Protection Officer (Advocacy Legal Officer) – Представництво Датської Ради у справах біженців в Україні

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international non-governmental organization, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world.

DRC Ukraine is looking for a highly qualified Advocacy Legal Officer based in Kyiv.

Overall purpose of the role

Advocacy Legal Officer is responsible for implementation of the activities envisaged under the advocacy components of the project. ALO coordinates the process liaising with the business sector representatives in Ukraine to identify key advocacy issues and obstacles hindering economic development of Ukraine and design and lead advocacy interventions to address those issues. Under technical guidance of Project Lead on Legal Analysis, ALO develops position papers and draft laws, organize and participate in roundtable discussions and deliver key advocacy indicators on the local and national level.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Programming & Operations

• In close cooperation with DRC Livelihoods program act as a focal point for the advocacy activities envisaged by the project, with the aim to improve Ukrainian legislation related with business and economic development;
• Contribute to the identification process of the Legal and Livelihoods program’s beneficiaries;
• Provide qualitative guidance and legal analysis whenever needed for the use by the legal unit, its lawyers, managers and external network members;
• Support in information dissemination and outreach activities to ensure active participation of the beneficiaries within DRC programs, particularly Legal and Livelihoods programs; contribute to training programs of DRC, including the Legal and Livelihoods programs.
• Systematically collect information through the lawyers, monitors and other field actors for use in evidenced based advocacy and other purposes;
• Understand, and ensure the observance of the DRC Code of Conduct

Thematic research and legal analysis

• Support in drafting position papers, legal recommendations, draft laws, etc. as per requirements of the advocacy process;
• Provide statistical and narrative analysis of main trends and identified issues on thematic areas covered by the Legal and Livelihoods programs;
• Compile national and international law relevant to DRC programs particularly Legal and Livelihoods program;
• Compile legal and administrative processes and practices in relation to the laws and regulation relevant to the protection of the rights of IDPs, refugee, stateless persons, as well as the functioning of small and medium entrepreneurs (SME);
• Conduct legal research and write thematic reports on issues identified by the Legal Unit,
• Prepare survey and other fact finding and documentation reports, coordination meeting minutes, statistics and other communication materials to support internal flow of information.

Coordination

• Establish liaison with key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders for the advocacy initiatives envisaged by the project;
• Establish ties with the local businesses in the project targeted areas, including with the local chambers of commerce, in order to identify key advocacy issues for the business community;
• Attend and participate in relevant coordination meetings;
• Participate and contribute to round tables and other events of the Legal and Livelihoods programs;
• Cooperate with UN agencies, INGO’s and national NGO’s as needed.

Required experience and competencies

• Minimum 3-year experience in similar job, preferably in an NGO setting;
• Degree in law from a reputable university;
• Experience working with (I)NGOs would be of advantage;
• Proven experience of drafting position papers and draft laws;
• Proven experience in collaboration with local and national government;
• Experience in advocacy campaigning.
• Understanding of Humanitarian International Law, as well as business development and European Law;
• Good knowledge of Ukrainian legislation related with business activities and economic development;
• Fluency in Russian and Ukrainian, English proficiency.

We offer:

Contract length: 3 months (extension subject to funding)

Level H

Start date: July 2022

The application is open for Ukraine citizens only. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff. 

Application process

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English by link. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: July 3, 2022

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.