The Protection Officer - Social and Legal Advocacy (Rule of Law) plays a key role in advancing human rights and access to justice for conflict-affected populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities, and former combatants. Working with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), this position supports the implementation of legal aid, research, policy development, and advocacy initiatives, with regular fieldwork and coordination across government and civil society.
What You'll Do
- Analyze legislative and regulatory acts affecting access to legal aid for conflict-affected individuals, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), persons with disabilities, former combatants, and other vulnerable and marginalized groups.
- Identify legal barriers and obstacles to the realization of rights among affected populations.
- Monitor changes in the legal and policy environment relevant to the protection of human rights in IRC’s area of operation.
- Develop and formulate advocacy initiatives aimed at improving access to legal aid and justice.
- Prepare advocacy materials, analytical notes, and policy briefs to support advocacy campaigns and programmatic efforts.
- Maintain regular contact and collaboration with government authorities, local administrations, partner organizations, and civil society actors.
- Facilitating dialogue with formal and informal local community structures to support the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Advocating with local authorities to ensure that information on legal procedures — including IDP registration and civil documentation — is inclusive, clear, and widely accessible.
- Collaborating with local administrative bodies and IDP councils to co-develop systems for identifying, funding, and evaluating the impact of community-driven legal and advocacy initiatives.
- Participating at meetings, working groups, and coordination platforms on local level.
- Draft reports on activities carried out, including analytical documents and recommendations for internal and donor use.
- Maintain accurate databases and documentation related to advocacy initiatives and legal assistance.
- Conduct regular field visits within the area of responsibility to coordinate advocacy activities and monitor the legal situation on the ground.
- Participate in internal team meetings, training, and strategic planning processes.
- Support advocacy initiatives by providing examples of individual cases and data on systemic legal challenges affecting displaced persons and conflict-affected individuals.
- Engage with the Legal Protection Working Group (LPWG) and other relevant coordination mechanisms to advocate for improved legal response and protection.
- Proactively identify and maintain contact points between authorities and key humanitarian actors and update the contact database accordingly.
- Participate in the weekly planning of field visits to activity locations in line with program schedules.
What We're Looking For
- Higher education in law
- Bilingual in Ukrainian and Russian
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
- Demonstrated understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients/beneficiaries
- Positive and professional attitude, including ability to lead and work well in a team setting
- High degree of flexibility and strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail
- Computer literate, including Microsoft Word and Excel, with ability to work with data entry using software on tablets
Nice to Have
- Valid Attorney’s License (registered at the Bar Association)
- Previous experience in conducting local or national-level advocacy.
- Experience in organizing group events, training, workshops, or roundtable discussions.
- Preferred experience in drafting meeting minutes, policy briefs, and analytical reports will be considered an asset.
- Good verbal and writing skills in English
Technical Stack
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- Software on tablets for data entry
Team & Environment
Reports to Senior Social and Legal Advocacy Officer; collaborates internally with Legal Affairs Manager, Legal Officer, Case Management Senior Officer, Caseworkers, Protection Officers, Capacity Strengthening & Program Development Officer, Psychosocial Support Officer, and other IRC departments.
Benefits & Compensation
- 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
Work Mode
IRC office with regular work-related travel within the area of responsibility (AoR). Flexible working options (start early-finish early, start later-finish later, remote work).
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.
