Kyiv, 26 February 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has presented a guidebook called “How to Find a Job and Build a Career in the Mine Action Sector.” It is designed to be a practical tool to support veterans who are considering becoming professionals in this field.

The publication was developed at the request of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Japan and in cooperation with the “Free People Employment Centre” NGO and the national platform Demine Ukraine.

The guidebook was presented in Kyiv during an event attended by representatives from central government, mine action operators, and veterans – both those already working in the sector and those exploring it as a new professional pathway.

Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yuliia Kirillova said the government is consistently shaping a policy framework to support the employment of veterans as part of their dignified return to civilian life. “That is why the recently adopted Veteran Work Programme is not a standalone initiative, but a systemic approach that combines training, reskilling, and access to real jobs in priority sectors for the country,” she said. “The mine action sector is one such area – critically important for Ukraine’s security, recovery, and development. The guidebook presented today helps veterans understand their pathway into this field and become part of the national humanitarian demining system, where their experience contributes to public safety and national reconstruction.”

Dmytro Panshyn, Head of the Humanitarian Demining Unit at the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine said: “Veterans have unique competencies for working in the mine action sector. We observed this firsthand during training courses implemented jointly with UNDP and other stakeholders. Moreover, employers highly value veterans’ skills — discipline, responsibility, teamwork, an understanding of mine risks, and the ability to operate strictly in line with procedures. That is why this guidebook helps bridge state policy in the field of mine action with the potential of veterans and the opportunities offered by mine action operators.” 

The guidebook is a practical roadmap for veterans, outlining employment opportunities within the mine action sector, highlighting the skills and competencies most in demand, and explaining how veterans can translate their experience into concrete career steps. It also provides guidance on training options, job search strategies, CV preparation, interview readiness, and adaptation to a new workplace.

Speaking at the presentation, Christophoros Politis, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized that building a robust mine action system requires more than just advanced hardware. "Developing a resilient mine action sector depends not only on equipment but, first and foremost, on qualified professionals," Politis said. "Veterans possess a unique set of experiences and skills that can significantly strengthen this field and drive Ukraine’s safe recovery and reconstruction."

The guidebook is available on the UNDP Ukraine website and on the Demine Ukraine platform. It will also be distributed through veteran hubs and the State Employment Service to ensure veterans across the country can access it.

Since 2019, UNDP in Ukraine has implemented a systemic approach to veteran reintegration, combining the development of rehabilitation infrastructure, inclusive employment, and the strengthening of local and national institutions to provide comprehensive services to veterans and their families. UNDP is working closely with the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and international partners to support the development of a national humanitarian demining system.

Media inquiries:
Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP in Ukraine yuliia.samus@undp.org