ICLA Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been operational in Ukraine since 201

• The organization has significantly scaled its operations in response to the escalating conflict, particularly since February 202
• NRC focuses on an integrated humanitarian response that encompasses various core competencies, including Shelter, Education, Protection from Violence, and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). The organization aims to safeguard the rights and freedoms of individuals affected by conflict, providing essential support and legal expertise to those in need.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Technical Officer position is designed to operate within the framework of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and will be stationed at the Office of the Ombudsman of Ukraine. This role is crucial for providing specialized legal expertise aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals impacted by the ongoing war. The officer will be responsible for preparing informational materials and legal clarifications, drafting proposals and letters related to rights protection, analyzing regulatory and legal acts, and formulating recommendations or positions on draft legislation submitted to various governmental bodies, including the Verkhovna Rada and the Cabinet of Ministers. Additionally, the role involves preparing analytical reports, reviews, and proposals for cooperation with NGOs, international partners, and authorities, ensuring that the legal needs of conflict-affected individuals are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Technical Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Implementing legal activities according to an established plan of action while promoting and sharing ideas for technical improvements to enhance the quality, clarity, and effectiveness of legal analysis and recommendations.
• Exploring and assessing innovative methods to assist individuals affected by the war.
• Contributing to the identification of legal protection needs to inform programming and advocacy efforts.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and procedures. Specific responsibilities include:
• Developing information materials that explain legal issues related to the protection of rights for people affected by war in Ukraine.
• Facilitating events, meetings, and expert councils with representatives of the Commissioner.
• Drafting proposals, letters, and recommendations regarding the protection of rights and freedoms of affected individuals, directed to the Verkhovna Rada, the Cabinet of Ministers, and other regulatory bodies.
• Analyzing regulatory and legal acts and providing proposals for their improvement.
• Preparing analytical reviews, briefs, and reports.
• Providing inputs on cooperation with state or local authorities, international partners, and NGOs.
• Preparing analytical materials and reports specifically focused on the protection of conflict-affected individuals.
• Preparing information and analytical materials on legal, rights-related, or protection issues.
• Organizing and facilitating awareness-raising activities. 1
• Providing documentation support to NGOs, international partners, expert councils, and state and local authorities on behalf of the Ombudsman’s Office.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a comprehensive set of qualifications, including:

• A Bachelor’s degree in law.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in legal roles, particularly within humanitarian or recovery contexts.
• Experience working in complex and volatile environments.
• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Fluency in both Ukrainian and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex legal and policy information effectively.
• 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 the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in law, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding legal frameworks and human rights issues relevant to the role. This educational qualification is essential for the effective performance of duties related to legal analysis, drafting, and advocacy.

Experience:
The ICLA Technical Officer position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience. This experience should ideally be in similar roles within humanitarian or recovery contexts, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex legal environments and provide effective legal support to affected populations. Previous experience in volatile contexts is also highly valued, as it equips the candidate with the necessary skills to handle the challenges associated with working in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian and English is mandatory for this position, as both languages are essential for effective communication and documentation. Proficiency in these languages will enable the officer to draft legal documents, engage with stakeholders, and conduct analyses effectively. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance communication with diverse populations affected by the conflict.

Additional Notes:
This position is likely to be full-time, with specific details regarding contract duration and seniority level to be confirmed during the hiring process. The role involves working closely with both national and international stakeholders, and the NRC may offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to attract qualified candidates. The position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, and may require occasional travel within the country to fulfill responsibilities effectively.