Protection (Legal Analysis) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent protection agency established to advocate for and promote durable solutions for populations affected by displacement. Since its inception, DRC has been dedicated to providing support and protection to vulnerable communities. The organization has been operational in Ukraine since 2014, employing over 800 staff members who work across various sectors including Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding. DRC's approach involves direct interventions, support to duty bearers, and collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). As the context in Ukraine evolves, DRC is committed to adapting its durable solutions portfolio to meet the changing needs of the affected populations.

Job Overview:
In the role of Protection (Legal Analysis) Specialist, you will work under the direct supervision of the Legal Aid Manager and in collaboration with the Legal Analysis Team Leader. Your primary responsibility will be to provide expert legal research, analysis, and advisory support aimed at strengthening DRC's programs and advocacy initiatives within Ukraine. This position requires you to develop comprehensive legal research and analysis on social protection legislation, producing analytical reports that will inform decision-making, design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, and advocacy efforts. You will be expected to collaborate with both internal teams and external partners to ensure that the outputs are of high quality and evidence-based, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of DRC's initiatives in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your main duties will include developing legislative research on social protection legislation, policy, and political frameworks relevant to Ukraine. You will also be responsible for creating and applying methodologies to assess these legal frameworks, identifying gaps in coverage and accessibility challenges. Close collaboration with the Legal Aid Manager and the legal analysis team is essential to ensure that the research and production of legal materials meet DRC's standards and objectives. You will advance legal materials into clear analytical products such as briefing notes, position papers, and legal alerts to support decision-making and advocacy. Additionally, you will produce legal opinions as requested by donors or external partners, ensuring that inputs from the legal analysis team are incorporated. Your role will also involve researching and analyzing laws, regulations, and relevant judicial or administrative practices that impact DRC's programs and projects. You will act as an expert resource for consultations, trainings, and inductions for project staff, support the Legal Aid Unit in monitoring and evaluation activities, and assist in capacity building of legal analysis officers. Furthermore, you will maintain communication with relevant DRC departments and coordinate with field lawyers to observe trends and gather data for advocacy initiatives. Representing DRC in various forums and contributing thematic input for project donor reporting will also be part of your responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a Master's degree in Law or a higher qualification. You should have a demonstrated ability to support legal analysis work and effectively incorporate team contributions into your outputs. A strong understanding of social protection legal frameworks, legislation, and policy analysis is essential. Excellent drafting, analytical, and presentation skills are required, along with a keen attention to detail and accuracy. You must be capable of translating complex legal information into clear, actionable reports that facilitate decision-making and advocacy. Additionally, you should have a proven track record of analyzing legal trends and identifying systemic barriers affecting conflict-affected populations, as well as experience leading or contributing to legal advocacy initiatives at local or national levels. Strong interpersonal, representation, and communication skills are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Law or a higher qualification. This advanced education is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for conducting legal research and analysis, which are central to the role of a Protection (Legal Analysis) Specialist.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of professional experience in a humanitarian or protection context. This experience should include a proven ability to produce high-quality legal analysis products, such as research papers, analytical reports, legal opinions, and policy briefs. The candidate should have a solid understanding of the legal landscape affecting displaced populations and be adept at navigating complex legal issues.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English (Level C1) and Ukrainian is mandatory for this position. These language skills are essential for effective communication, drafting reports, and engaging with various stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding after a successful completion of a 3-month probationary period. The position is classified under Band G.2, which is a non-managerial designation. The duty station for this role is Kyiv, and the expected start date is May 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contracts, and applicants are encouraged to refer to the organization's website for more details. The application process requires candidates to upload a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a maximum length of four pages. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is set for 25th April 2026, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to select a candidate before the vacancy close date if a suitable candidate is identified.