MISSION IN UKRAINE
Helvetas has long-standing experience across 35 countries and, since 2022, has been active in Ukraine through offices in Kyiv and Kharkiv. Drawing on global best practices, Helvetas links recovery needs with long-term development, strengthening the resilience of the economy, businesses, and communities.
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, drawing on over a decade of experience in the Western Balkans.
Helvetas strengthens local capacity to independently implement agreed solutions, ensuring long-term, sustainable impact. In its entrepreneurship support models, Helvetas combines targeted grants with capacity development for local businesses.
Since beginning its work in Ukraine, the organisation has awarded over 300 grants to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. In parallel, it provides advisory support on legal and tax matters under martial law, business start-up and growth, and 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 regions of Kharkiv, Poltava and Sumy.
Beyond its 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 the tools not only to recover but also to grow — creating jobs, generating income, and driving 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 the national and regional levels to ensure a comprehensive approach to Ukraine’s long-term recovery.
To strengthen the policy framework, the Helvetas team has provided expert support in drafting the Law «On Vocational Education» and has actively contributed as a member of the working group.
Helvetas also partners with more than ten vocational education and training (VET) institutions, supporting them in developing short, practice-oriented training programmes for adults and in supplying equipment and consumables.
This approach ensures that education remains closely linked to labour market needs and that the next generation of skilled workers is equipped with relevant and up-to-date competencies.
Infrastructure Recovery
For Helvetas, recovery is not only about providing targeted aid — it is about building sustainable systems. Since 2022, the organisation has transitioned from humanitarian response to systemic recovery. Today, Helvetas is a strategic actor in Ukraine’s reconstruction 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 an additional 56,000 people have received targeted reconstruction assistance.
Evidence-Based Approach and Stakeholder Collaboration
At the heart of Helvetas’ work in Ukraine is a commitment to data-driven decision-making.
For three consecutive years, Helvetas, together with the State Employment Service of Ukraine and the Federation of Employers of Ukraine, has conducted an annual national labour market survey — a first of its kind in the country. The study provides a comprehensive picture of the labour market, examining the situation across sectors, the condition of enterprises, current and future staffing needs, and barriers to employment faced by vulnerable groups.
In 2025, Helvetas and its partners also analysed the supply side by surveying registered unemployed persons. The resulting report reflects nearly 70,000 responses — representing about 70% of all individuals with this status.
These and other analytical studies not only inform Helvetas’ business-support strategies but also serve as a valuable resource for public authorities in shaping evidence-based policies.
Working in close collaboration with government and civil society organisations, Helvetas helps build long-term solutions that strengthen Ukraine’s sustainable recovery and development.
