Outcome UKR_O_3

UN-Women strategically plans for and transforms its business model to deliver impact at scale, through agile and ethical leadership rooted in a continuous improvement culture

In 2025, the UN Women Ukraine Country Office strengthened its fit-for-purpose operating model to deliver impact at scale, anchored in agile and ethical leadership and a culture of continuous improvement. We institutionalized the corporate Balanced Scorecard and Quarterly Business Review (QBR) process to align planning, budgeting, delivery, and communications, contributing to the OEE cluster on business transformation. To enhance data-driven management and streamline reporting, the office adopted HQ’s upgraded annual reporting procedures and digital tools, including AI-enabled support, and applied ARR/ARC checklists to ensure quality assurance across all units. Resource agility was central to transforming our delivery model. We established a multi-year OEE project in Quantum to structure resourcing for 2025–2029 and delivered the first comprehensive three-day budget training to strengthen staff capacity. Budget revisions were implemented to align implementation with cash flow and maintain operational continuity. The 2025 AWP was optimized through reallocation of core funds and targeted savings to safeguard payroll and operations amid external funding fluctuations. Additionally, a detail assignment for the Deputy Representative supported cost savings and extended corporate support to other offices. Operating in a volatile context, we expanded our footprint through the Dnipro sub-office, improving proximity to partners and beneficiaries and enabling coordinated humanitarian and recovery efforts. A feasibility assessment for a Mykolaiv desk was conducted to ensure strategic positioning. Despite funding constraints due to reductions in major donor contributions, the office minimized staff layoffs and mitigated programmatic impact. Ethical leadership and staff well-being remained priorities. Guided by the Strategic Note (2025–2029), we implemented protective measures, flexible work arrangements, and relocation to shared UN premises. Emergency preparedness and business continuity were reinforced through provision of essential supplies, power banks, fuel, and water to ensure uninterrupted operations during electricity and water shortages. Continuous improvement was driven by audit readiness and proactive management practices. The IAS assessment validated the office’s robust Strategic Note and resource mobilization strategy, identifying actions that inform our improvement roadmap. Collectively, these measures advanced UN Women’s business transformation in Ukraine—bringing processes closer to communities and positioning the office to deliver results at scale with integrity, agility, and accountability.