Legal Advisor – Ukraine (National)

Mission

In Ukraine, Geneva call is launching a multiyear program to answer to the current situation aiming in the short term to build knowledge among all parties involved in the conflict; and over the middle-long term to leverage policy development and enforcement of norms related to the protection of civilians and public infrastructure and negotiating humanitarian access. Overall, Geneva Call aims to develop humanitarian engagement with armed parties and communities as a means to create space for dialogue on the protection of civilians. Geneva Call works in the whole territory of Ukraine.
Geneva Call consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. Geneva Call is an inclusive working environment for all its staff. Applications are particularly encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on the grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Role

The Legal & Policy Advisor contributes to the implementation of Geneva Call’s operational strategy by providing thematic and legal expertise on issues related to international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL). She/he also contributes to the development of Geneva Call’s policies and tools related to operations, supports internal capacity-building, research and knowledge management and represents Geneva Call in relevant expert meetings.

Main activities

Support field operations

• Provide expertise and advice to Geneva Call’s Country Team on legal/thematic issues and community-based protection work;
• Build the capacity of Geneva Call’s Country Team and partners on legal/thematic issues and community-based protection work;
• Support operational activities (community protection activities, training activities, workshops, meetings, etc.) as required;
• Adapt existing training material to the Ukrainian context; propose some training exercises and tools adapted to the audience; conduct some IHL trainings.

Policy development, knowledge management and research

• Contribute to the development of Geneva Call’s Ukrainian community-based protection work;
• Contribute to policy development and support knowledge management and learning within Geneva Call’s Country Team;
• Ensure the proper flow of information and communication with operations on thematic and legal issues
• Conduct legal and thematic research and produce internal memos and guidelines
• Contribute to prepare project proposals, budgets and donor reports;
• Contribute to fundraising efforts;
• Perform administrative tasks, as required.

External representation and communication

• Organize expert meetings/events;
• Follow up on legal/thematic issues and processes and represent Geneva Call, where appropriate, in relevant expert meetings, seminars and conferences that are context related;
• Maintain and develop contacts with experts on thematic/legal issues and liaise with relevant stakeholders and partners;
• Contribute to develop and implement communication activities, such as campaigns, events and other initiatives on different thematic areas.

Inform the Country team on significant political, security and legal (humanitarian norm) developments within Ukraine

• Closely follows the political, conflict developments and counter terrorism legislation/policies in the region and informs the Country Director of significant development that can impact program development or the security of the country teams;
• Draft presentations, talking points, and background notes for the Country Director or other relevant Geneva Call member;
• Inform the region about major IHL policy development that can impact Geneva Call’s intervention at country or regional level.

Main qualifications**Education and experience**

• A university degree in a relevant field (public international law, political science, international relations, or related field);
• A master’s degree in IHL and human rights or related areas;
• Minimum 4 years’ work experience in a humanitarian/human rights organization dealing with conflict situations;
• Field experience from conflict-affected countries would be an added value.

Technical skills

• Demonstrable knowledge of issues of humanitarian affairs and capacity for in-depth analysis;
• Strong writing, interpersonal, and research skills;
• Good knowledge of community-based protection approaches and design;
• Proven experience in legal analysis and training in the humanitarian field;
• Excellent writing and reporting skills;
• Experience in developing professional relationships with various stakeholder including armed actors and working in a neutral and objective manner;
• IT Tools (MS Office, Excel, email).

Languages

• English (C1-C2)
• Ukrainian / Russian (B2-C1)

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to work under pressure with short deadlines;
• Willingness to travel frequently to high-risk locations, including conflict areas;
• Sensitivity to/understanding of political and conflict dynamics;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to network in a multicultural environment and to develop strong professional relationships with stakeholders and with experience in dialogue with weapon bearers -particularly armed non-State actors.

Performance management

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the GC Performance Management p. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• The Job Description
• The individual Work- and Professional Development Plan
• The Competency Framework

Conflict of interest

Any candidate affiliated to, or openly supporting, one or more interest groups opposed to the Foundation’s principles and values, or whose previous position could engender safety issues for co-workers at Appel de Genève / Geneva Call, will be excluded from this selection process.

Conditions

• Position : Legal Advisor
• Type of Contract: Fixed term contract, National position
• Activity rate: 100% – 80%
• Work place: Lviv, Ukraine (subject to change according to context)
• Preferred start date: June 1st, 2022