The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has presented the guide “How to Find a Job and Build a Career in the Mine Action Sector?” — a practical tool for veterans considering professional opportunities in this field. The publication was developed at the request of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine in cooperation with the NGO “Free People Employment Center” and the national platform Demine Ukraine. The project was financially supported by the Government of Japan.

The guide was presented during an event attended by representatives of central government authorities, mine action operators, and veterans — both those already working in the sector and those considering it as a new professional path.

“Veterans have unique competencies that are highly relevant for work in the mine action sector. We have seen this during training courses implemented jointly with UNDP and other stakeholders. Employers themselves value veterans’ competencies — discipline, responsibility, teamwork, an understanding of mine risks, and the ability to operate in accordance with procedures. This guide will help align state policy in mine action with veterans’ potential and the opportunities offered by mine action operators,” commented Dmytro Panshyn, Head of the Humanitarian Demining Department at the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.

The publication serves as a practical roadmap for veterans. It outlines employment opportunities within the mine action sector, highlights the skills and competencies valued by employers, and explains how to translate personal experience into concrete career steps. The guide includes guidance on training options, job search strategies, CV preparation, and interview processes, as well as advice on adapting to a new workplace.

“The state is consistently shaping employment policy for veterans as part of their dignified return to civilian life. The recently adopted government programme ‘Veteran Work’ is not a standalone initiative, but a systemic approach that combines training, reskilling, and access to real job opportunities in priority sectors for the country. The mine action sector is one of these areas — critically important for Ukraine’s security, recovery, and development. This guide helps veterans understand their pathway in this field and become part of the national humanitarian demining system, where their experience contributes to public safety and national reconstruction,” said Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yulia Kirillova.

“Building an effective mine action system requires not only equipment but, above all, qualified professionals. Veterans possess unique experience that can strengthen this sector and contribute to the safe recovery of Ukraine,” emphasized Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine Christophoros Politis.

The guide is available on the UNDP Ukraine and on the Demine Ukraine websites. It will also be distributed through the network of veteran hubs and the State Employment Service to ensure that information reaches as many veterans as possible across the country.