UNDP presented a guide for veterans on careers in the mine action sector

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine presented the guide "How to find a job and build a career in mine action?" — a practical tool for male and female veterans who consider the possibility of professional fulfillment in this sector. The document was prepared at the request of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine in cooperation with the NGO "Employment Center for Free People" and the national platform Demine Ukraine. The Japanese government provided financial support for the project's implementation.

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

"Veterans possess unique competencies for future work in the mine action sector. We saw this during training courses implemented jointly with UNDP and other stakeholders. Moreover, employers themselves value the exact veteran competencies — discipline, responsibility, teamwork, understanding of mine risks, and the ability to act according to procedures. That is why this guide will help merge the state policy in the field of mine action with the potential of veterans and the opportunities provided by mine action operators," commented Head of the Humanitarian Demining Department of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, Dmytro Panshin.

This publication — is a practical guidebook for male and female veterans. The guide helps to understand what employment opportunities exist in the mine action sector, what skills and competencies are valued, and how to turn one's own experience into a concrete career step. The guide contains references to training, job searching, resume writing and interviewing, as well as advice on adapting to a new workplace.

"The state consistently forms a policy for the employment of male and female veterans as part of their dignified return to civilian life. That is why the recently adopted government Program 'Veteran Work' is not an isolated initiative, but a systematic approach that combines training, retraining, and access to real jobs in critical sectors for the country. The mine action sector is one of these avenues — critical to the security, recovery, and development of Ukraine. The presented guide helps male and female veterans comprehend their path in this sector and become a part of the national humanitarian demining system, where their expertise is working for people's safety and the state's rebuilding," said Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine Yuliia Kirillova.

"Developing the mine action system requires not only equipment but above all qualified specialists. Male and female veterans have unique expertise that can bolster this sector and facilitate the safe recovery of Ukraine," stressed UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Christophoros Politis.

The guide is available on the UNDP in Ukraine website and the Demine Ukraine platform. It will also be distributed through the network of veteran hubs and the State Employment Center so that the information is accessible to the widest possible circle of male and female veterans throughout the country.