The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Social and Legal Advocacy Senior Officer is responsible for developing and implementing IRCs advocacy strategies aimed at protecting the rights of IDPs and other vulnerable groups. The role involves working at local and oblast levels to strengthen the impact of IRCs protection programming, ensuring legal and policy monitoring, engagement with governmental stakeholders, and promotion of legal initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities outlined in this Job Description will be implemented and regulated in accordance with the Roles and Responsibilities Matrices .

Develop and implement advocacy initiatives to improve vulnerable groups’ access to justice, social protection, and rights restoration.

Analyze legal and policy frameworks, assess their impact on target groups, and prepare analytical reports and recommendations.

Develop advocacy materials, including policy briefs, legal reviews, and recommendations for partners and government stakeholders.

Engage with governments, NGO, and civil society organizations to advocate for stronger protections rights

Develop and draft public advocacy efforts, including statements, reports, and open letters in coordination with the Legal Affairs Manager and Policy, Advocacy and Communication unit.

Participate in relevant working groups (Legal PWG, Protection Cluster groups, etc.).

Participate in policy discussions with government representatives, donors, and international organizations, proposing improvements to legislation and policies.

Establish and maintain partnerships with local authorities, policymakers, and other key governmental institutions at the local and oblast level.

Advocate at the local level to improve the protection of IDPs, conflict-affected populations.

Coordinate IRCs advocacy efforts with national and international NGOs, human rights organizations, and professional legal associations.

Monitor the governments compliance with obligations related to IDP and vulnerable group protection, preparing periodic reports.

Collect and analyze data on human rights violations and coordinate documentation efforts.

Develop recommendations for improving law enforcement and judicial practices based on collected evidence.

Design and deliver training sessions for IRC staff, partner organizations, and government institutions on human rights protection, advocacy, and legal monitoring.

Support capacity building for lawyers, social workers, and other professionals engaged in the protection of vulnerable populations.

Requirements

Education and Experience

University degree in law, political science, or social sciences.

Minimum of 2 years of experience in advocacy, human rights protection, or government engagement.

Experience working with international or humanitarian organizations is an advantage.

Knowledge of legal protection mechanisms for IDPs, conflict-affected populations is an asset.

Skills and Competencies

Strong understanding of advocacy and human rights processes in Ukraine.

Experience in developing and implementing advocacy strategies.

Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to draft legal opinions and policy recommendations.

Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with government entities, NGOs, and international actors.

Fluency in Ukrainian, Russian, English.

Experience in delivering training and public speaking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

This role requires office work (approximately 30%) and field work (approximately 70%).

This role may require travel to other locations (sub-offices).

The organization cares about staff and provides flexible working options (start early-finish early, start later- finish later, remote work)

IRC employees are eligible to the following benefits:

Competitive salary

Purposeful job and development opportunities

English classes and unlimited online training courses

Life Insurance

Medical insurance for staff and family members

Free psychological support to employees and their family members

30 calendar days of annual vacation with flexibility beyond the legally set minimum requirements

Up to 10 days of paid medical leave

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct . Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding , Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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