Swedfund and the Project Accelerator
Swedfund, Sweden's development finance institution, aims to reduce poverty through sustainable investments. The Swedfund Project Accelerator supports this mission by developing and implementing sustainable infrastructure projects, addressing the shortage of bankable projects crucial for Agenda 2030.

The Project Accelerator collaborates closely with public entities throughout the project cycle, from early-phase work to project design and capacity building. It offers untied grant financing to public entities for engaging consultants and experts to strengthen local institutional capacity, including feasibility studies.

In recent years, the Project Accelerator has had an increased focus on projects in Ukraine and has a need for additional advisors in the following sectors:

• Energy (combined heat and power plants, solar, wind, BESS, transmission, district heating)

• Water and wastewater (treatment plants, distribution and collection systems

• Transport (rail)

• Seaports

• Healthcare (healthcare facilities, oncology, digital healthcare)

• Digital projects (rural connectivity, policy and regulation, datacenters)

The deadline for registration of interest is March 16, 2026. Selected applicants will join the Advisor pool and be considered for future projects.

The Advisor role in projects
The Project Accelerator engages at least one Advisor per project to provide subject matter expertise throughout the project cycle. Advisors help assess opportunities, define scopes of work for consultancy assignments, and support sustainable project development and procurement. They also assist during the execution of studies financed by Swedfund and conducted by external consultants.

Note that the engagement for which Swedfund provides grant funding is carried out by an external consulting firm (Consultant) selected through a separate competitive sourcing process. The roles of Advisor and Consultant cannot be combined.

The Advisor role varies between different projects and geographies, but the following tasks are typically included:

• Support Swedfund in evaluating leads and project proposals, reviewing project materials and background information, and participating in meetings with stakeholders.

• Assist Swedfund and the local project owner in developing the Terms of Reference for the study or assignment financed by Swedfund.

• Aid Swedfund and the local project owner in the process of procuring a consultant. This could include supporting the evaluation processes for consultancy services.

• Support Swedfund throughout the project execution phase by reviewing the deliverables of the project and participating in steering group meetings.

• Support Swedfund and the local project owner in identifying and engaging with possible financiers for implementation of the infrastructure project.

• Help Swedfund identify key risks and obstacles in the project.

Advisor profile
Candidates for assignments as Advisors to the Project Accelerator are expected to meet the following requirements:

• Fluency in both Ukrainian and English.

• A degree in a relevant field.

• Significant experience and knowledge within the selected sector (energy, water/wastewater, transport, seaports, healthcare or digital).

• Experience with project preparation assignments, such as preparing feasibility studies and preliminary designs.

• Knowledge of design in accordance with Ukrainian legislation and Ukrainian building codes is an advantage in some sectors.  

• Experience in sourcing consultancy services for the purpose of project development, including the development of Terms of Reference, proposal evaluation and/or proposal preparation, is an advantage.

• Experience collaborating with public institutions in projects, such as public utilities, municipalities, state-owned enterprises, ministries, and other stakeholders.

• Experience working with multilateral development banks and other financiers is an advantage.

• Ability and interest in supporting throughout the entire project cycle, which may involve varying time requirements depending on project development.

Swedfund prefers the Advisor to be an individual consultant due to the significant variations in workload and project timeline, which require a high level of flexibility as described below. However, consulting companies can appoint one person within the organization to be the key contact for Swedfund, who can draw on the organization for technical support in certain aspects of the assignment.

The process
Selected applicants will join Swedfund's pool of Advisors for future projects. However, selection for assignments is not guaranteed. The selection process is as follows:

1. Swedfund selects a few Advisors from the pool for a specific assignment.

2. Interested Advisors are evaluated, and one is chosen.

3. The selected Advisor signs an agreement with Swedfund.

Based on such an agreement and Swedfund’s specific need for advisory support in the particular engagement, assignment descriptions will be created to stipulate the activities and deliverables for the specific project.

A template contract and assignment description are provided alongside this invitation.

Engagements can span 2-3 years, and Swedfund expects Advisors to be prepared to support throughout the project timeline in order to build relationships with stakeholders.

Assignments are based on an hourly fee, with workload varying by project.

Initially, Advisors may work 2-6 weeks over 3-6 months, with less intense work during project execution, i.e. when the consultant has been sourced. Most work is done remotely, with frequent online meetings. Travel may be expected, depending on the assignment, and expenses are covered by Swedfund. Travel in business or first class is not allowed.

Expressions of interest

Interested candidates are asked to submit an Expression of Interest and an up-to-date CV to Swedfund by March 16, 2026.  Please ensure that the following information is included, and that the application also addresses the “Advisor profile” requirements:

• Name of company and company information, if applicable.

• Main objective and focus of the organization, if applicable.

• Name of Advisor and contact details.

• Availability to engage as an Advisor from April 2026.

• Description of key expertise and relevant experience, including reference projects.

• Description of roles and responsibilities in relevant projects/organizations.

• Experience of work in Ukraine.

• Expected hourly fee for assignments.

• Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.

Swedfund Policy
Swedfund is a signatory to a number of international framework agreements and principles for responsible investment and sustainable business practices. Swedfund strives to act in accordance with international guidelines regarding inter alia environmental and social considerations, working conditions, human rights, children’s rights, women’s rights, anti-corruption, corporate governance and business ethics.

Swedfund requires the selected Advisor to adhere to the requirements in Swedfund’s policy for sustainable development and anti-corruption policy, whereby it shall:

(i) conduct its business in a sustainable and responsible manner with a long-term perspective and strive to adhere to international standards and internationally recognized human rights as well as internationally acknowledged standards for business integrity and corporate governance;

(ii) comply with legal and regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where it operates;

(iii) comply with the Harmonized EDFI Exclusion List;

(iv) adhere to applicable IFC Performance Standards;

(v) adhere to Swedfund’s anti-corruption policy; and

(vi) ensure that its sub-consultants or subcontractors adhere to the above-mentioned standards and requirements.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA
An Advisor is not eligible for procurement by Swedfund if the Advisor or a person having powers of representation, decision-making or control over them or a member of their administrative, management or supervisory body have been the subject of a final judgment or of a final administrative decision for one of the following reasons:

1. bankruptcy, insolvency or winding-up procedures;

2. breach of obligations relating to the payment of taxes or social security contributions;

3. grave professional misconduct, including misrepresentation;

4. fraud;

5. corruption;

6. conduct related to a criminal organisation;

7. money laundering or terrorist financing;

8. terrorist offences or offences linked to terrorist activities;

9. child labour and other trafficking in human beings;

10. irregularity;

11. creating a shell company; or

12. being a shell company.

Furthermore, the Advisor may not be listed on any of the following:

1. Any list of sanctioned entities, individuals or countries maintained by the European Union or the government of any member state, the government of the United Kingdom, the United Nations, or the government of the United States of America; and

2. World Bank Listing of Ineligible Firms and Individuals.