Andriy Marchenko
London,UK
Summary
A highly skilled and experienced professional with expertise in communication, strategic planning, and project management. Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal communication and cultural awareness in highly diverse environments, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and negotiation proficiency. Noted for reliability and resilience under pressure, with a proven track record in event planning and public speaking. Committed to safety consciousness and attention to detail, driving successful outcomes through team work, leadership and effective delegation.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Director
Ukrainian Welcome Centre
London, UK
2022.04 - 2026.03
- Set up and running the Centre as a joint refugee-supporting charity project of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain.
- Networking with UK Government representatives, MPs and multiple stakeholders, not least for advocacy to ensure more stability for the Ukrainian displaced community in the UK.
- Representing the Centre within the Ukrainian Voice UK coalition of organisations.
- As part of the coalition, achieved the adoption by the UK Government of a more convenient application procedure for displaced Ukrainians seeking Ukraine Permission Extension visas in 2026-2027.
- Fostering a positive team work environment, keeping employee and volunteer morale high.
- Optimising human resource allocation to maximise catchment and outreach.
- Pooling together resources and supervising planning to ensure sustained and effective operation.
- Ensuring visitor and personnel compliance with rules and safety procedures, minimizing liability and injury risks.
- Successfully cleared Enhanced DBS check.
- Undergoing continuous training on children's and vulnerable adult safeguarding.
Volunteer
Ukrainian Welcome Centre
London, United Kingdom
2024.01 - Current
- Giving lectures on Ukrainian, European and world history to visitors of the Ukrainian Welcome Centre.
- Promoting visitors' community involvement and inclusivity.
- Raising awareness and promoting understanding of current political events.
- Factoring-in interests and abilities of participants in development of programmes.
Visiting Senior Fellow
School of Public Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science
London, United Kingdom
2022.09 - 2025.08
- Appointed for Visiting Senior Fellowship in recognition of prior experience and contribution into the UK-Ukraine relations.
Minister-Counsellor (Deputy Head of Mission)
Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom
2017.08 - 2022.04
- As the second-in-command to the Ambassador, managed everyday functioning of the diplomatic Mission and its staff.
- Supervised the Embassy's work on political cooperation and mass-media relations.
- Drafted analytical and briefing materials.
- Negotiated with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, other UK Government bodies, MPs and Lords on UK-Ukraine bilateral relations.
- During the periods of the Ambassador's absence, acted as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.
- Participated in the drafting and conclusion of the UK-Ukraine Agreement on Political Cooperation, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership (October 2020).
- Maintained links between the Government of Ukraine and the UK's Ukrainian community organisations.
- Delivered speeches at multiple international forums, think-tank discussions, academic conferences and public events enhancing outreach towards policy objectives.
- Organised the voting process for UK-residing Ukrainian nationals in the 2019 presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine.
- Promoted high working ethic and skill-sharing among the Embassy employees.
Chief Consultant
Directorate General of State Protocol and Ceremony, Administration of the President of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
2014.10 - 2017.08
- Established and maintained cooperation with multiple government bodies of various countries of Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia.
- Organised state and official visits by the President of Ukraine to Azerbaijan, Belgium (EU and bilateral), Belarus (Minsk-2 negotiations), Denmark, Finland, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.
- Organised numerous visits to Ukraine of foreign heads of state and government as well as foreign ministers.
- Organised visits by the President of Ukraine to various Ukrainian regions.
- Worked towards better interdepartmental cooperation driving innovation and organisational growth.
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning and skill-sharing amongst new team members resulting in an increase in skills and knowledge.
Counsellor (Deputy Head of Mission)
Embassy of Ukraine in Libya
Tripoli, Libya
2010.10 - 2014.09
- As the second-in-command to the Ambassador, managed everyday functioning of the diplomatic Mission and its staff.
- During the periods of the Ambassador's absence, acted as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.
- Oversaw the Embassy's work on political analysis and economic cooperation, as well as consular work (support of Ukrainian nationals residing and working in Libya; issuance of visas to Libyan and third-country nationals).
- Drafted analytical and briefing materials.
- Facilitated evacuation of Ukrainian nationals during the 2011 Libyan civil war by air, land and sea. Assisted in evacuation of foreign nationals, including US citizens, earning a personal honourable mention by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
- Organised and supervised measures to ensure security and safety of Embassy staff during armed conflict.
- Assisted the Ambassador in establishing trusting relations among colleagues towards anxiety-reduction and mutual support.
- Negotiated release of Ukrainian hostages kept in Tripoli, Zintan and Benghazi.
- Secured Ukraine's official recognition of the new Libyan state emerging after the fall of the Gadhafi regime; delivered the instrument of recognition to the National Transitional Council of the State of Libya.
Election Observer
OSCE ODIHR
Tirana, Berat, Chorovodë, Albania
2009.06 - 2009.06
- Travelled across various regions of Albania within the assigned area to observe preparatory and voting procedures during the 28th of June 2009 parliamentary elections. Advised local election authorities on potential risks and recommended improvements.
- Ensured short-term observation function during the voting process.
- Conducted debriefing sessions after the voting and ballot counting towards submitting the final report to the OSCE long-term observation mission in Tirana.
- Complied with OSCE standards in election observation.
Student
Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
2008.09 - 2010.07
- Took a full-time MA programme.
- Defended a Master's thesis supporting Ukraine's accession to full NATO membership.
- Appointed the senior student of the year, helped maintain friendly and productive learning atmosphere.
- As part of professor-student support, got involved in teaching fellow students based on previous work experience.
- Earned a Master's degree (MA) in foreign policy.
Head, GUAM Division, Political Directorate General
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
2007.11 - 2008.08
- Facilitated the establishment of GUAM as an international organisation comprising Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova.
- Participated in multilateral and bilateral negotiations of GUAM countries.
- Drafted analytical and briefing materials pertaining to political analysis and planning.
- Managed the work of GUAM Division and its staff, fostering a friendly and productive atmosphere.
First Secretary (Political), Counsellor (Political)
Embassy of Ukraine in Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
2003.05 - 2007.09
- Acted as the Embassy's chief officer for political affairs. Supervised work on Ukrainian-Swedish bilateral political and security cooperation.
- Helped streamline operational processes at the Embassy towards improving CRM, skill-sharing and overall efficiency.
- Conducted negotiations with the Foreign Ministry and other bodies of the Swedish Government as well as the corresponding Riksdag (parliamentary) committees.
- Monitored political developments in Sweden of significance to decision-making process within the Government of Ukraine.
- Drafted analytical and briefing materials.
- Achieved consensus with the Swedish Government and secured its support for the European Union's/Schengen Area's visa-free regime for Ukrainian nationals (eventually implemented for biometric passport holders in 2015).
- Maintained regular work on behalf of Ukraine as an observer state within the Council of the Baltic Sea States.
- Organised measures to facilitate the voting of Ukrainian nationals residing in Sweden in 2004-2005 Ukraine presidential elections (events known as the Orange Revolution).
- Learned the Swedish language.
Chief Consultant, Director of the Events Division
Directorate General of State Protocol and Ceremony, Administration of the President of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
2001.07 - 2003.05
- Established and maintained cooperation with multiple government bodies of various countries in Europe, Middle East and Asia.
- Organised state and official visits by the President of Ukraine to Bulgaria, China (Beijing and Hong Kong), Croatia, India, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and Slovenia.
- Organised numerous visits to Ukraine of foreign heads of state and government as well as foreign ministers.
- Worked towards better interdepartmental cooperation driving innovation and organisational growth.
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning amongst new team members resulting in an increase in protocol skills and knowledge.
Chief Consultant
Foreign Policy Directorate, Administration of the President of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
2000.11 - 2001.07
- Formulated political strategies matching domestic and foreign policy priorities.
- Drafted analytical and briefing materials.
- Guided colleagues towards achieving objectives within the strictly regulated timeframes.
- Participated in a high-level working visit to the United States.
Third Secretary
Embassy of Ukraine in Canada
Ottawa, Canada
1997.06 - 2000.11
- Acted as the assistant to the Ambassador of Ukraine in Canada.
- Scheduled the Ambassador's appointments, ensured accurate minute-taking during various engagements.
- Contributed to the drafting of analytical and briefing materials, annual reports, monitoring of national mass media.
- Prioritised workload to meet tight deadlines.
- Liaised with other staff members to ensure alignment of working priorities.
- Formulated proposals towards enhanced operation of the Ambassador's office.
- Provided administrative support for the Embassy's upkeep.
Attaché, Third Secretary
United States and Canada Division, Department for Europe and the Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
1994.07 - 1997.06
- Contributed towards the establishment of cordial relations with the United States during Ukraine's nuclear disarmament in the runup to the Budapest Memorandum of 5th December 1994.
- Afterwards covered chiefly the Canada desk, overseeing the entire scope of bilateral relations between the two countries.
- Drafted analytical and briefing materials.
- Coordinated high-level visits and meetings, fostering cultural understanding towards deeper and stronger bilateral relations.
- Participated in the establishment of Ukraine-Canada Special Partnership.
- Contributed towards a stronger working ethic during the transition of Ukraine's diplomatic service to the democratic standards.
Free-lance translator/interpreter
Self-employed
Reykjavík, Iceland
1993.06 - 1994.04
- Translated/interpreted for Ukrainian crews of fishing vessels calling at Reykjavík.
- Conducted consecutive and simultaneous interpretation, promoted real-time understanding.
- Performed other, non-recurrent translation jobs.
- Took an Icelandic language course towards enhancing linguistic skills and cultural knowledge.
Translator/interpreter, Project Manager
International Christian Life Centre
Kyiv, Ukraine
1992.11 - 1993.06
- Provided English-Ukrainian translation and interpretation at the newly established Christian centre run by Australian and American pastors.
- Translated Christian literature into Ukrainian. Subtitled English-language films for Ukrainian viewers.
- Supported Protestant communities in Ukraine experiencing revival as religious freedom was returning to the country after decades of Muscovite suppression.
- On gaining some work experience, got promoted to project manager.
- Fostered a friendly and efficient working culture among the office workers adhering to different Christian denominations.
Translator/interpreter
New Life Christian Centre, Kyiv, Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine
1992.08 - 1992.11
- Performed various office translation and interpretation tasks.
- Provided specialised recording studio interpretation service between an American music producer and Ukrainian Christian performers.
- Supported a Ukrainian Protestant community experiencing revival as religious freedom was returning to the country after decades of Muscovite suppression.
Required conscription military service
Army Signal Corps
Poltava, Ukraine
1988.07 - 1989.08
- Completed an instruction course for signals enlisted men.
- Performed various technical and service support tasks.
- For exemplary service, got a series of promotions to junior sergeant, sergeant, senior sergeant. Charged with the duties of a deputy platoon commander.
- Maintained discipline and high morale in the platoon.
Education
Master of Foreign Policy - International Relations
Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine
Ukraine 2008.09 - 2010.07
Course Certificate - International Relations
Geneva Graduate Institute of International Studies
Geneva, Switzerland 1995.08 - 1995.09
Teacher of Foreign Languages - Teaching of English and German
Kyiv State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages
Kyiv, Ukraine 1986.09 - 1992.06
Course Certificate - Short-Term Election Observation
OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
Tirana, AlbaniaSkills
- Communication skills
- Cultural awareness
- Event planning
- Public speaking
- Stakeholder communication
- Negotiation proficiency
- Conflict Resolution
- Attention to Detail
- Decision making
- Effective delegation
- Resilience under pressure
Languages
Ukrainian
Native
English
Proficient (C2)
Russian
Fluent
Swedish
Intermediate
German
Elementary
French
Beginner
Marital status
Married; adult daughter, 16-year-old son
Timeline
Volunteer
Ukrainian Welcome Centre
2024.01 - Current
Visiting Senior Fellow
School of Public Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science
2022.09 - 2025.08
Director
Ukrainian Welcome Centre
2022.04 - 2026.03
Minister-Counsellor (Deputy Head of Mission)
Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom
2017.08 - 2022.04
Chief Consultant
Directorate General of State Protocol and Ceremony, Administration of the President of Ukraine
2014.10 - 2017.08
Counsellor (Deputy Head of Mission)
Embassy of Ukraine in Libya
2010.10 - 2014.09
Election Observer
OSCE ODIHR
2009.06 - 2009.06
Student
Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine
2008.09 - 2010.07
Master of Foreign Policy - International Relations
Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine
2008.09 - 2010.07
Head, GUAM Division, Political Directorate General
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
2007.11 - 2008.08
First Secretary (Political), Counsellor (Political)
Embassy of Ukraine in Sweden
2003.05 - 2007.09
Chief Consultant, Director of the Events Division
Directorate General of State Protocol and Ceremony, Administration of the President of Ukraine
2001.07 - 2003.05
Chief Consultant
Foreign Policy Directorate, Administration of the President of Ukraine
2000.11 - 2001.07
Third Secretary
Embassy of Ukraine in Canada
1997.06 - 2000.11
Course Certificate - International Relations
Geneva Graduate Institute of International Studies
1995.08 - 1995.09
Attaché, Third Secretary
United States and Canada Division, Department for Europe and the Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
1994.07 - 1997.06
Free-lance translator/interpreter
Self-employed
1993.06 - 1994.04
Translator/interpreter, Project Manager
International Christian Life Centre
1992.11 - 1993.06
Translator/interpreter
New Life Christian Centre, Kyiv, Ukraine
1992.08 - 1992.11
Required conscription military service
Army Signal Corps
1988.07 - 1989.08
Teacher of Foreign Languages - Teaching of English and German
Kyiv State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages
1986.09 - 1992.06
Course Certificate - Short-Term Election Observation
OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights