Protection Officer – Legal Analyst

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 550 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2023 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Protection Officer – Legal Analyst to join the team in Kyiv.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Protection Officer – Legal Analyst supports the Project Lead in conducting legal research, analysis and advocacy works within the LAU program. The position contributes to high quality legal research and analysis in support of DRC’s advocacy and DRC partners` advocacy. The Protection Officer – Legal Analyst contributes to legal analysis, facilitation of roundtable discussions, bilateral meetings and publication of analytical materials. This role has a strong focus on protection of rights and freedoms of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Housing, Land and Property (HLP) and social protection related advocacy. The role requires some travel to field locations.

Responsibilities:

Research, Analysis and Reporting

• Research and analyze law, by-laws, judicial and administrative practices on issues relevant for DRC program operations
• Under the coordination of and in cooperation with the Project Lead – Legal Analyst, draft legal and information materials including position papers, briefing notes and leaflets
• Organize and facilitate roundtables/workshops/conferences on legal and HLP issues at Kyiv and field levels
• Contribute legal input for proposals and reports to donors and authorities
• Contribute legal analysis for DRC legal alerts and other project documents and tools
• Facilitate training, on thematic legal issues including HLP rights, when necessary, for lawyers, local government and CSO actors at field and Kyiv levels
• Write thematic report on legal issues including HLP rights
• Develop and apply analytical methodologies for assessing HLP legal frameworks in Ukraine, identifying coverage gaps, accessibility challenges, etc.
• Under the coordination of the Project Lead – Legal Analyst regularly revise and update legislative analysis based on legislative changes, shifting realities, and stakeholder feedback, ensuring the analysis remains relevant and effective
• To support the development and design of the information and analytical materials to be published and disseminated through means of the DRC Digital Legal Aid Platform.

Coordination, Representation, and Advocacy

• Collaborate with field lawyers in overseeing pilot cases and strategic litigation for future analytical and advocacy efforts
• Attend HLP meetings, collaborate and coordinate with HLP TWG on HLP advocacy
• Ensure HLP integration with other DRC sectors
• Support the team in carrying out monitoring and evaluation exercises
• In coordination with the Project Lead – Legal Analyst engage with a diverse array of stakeholders, including humanitarian actors, government officials, and beneficiaries, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and constructive dialogue
• Represent the team in various forums while upholding the commitment to neutrality and non-discrimination (upon the authorization of the Project Lead – Legal Analyst and Legal Manager)
• Advocate for the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, using research findings and legal analysis to inform and influence policy discussions and decisions.

Other

• Provide legal advice and support to the operations of other DRC departments.

Required experience and competencies:

• Minimum 2 years of practical experience in legal sector
• Previous experience in legal research and analysis in Ukraine, preferably within the context of HLP, social protection, human rights or humanitarian aid in Ukraine
• Solid understanding of HLP, social protection, human rights or humanitarian aid legislation, systems, and practices in Ukraine, coupled with the ability to interpret and analyze these within the broader socio-political context
• Report writing and presentation skills, capable of transforming complex legal data into accessible, understandable, and actionable information
• Proven flexibility and adaptability in rapidly changing circumstances, and an ability to anticipate and respond to new challenges and opportunities
• Extensive experience in coordination and representation in a humanitarian context, with a demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain productive relationships
• Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Fluency in Ukrainian/Russian and English is required.

Education:

Graduate degree in Law or a related field is required. An advanced degree or specialization in areas related to HLP, social protection, human rights, or humanitarian law would be a significant asset.

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.

We offer:

• Contract length: 12 months, with a 3-month probation period
• Designation of Duty Station: Kyiv
• Start date: as soon as possible
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriate Staff.

Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English).

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 26th November 2023

We reserve the right to conduct interviews and select candidates prior to the application deadline.