The Danish Refugee Council is currently looking for a skilled and experienced Project Lead - Legal Analyst to join our team in Chisinau, Moldova.

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency whose mandate is to promote and protect durable solutions to conflict and displacement-affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights. DRC is implementing a multi-sector response to support Ukraine refugees, IDPs, and host populations both within Ukraine and in the neighboring countries of Poland, Romania and Moldova, and wider Europe. DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, following previous operations in the 1990s and between 2007-2013. Over the years, DRC successfully maintained its presence in the government-controlled areas (GCA) and adapted its programmes to provide early recovery and durable solutions to people affected by the conflict including IDPs and communities living along the contact line, as well as reduce the threats of explosive ordnance with a growing humanitarian mine action programme. Due to the ongoing conflict that began in Feb 22, DRC opened offices in Poland, Moldova, and Romania to provide support to displaced populations through a partnership with civil society organizations and national NGOs, duty bearers, and other actors. DRC continues to implement in these three countries through partnerships, technical assistance and capacity exchange, and direct implementation in some cases.

About the Job

The Project Lead – Legal Analyst will support the Response Manager in coordinating and overseeing all legal research, analysis and advisory works within the Moldova legal aid response realised in close coordination with the protection program. The position will ensure that high quality legal research, analysis and advisory are available for supporting DRC’s advocacy, capacity building and protection-legal mainstreaming initiatives. The Project Lead – Legal Analyst will also be responsible for establishing DRC’s strong presence in Temporary Proteciton directive and legislative advocacy. The role will support advocacy efforts of the organization through legal analysis, roundtable discussions, in-dept interviews, bilateral meetings and other reporting and publication tools and instruments. The Project Lead – Legal Analyst will provide support and/or technical guidance on legal works in protection-legal mainstreaming action, livelihoods and site management support (SMS). This role will also have a strong focus on protection of rights of refugees (incl. Third-country nationals (TCN), stateless persons and Roma minority, as well as related advocacy.

Thematic Research, Legal Analysis and Reporting

Responsible for research and analysis, advisory and advocacy vectors and thematic reports in collaboration with DRC Protection team and as assigned by the Response Manager. Work in close coordination with the Response Manager DRC Moldova, consulted by Programme Manager – Advocacy, Legal and HLP to ensure that research, analysis, drafting, editing and publishing of all project related materials comply with DRC standards and are completed on time for use and dissemination of DRC Moldova and related counterparts. Analysis and preparation of information material on peculiarities of Moldovan legislation for Digital Legal Aid Platform. In active consultation with the Programme Manager and Response Manager DRC Moldova responsible for planning, collecting, and drafting and publication of Legal Alerts and related legal-aid material, adhering to DRC Protection response. Draft and review legal and information materials including position papers, briefing notes and leaflets. Responsible for providing thematic input for proposal and donor reporting under DRC Moldova, PMR. Responsible for drafting legal opinion, in consultation with the Program Manager and Response Manager, sought by donor or other external partners. Ensure timely and high-quality production and dissemination information of materials and training products on legal issues, refugee inclusion and related legislation and policy work. Conducting trainings for lawyers both general and on humanitarian principles.

Coordination, Representation Training and Advocacy

Create and maintain a network of major advocacy stakeholders at the local, regional and national level on thematic areas assigned by the Response Manager and consulted with Programme Manager – Advocacy, Legal and HLP. Support communication and coordination with relevant DRC departments, programmes as well as Implementing Partners withing the project. Acting as a focal person for coordination and implementation of the cross-border component. Make or coordinate field visits in coordination with DRC Moldova protection team to observe the trends, gather data and facts for legal advocacy. In coordination with the Programme Manager – Advocacy, Legal and HLP, coordinates and oversees work of Program Officers responsible for Legal Analysis on youth and IDP integration policies and legislation In conjunction with Resposne Manager and Programme Manager – Advocacy, Legal and HLP, responsible for selecting and supervising external consultants on thematic research. Represent DRC in humanitarian, public and private forums as assigned by the Response Manager in consultatation with Programme Manager – Advocacy, Legal and HLP Undertake other advocacy initiatives assigned by Response Manager in consultatation with Programme Manager – Advocacy, Legal and HLP Facilitate training, on thematic legal issues for lawyers, local government, CSO actors and other relevant stakeholders at field and Chisinau levels. Perform as a resource person for training programmes and drafting training materials. Ensure coordination and supervision of legal analysts and trainers. Coordinating the activities with the legal analysts of the Kyiv office with regards to mutual development of the content for the Digital Legal Aid Platform.

About You

To be successful in this role we expect you to have:a minimum of 3 years of practical experience in legal sector with a strong background in public international law. Moreover, we also expect the following:

A university degree in International Law/ Human Rights or higher. Complete knowledge of the conflict and displacement related legal, policy and political developments of the last four years. Strong skills in critical analysis of law, Advanced written skills in English, Representation and public speaking skills in English. Experience of and strong skills in developing and implementing project strategies and advocacy campaigns. Experience in producing high-quality technical and advocacy material (training material, programme tools, proposals, advocacy and strategic documents etc.). Deep understanding of the humanitarian architecture. Excellent writing and editing skills for external audiences (including governments and donors). Excellent skills in cooperation and advocacy towards government officials. Extensive knowledge of national legislation pertaining to rights of IDPs and conflict-affected population. Good knowledge of human rights and international humanitarian law. Full professional proficiency in English and fluency in Ukrainian and Russian. Familiarity with Romanian is desirable.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

We Offer

Contract length: 6 months (open to extension depending on availability of funding)

Band: G (Non-Management)

Base salary range: from 2,575 to 3,287 Euro gross per month, based on candidate's experience

Duty station: Chisinau, Moldova (with travel to field locations)

Start date: April 15th, 2023

We offer a competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

Application Process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Candidates must already have the legal right to live and work in Moldova. DRC will not sponsor visas.

Closing date for applications: March 30th, 2023

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis, and we, therefore, encourage you to apply as soon as possible. For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.

This vacancy is archived.

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