The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been working in Ukraine since 2014. Following the escalation of conflict in February 2022, NRC rapidly scaled up its operations across Ukraine and neighbouring countries. NRC’s humanitarian response is focused on an integrated approach that combines its programming expertise (Core Competencies) of Shelter, Education, Protection from Violence, and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA).
ICLA Technical Officer will operate within the framework of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and be stationed at the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine. The position is established to provide specialized legal expertise in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of individuals affected by the war. Key responsibilities include preparing information 2 materials and legal clarifications, drafting proposals and letters in the field of rights protection, analysing regulatory and legal acts, and preparing recommendations or positions on draft legislation submitted to the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers, and other local and state bodies. The role also covers preparing analytical reports, reviews, and cooperation proposals with non-governmental organizations, international partners, and authorities.
Generic responsibilities
1. Implement legal activities according to established plan of action. Promote and share ideas for technical improvement by enhancing the quality, clarity, and effectiveness of legal analysis, information materials, and recommendations, in line with applicable legislation, human rights standards, and NRC policies.
2. Explore and assess new and better ways to assist.
3. Contribute to the identification of legal protection needs to inform programming and advocacy.
4. Compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and procedures
Specific responsibilities
1. Develop information materials explaining legal issues related to the protection of rights of people affected by war in Ukraine.
2. Facilitate events, meetings, and expert councils with the representative of the Commissioner.
3. Draft proposals, letters, and recommendations regarding the protection of the rights and freedoms of affected people, addressed to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers and others, or submitted to the Commissioner by regulatory bodies.
4. Analyse regulatory and legal acts in this field and provide proposals for their improvement.
5. Prepare analytical reviews, briefs, and reports.
6. Provide inputs on cooperation with state or local authorities, international partners, and NGOs.
7. Prepare analytical materials and reports specifically on the protection of conflictaffected people.
8. Prepare information and analytical materials on legal, rights-related, or protection issues.
9. Prepare, organise and facilitate awareness-raising activities.
10. Provide documentation support to NGOs, international partners, expert councils, and state and local authorities on behalf of the Ombudsman’s Office.
Generic professional competencies:
• Bachelor’s degree in law
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience
• Experience working in similar roles in humanitarian/recovery context
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Fluency in Ukrainian and English both written and verbal.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex legal and policy information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for drafting clear legal documents.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Context related skills, knowledge and experience:
• In-depth knowledge of Ukrainian legislation and regulatory frameworks related to human rights, protection, and people affected by war.
• Understanding of the operational context of the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine and its interaction with governmental and non-governmental actors.
• Experience in legal analysis, drafting legislative proposals, and providing recommendations on policy improvements.
• Familiarity with international human rights law, standards, and best practices relevant to protection of affected populations.
• Experience in facilitating legal awareness campaigns and public outreach initiatives.
• Strong understanding of the legal’s challenges faced by internally displaced people (IDPs) and other conflict-affected populations in Ukraine.
• Proficiency in using office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard information management systems
Behavioural competencies:
• Analysing
• Planning and delivering results
• Working with people
• Communicating with impact and respect
• Coping with change
• Handling insecure environment