Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
Training
Timeline
Generic
Olena Hetmanenko

Olena Hetmanenko

Richmond,United Kingdom

Summary

Programme and project management professional with 10+ years of experience in human rights, governance, and anti-corruption within civil society and donor-funded environments, working with international donors including NED, EU institutions, EED, IWPR, and others. Strong background in developing funding applications, producing donor reports, and translating complex policy issues into clear and compelling materials for diverse audiences. Experienced in supporting fundraising efforts through proposal writing, donor engagement, and the development of programme communications. Proven ability to coordinate across teams, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs in complex and fast-changing environments, including conflict and post-conflict contexts.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Programme & Project Manager

Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Centre (KhAC)
Kharkiv
11.2024 - Current
  • Coordinate delivery of multi-year donor-funded programmes focused on governance, human rights, and accountability.
  • Contributed to the development and management of a portfolio of donor-funded projects totalling over $600,000+, working with international donors, trusts, and foundations.
  • Act as a key contact for internal teams and external stakeholders, providing updates on programme progress, outputs, and outcomes.
  • Write and contribute to funding applications, donor proposals, and narrative reports, ensuring clear and engaging communication of programme impact.
  • Act as a key contact for internal teams and external stakeholders, providing updates on programme progress, outputs, and outcomes.
  • Coordinate stakeholder and donor-facing meetings, including online briefings and cross-team sessions.
  • Adapt programme activities in response to changing operational contexts while ensuring compliance with donor guidelines and funding conditions.
  • Support development of fundraising materials, including presentations, briefings, and written content for donor engagement.
  • Support development of fundraising materials, including presentations, briefings, and written content for donor engagement.

Project Manager / Communications Specialist

Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Centre (KhAC)
Kharkiv
03.2020 - 11.2024
  • Developed and implemented communications and advocacy strategies, translating complex governance and human rights issues into accessible formats.
  • Produced written materials for different audiences, including reports, articles, and donor-facing content.
  • Coordinated events and stakeholder meetings, including online discussions and public engagement formats.
  • Facilitated communication between civil society, public authorities, and communities.
  • Managed projects focused on transparency, accountability, and participatory governance.
  • Supported grant application development and donor reporting processes.

Freelance Journalist – Human Rights & Social Issues

Reporters Media / Kharkiv Today
Kharkiv
01.2016 - 01.2022
  • Conducted interviews with vulnerable and underrepresented groups to gather first-hand accounts, enriching evidence-based storytelling and advocacy efforts.
  • Researched and wrote impactful content on human rights, social justice, and conflict-related issues to raise awareness and inform public discourse.
  • Produced analytical and narrative materials, effectively engaging diverse audiences to promote understanding of critical social issues.

Deputy Editor (Remote)

Bez Obmezhen Magazine
Kyiv
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Oversaw content production focused on social inclusion and disability rights, enhancing audience engagement.
  • Ensured quality and consistency of published materials, reinforcing organisational standards and brand integrity.
  • Coordinated editorial processes, managing regional contributors to deliver cohesive content.

Education

Further Education - Business Administration & Finance

Richmond Adult Community College
UK
04-2026

Specialist Degree - Economics Cybernetics

National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”
Ukraine

Skills

  • Programme Coordination
  • Project Coordination
  • Proposal Writing
  • Donor Reporting
  • Fundraising Support
  • Donor Engagement
  • Stakeholder Coordination
  • Cross-Team Coordination
  • Human Rights Analysis
  • Governance Analysis
  • Compliance
  • Communications
  • Advocacy

Languages

Ukrainian
Proficient
C2
Russian
Proficient
C2
English
Upper Intermediate
B2

Websites, Portfolios and Profiles

https://www.linkedin.com/in/olena-hetmanenko-9b668a53/

Training

  • Project Management, 2023
  • Advocacy & Communications, CEDEM, IWPR
  • Storytelling for NGOs, 2023

Timeline

Senior Programme & Project Manager

Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Centre (KhAC)
11.2024 - Current

Project Manager / Communications Specialist

Kharkiv Anti-Corruption Centre (KhAC)
03.2020 - 11.2024

Freelance Journalist – Human Rights & Social Issues

Reporters Media / Kharkiv Today
01.2016 - 01.2022

Deputy Editor (Remote)

Bez Obmezhen Magazine
01.2014 - 01.2015

Further Education - Business Administration & Finance

Richmond Adult Community College

Specialist Degree - Economics Cybernetics

National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”
Olena Hetmanenko