Вакансія: Veterinary and Animal Welfare Officer – APOPO

Position Title: Veterinary and Animal Welfare Officer

Duty Station: Krasylivka (Brovary district Kyiv region), business trips to Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regions

Type of Appointment: Employment

Estimated Start Date: ASAP

Closing Date: September 07, 2025 23:59 Ukraine Time

Starting Salary: 89,000 UAH Gross

About APOPO:

APOPO is an award-winning Belgian NGO established in 1997 and currently operating in 11 countries. APOPO’s mission is to protect the people and the planet using scent detection animals. The organization trains and deploys rats and dogs in humanitarian missions such as the detection of explosives, diseases, illegal trafficking and search & rescue. APOPO currently has over 300 operational animals, most of which are working in Mine Action, which makes it the largest animal detection operator in the sector.

About APOPO in Ukraine:

Since the Russian invasion of 24th February, Ukraine has been severely affected by landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war. The scale of the conflict and the use of high impact and indiscriminate weapons requires an urgent and extensive response. APOPO aims to accelerate the reduction of suspected hazardous areas in Ukraine using its Technical Survey Dog Teams. APOPO registered in Ukraine in 2023. APOPO’s dog training centre is established in Krasylivka, and the operations will be conducted in partnership with Mines Advisory Group, in areas prioritized by the government. The main offices of APOPO Ukraine are in Kyiv.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Veterinary and Animal Welfare Officer is responsible for maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of all MDD and TSD in Ukraine. This dual-function (Veterinary and Welfare) role ensures that all animals are fit for duty and treated ethically in compliance with APOPO Health & Welfare SOP, international and national standards.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the animal database: monitor and follow up the preventative care and vaccinations routine of all the working dogs, collaborating with the Program Manager, the Global Health & Welfare Officer, Trainers, and Team Leaders.
• Keep accurate and updated medical records of each dog.
• Data collection and reporting: maintain accurate records of inspections, investigations, and interventions on each dog.
• Perform physical health checks (blood test, stool test, etc) on each dog according to the established routines.
• When needed, provide veterinary care for special cases, including IV fluids, wound care, follow-up care, and all the treatments that can be delivered at APOPO facilities.
• Monitor the treatment and recovery processes of dogs with health problems.
• Perform teeth cleaning, nail cutting, ear cleaning, wound cleaning, provide basic sedation, administer injected and drinkable medicines, administer vaccines, diagnose and treat common dog diseases, interpret blood test results, perform and read X-rays and ultrasounds.
• Incidents and complaints: support the investigation of incidents and complaints related to animal Health and Welfare, identify and report issues, and ensure the implementation of any corrective measures resulting from the incident investigation.
• Monitor the welfare of dogs, ensuring the implementation of APOPO standards on nutrition, hygiene, rest, exercise and mental stimulation, in all APOPO locations around the country.
• Conduct regular inspections of all APOPO animal locations in the country, assessing the facilities and establishments’ conditions, ensuring compliance with APOPO standards.
• Ensure compliance with APOPO Health & Welfare SOP, reporting on any irregularities.

Requirements:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine or equivalent degree from a recognized institution.
• Experience in small animal diagnostic and imaging, including:
• Ultrasound: Basic to intermediate proficiency in abdominal and musculoskeletal imaging.
• X-ray (radiography): Safe operation of digital systems and interpretation of images.
• Veterinary dentistry: Proficiency in dental examinations, manual and ultrasonic scaling.
• Experience conducting comprehensive canine physical examinations including orthopedical, neurological, and cardiovascular evaluations.
• Previous experience developing and implementing preventative care programs, including vaccination schedules, nutrition planning, and parasite control protocols.
• English speaking and writing skills are required. (at least B1 level)
• Demonstrated passion for animal welfare and the ability to empathise with the needs of animals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex animal welfare challenges.
• Ability to work outdoors, handle animals of various sizes, and perform physically demanding tasks when needed.
• Capability to work collaboratively with other team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel within the country and/or outside the country if required.
• Driving skills with valid local driver license

How to apply:

This opportunity is available to Ukrainian nationals only. Interested candidates are invited to submit applications by sending a CV and Cover Letter in English to the email [email protected] by September 07, 2025.

CVs in Ukrainian will NOT be reviewed.

Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis and position could be assigned prior to closing date if we find a suitable candidate.

Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we are not able to respond to every application. If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks of applying, it will mean that your application has not been successful.

Please note that this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed.