DRC has been operating in Ukraine for more than 10 years with emergency and durable solution interventions for assisting IDPs, returnees, Host communities, and conflict-affected populations. With the outbreak of the conflict in February 2022, DRC has shifted its programming to emergency response to meet the urgent needs of conflict-affected population in the country. Current DRC programming is focusing on protection activities such as protection monitoring, information dissemination, Individual protection assistance, and legal aid. DRC is also planning to add to the ongoing emergency protection response activities such as GBV prevention and response, Psychosocial support (PSS), and community-based protection.

In addition to protection programming, DRC is currently implementing Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), NFI and Food distributions, Shelter & WASH interventions, and Economic Recovery, Humanitarian Demining and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education.

Overall purpose of the role:

The Perekhid Initiative aims to link or transition humanitarian cash transfers to the national shock-responsive social protection system in Ukraine, and is driven by the Ministry of Social Policy, UN, key donors and the Ministry of Social Policy. Specifically, the two objectives of Perekhid are to:

1. Pave the way for the transition and partial absorption of humanitarian caseloads into a more shock-responsive social protection system.
2. Bolster national systems and supporting the government’s agenda to reform the social protection system to make it more adequate, adaptive and shock responsive to the current context and ongoing crisis.

In support of the Perekhid Initiative, DRC is seeking a Legal Advisor to support the Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) that supports the Perekhid Initiative overall and the Steering Committee. While hosted by DRC, the postholder is fully dedicated to supporting the Perekhid Initiative based in the Ministry of Social Policy, together with other technical assistance facility team members.

The post holder will be responsible for all legal support/advice in the technical assistance facility and the Perekhid Initiative. This includes advice on the legal environment in regards to social protection systems in Ukraine,structured comprehensive Ukrainian legislative analysis, and support the drafting or amendment of legislation and potential Government decree based on the work of the Perekhid Initiative for endorsement by the Parliament and Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (CMU) as needed, and follow up on the legislative process through the approval stage(s) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Policy and relevant stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

Research, Nuanced Analysis, Drafting of Recommended Legislation, and Detailed Reporting

• Lead the legislative research agenda, delving into the complexities of social protection legislation, policy and political frameworks, and their application in Ukraine;
• Develop and apply analytical methodologies for assessing social protection legal frameworks in Ukraine, identifying coverage gaps, accessibility challenges, etc.
• Support the mappping of current social protection schemes provided by the government, and identify groups of conflict-affected individuals who are uncovered by available services and the implications of this;
• Synthesize research findings into detailed, actionable reports that can inform high-level decision-making, program design, political and regulatory frameworks, and advocacy efforts;
• Regularly revise and update legislative analysis based on legislative changes, shifting realities, and stakeholder feedback, ensuring the analysis remains relevant and effective;
• Identify potential obstacles or access challenges that may arise during the implementation of a new social protection scheme and advise on their mitigation
• Advise the Perekhid Steering Committee on the development of a new social protection scheme that is legally robust, aligned with current legislation, and provides a clear legal pathway for target populations to access support
• To support the design of an effective grievance redressal mechanism that can be incorporated into a newly introduced (or already established) social protection scheme(s). The mechanism should be designed to address any complaints or grievances that beneficiaries of the scheme may have, and to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed in a timely and effective mann
• Provide legal advice and support to the operations of the Perekhid Initiative and the Steering Committee.
• Regularly revise and update legislative analysis based on legislative changes, shifting realities, and stakeholder feedback, ensuring the analysis remains relevant and effective;
• Identify potential obstacles or access challenges that may arise during the implementation of a new social protection scheme and advise on their mitigation
• Advise the Perekhid Steering Committee on the development of a new social protection scheme that is legally robust, aligned with current legislation, and provides a clear legal pathway for target populations to access support
• To support the design of an effective grievance redressal mechanism that can be incorporated into a newly introduced (or already established) social protection scheme(s). The mechanism should be designed to address any complaints or grievances that beneficiaries of the scheme may have, and to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed in a timely and effective manner.

Coordination, Representation, and Advocacy

• Proactively engage with a diverse array of stakeholders, including humanitarian actors, government officials, donors, and beneficiaries, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and constructive dialogue;
• Represent the team in various high-level forums, articulating positions and insights in a clear and impactful manner, while upholding the commitment to neutrality and non-discrimination;
• Advocate for the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, using research findings and legal analysis to inform and influence policy discussions and decisions.

Other

• Provide legal advice and support to the operations of the Perekhid Initiative and the Steering Committee.

Experience and technical competencies:

• A substantial track record in legal research and analysis in Ukraine, preferably within the context of social protection or humanitarian aid in Ukraine;
• In-depth understanding of social protection or humanitarian aid legislation, systems, and practices in Ukraine, coupled with the ability to interpret and analyze these within the broader socio-political context;
• Exceptional report writing and presentation skills, capable of transforming complex legal data into accessible, understandable, and actionable information;
• Proven flexibility and adaptability in rapidly changing circumstances, and an ability to anticipate and respond to new challenges and opportunities;
• Extensive experience in coordination and representation in a humanitarian context, with a demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain productive relationships;

Education:

Advanced graduate degree in Law or a related field is required. An advanced degree or specialization in areas related to social protection, human rights, or humanitarian law would be a significant asset.

Fluency in Ukrainian and English is required.

We offer

Contract length: 3 months with possibility of extension based on available funding.

Level F

Start date: As soon as possible

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff.

Application process

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 27 June 2023

We reserve the right to conduct further interviews before the deadline for submission of applications.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo