Internal candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Duty station:  Kyiv, Ukraine.

1. Background/Context

On February 24, 2022, the full-scale invasion of Russian Federation to Ukraine caused one of the most rapidly escalated emergencies related to cross-border and internal displacements since World War II. As of 2024, the UN estimates that about nearly 8 million people moved abroad and about 4 million became internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Ukraine.

Considering the unprecedented scale of displacement and destruction, the Government of Ukraine declared the housing solutions to be one of the state’s top priorities. This direction encompasses implementation of new housing policy that targets development and funding of social and affordable housing programs, working with state and communal property, ensuring compensation for destroyed and damaged housing and managing housing stock and properties of multi-apartment buildings. Once the security situation stabilizes, IDPs and other conflict-affected persons will seek support in finding lasting housing solutions. To meet these needs, there is a clear necessity to develop new housing policies and laws, replacing outdated codes and regulations, to fully secure housing rights for all Ukrainians.

Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires a comprehensive, informed, evidence-based and coordinated approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions. This approach would require expert support of both national and international experts to lead in the development of a new regulatory framework that aligns with EU standards and address housing issues Ukraine faces during and after the war. Drawing inspiration from successful models worldwide, the proposal to establish a Housing Institute of Ukraine aims to address these pressing issues.

The Ukrainian government has demonstrated a strong political will to confront these complex housing challenges. This commitment is evident in the actions of the Ukrainian Government, which is currently drafting the new housing laws and fully supports the establishment of the Housing Institute of Ukraine in collaboration with NRC, as the think tank, which would provide evidence-based recommendations on housing legislation, policies, strategies to authorities, international partners, other stakeholders.

1. Generic Responsibilities

The following is a brief description of the role:

• Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive housing database, ensuring its accuracy, accessibility, and relevance.
• Lead the analysis of current housing laws and regulations, and develop recommendations for reforms based on global best practices.
• Facilitate workshops, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives for housing stakeholders at various levels of government, civil society and other stakeholders.
• Design and implement advocacy and public awareness campaigns to promote housing rights and the activities of the Housing Institute.
• Establish and maintain a multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue and coordination within the housing sector.
• Drive research and innovation initiatives to address housing challenges and test new solutions in partnership with academic institutions.
• Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of housing programs and policies.
• Prepare regular reports on the performance and impact of housing initiatives, and provide recommendations for improvement to relevant stakeholders.

1. Professional Competencies

• Minimum 5 years of experience working as an Manager in a law/ housing/ project context
• Fundamental principles of humanitarian action
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of the context in Ukraine.

Find more details about the role HERE.

1. What We Offer

• Duration and Type of contract: 12 months employment contract with possibility of extension.
• Salary/benefits: According to NRC salary scale, terms and conditions.
• Duty station:  Kyiv, Ukraine.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC HERE.

Important information about the application process:

• Internal candidates only: please click on the suitcase icon labelled “I am an employee” to be redirected to NRC’s internal careers site.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

NRC has been present in Ukraine since 2014. Since the escalation of the war in 2022, we have been continuously scaling up our response across the country and working with national partners.

Eight years of conflict in the east of Ukraine escalated into a full-scale war on 24 February 2022, causing death, destruction and displacement for millions of people across the country. 17.6 million people were estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023, including 6.3 million internally displaced people and 11.3 million people who returned or remained home. Almost 16 million people received humanitarian assistance in 2022.

Throughout the winter months, the Russian Federation attacked critical energy infrastructure, leaving thousands with no heating, water or gas. Many residential buildings were also damaged and destroyed, killing and injuring civilians and forcing millions more to leave their homes. While indiscriminate attacks continued in different regions of Ukraine, the south was struck by the Kakhovka Dam breach on 6 June 2023, causing flooding and the displacement of thousands of people in the area, and leaving many regions without access to clean drinking water. Those who decided to remain are struggling to access food, water, health care, education and other essential services.

The most vulnerable people are still in need of safe housing, protection services and livelihoods support among other needs. Displaced people in rural areas are also struggling to access services. Many of those in need of assistance live in the areas beyond the control of Ukrainian government, where the response is limited due to access constraints.

• Learn more about NRC HERE and NRC Ukraine HERE.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply, and we are also open to external applicants who can show a commitment to NRC and being part of a challenging, but important mission to make a difference.

NRC might review applications before the advertised deadline, therefore interested candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Internal candidates are highly encouraged to apply.