recovery process, delivering integrated infrastructure solutions that combine technical repairs with strengthening municipal management capacity.

In Kyiv and Kharkiv oblasts, Helvetas has supported the repair of housing and water supply systems. As a result, nearly 500,000 people have benefited from restored water, wastewater, and energy services, and a further 56,000 have received targeted reconstruction assistance.

Evidence-Based Approach and Stakeholder Collaboration

At the heart of Helvetas’ work in Ukraine are decisions grounded in reliable data.

For three consecutive years, Helvetas, the State Employment Service of Ukraine, and the Federation of Employers of Ukraine have conducted an annual national labour-market survey — unprecedented in the country. The study captures the overall labour-market situation and, by sector, the state of businesses, current and future staffing needs, and barriers to employment for vulnerable groups.

In 2025, together with partners, Helvetas also examined the supply side by surveying registered unemployed persons. The report includes nearly 70,000 responses — about 70% of everyone with this status.

These and other studies inform not only business-support strategies but also provide valuable analysis for public authorities.

 In collaboration with government and civil-society organisations, we build long-term solutions that advance Ukraine’s sustainable development.