Експерт/ка з питань оборонного права / Defence Legal Forum Expert

Job Title: Defence Legal Forum Expert
Project Name: UK Special Defence Advisor Programme
Location of Position: Ukraine, Kyiv (remote/hybrid)
Reporting to: Pillar Lead
Remuneration: Fees are subject to negotiation in line with market rates
Indicative LOE/Time Frame: Part-Time (up to 10 days/month), June 2026 – August 2026
Citizenship: Ukrainian preferred
Language Requirements: Fluent English and Ukrainian
Application Deadline: 11 June 2026

Application Instructions
1. A cover letter is mandatory to be considered. Cover letters should effectively align your skills and experiences with the specific job responsibilities outlined in the position’s description, demonstrating your aptitude and enthusiasm for the role, your daily fee and current availability.
2. Click the “Apply Now” link to upload your cover letter and CV in English.
3. Only successful shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About Alinea

Alinea is an international development consultancy providing technical and management expertise that helps people improve their lives. Alinea works with governments, investors, companies, and communities to create lasting change. Over 39 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1,000 projects worldwide. For more information, please visit Alinea International website.
Alinea International does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process. All offers of employment or job opportunities with Alinea International that include any form of a request for payment of fees or collect information on bank accounts are fraudulent. Any requests for such payment or information should be refused and reported to your local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action and to Alinea International.
At Alinea International we value diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility and belonging in everything we do. We are an equal opportunity employer opposed to all forms of discrimination. We actively seek and encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds recognizing that an inclusive workforce enriches our organization and achieves smarter, more innovative results.
Alinea is committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. Due to the nature of our work, all candidates will be subject to due diligence checks and extensive background checks where appropriate.

Project Description

The UK Special Defence Advisor Programme supports defence reform efforts in Ukraine through strategic advice, institutional development, and stakeholder engagement. As part of its legal and governance support portfolio, the Programme is assisting the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine in exploring the establishment of the Defence Legal Forum (DLF) as a permanent international platform for dialogue on legal, policy, and institutional aspects of modern defence.

About the Assignment

The Defence Legal Forum Expert will support the development of the concept and preparatory framework for the first Defence Legal Forum. Working closely with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the Pillar Lead, and relevant stakeholders, the expert will conduct research, stakeholder mapping, and strategic planning to inform decisions regarding the Forum’s establishment and future implementation.
The assignment will focus on developing the conceptual, programmatic, and organizational foundations necessary for launching the Defence Legal Forum as a high-level international platform addressing legal dimensions of modern warfare, defence innovation, NATO and EU integration, international defence cooperation, and defence sector development.

The Role

Research and Concept Development

• Conduct research on international experience and best practices related to defence, security, and legal forums and conferences;
• Analyse existing international platforms and identify lessons learned relevant to the Ukrainian context;
• Develop the overall concept and vision for the Defence Legal Forum;
• Prepare concept notes, background papers, and strategic recommendations regarding the Forum’s establishment.

Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement

• Identify and map key national and international stakeholders, including government institutions, international organizations, defence experts, academia, civil society, and partner governments;
• Develop recommendations regarding potential speakers, participants, and strategic partners;
• Support consultations with relevant stakeholders to validate the Forum concept and priorities.

Programme Design

• Develop a draft programme structure and thematic tracks for the inaugural Forum;
• Prepare recommendations regarding session formats, participation models, and expected outcomes;
• Propose options for institutional positioning and long-term sustainability of the Forum.

Organizational Planning

• Conduct a preliminary assessment of organizational requirements and resource needs;
• Develop indicative budget estimates and implementation scenarios;
• Identify potential risks and mitigation measures associated with Forum delivery.

Reporting and Coordination

• Provide regular updates and recommendations to the Pillar Lead;
• Participate in coordination meetings with the Ministry of Defence;
• Deliver agreed outputs within established timelines and quality standards.

Deliverables
The expert is expected to produce:

• Stakeholder mapping and engagement plan;
• Defence Legal Forum Concept Paper;
• Draft Forum Programme and thematic agenda;
• Recommendations on speakers, participants, and strategic partnerships;
• Preliminary organizational and budget assessment;
• Final package of concept and planning documents to support decision-making on the establishment of the Defence Legal Forum.

Required Qualifications
Mandatory

• Advanced degree in Law, International Relations, Public Policy, Security Studies, or a related field;
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in international law, defence policy, security sector governance, international cooperation, or related areas;
• Demonstrated experience organizing, designing, or supporting high-level international conferences, forums, or policy dialogues;
• Strong understanding of defence, security, NATO, EU integration, and international legal issues;
• Experience engaging with government institutions, international organizations, and donor-funded programmes;
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and stakeholder engagement skills;
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian.

Desirable

• Experience working with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine or other security and defence institutions;
• Familiarity with NATO legal frameworks and defence governance reforms;
• Established professional network within the defence, legal, and international policy communities.