Legal Advisor

ABOUT LAW

Founded in 2013, Legal Action Worldwide is an independent non-profit organisation comprised of human rights lawyers and jurists, united in our belief that those who have experienced grave human rights violations and international crimes, should receive targeted, survivor-centred, gender-competent, and trauma-informed support to access the justice they deserve.

LAW’s teams work in/on conflict-affected and fragile contexts across 18 countries including South Sudan, Sudan, Tigray, Somalia, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, combining national and international expertise to provide legal redress to the most vulnerable. LAW undertakes creative accountability strategies, including strategic litigation at national, regional and international levels. In 2024, we secured 206 favourable decisions at national, regional and international courts. Alongside this, we provide technical assistance to strengthen justice institutions to ensure they are equipped to uphold the rule of law and promote accountability.

Our vision: A world where all victims and survivors have access to justice, so that impunity is not a barrier to sustainable peace.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Join our team to deliver justice for Ukrainian victims and survivors. You will support our Kyiv-based team by carrying out investigations into international crimes and human rights violations, providing excellent legal research and analysis, and preparing case files to hold perpetrators accountable.

MORE ABOUT THIS POSTION

Where? The position will be based at LAW’s Office in Kyiv. You must have the legal right to work in Ukraine. Flexible hybrid work arrangements are available, subject to operational and management’s discretion.

Duration: This position is full time on 12 months contract, and possible extension subject to funding.

Salary: USD 42,768 to USD 44,712 per annum (based on experience) plus benefits.

MORE DETAIL:

The post holder will perform duties in accordance with the responsibilities outlined below:

Legal

• In collaboration with the Ukraine Programme Manager, spearhead the preparation of case files for Ukrainian victims and survivors, to be filed in Ukraine, abroad under the principle of extraterritorial or universal jurisdiction, or to UN Treaty Bodies or other international fora.
• Advise the Programme Manager and Head of Litigation on optimal litigation strategy and case selection, assist in developing workplans to put the strategy into action.
• Conduct legal research and writing to develop high quality submissions, position papers, reports, concept notes and legal briefs on complex topics.
• Develop legal materials to support capacity building initiatives, including training and mentoring of civil society, as well as legal information campaigns for Ukrainian victims and survivors. Participate in these activities alongside LAW staff and partners.
• Liase with partners and other external researchers assisting with the case, including coordinating groups that are interested in co-filing the case.

Investigations

• Support the Ukraine Programme Manager and LAW Investigations Manager in devising strategies for investigating international crimes and human rights violations in Ukraine.
• Conduct open-source research into possible international crimes and human rights violations.
• Participate in field missions to interview survivors in other regions of Ukraine as well as other countries where they reside.
• Draft high-quality analysis of research findings based on personal research as well as contributions by the LAW team, partners, and consultants.

Advocacy and Communications

• Support the Ukraine Programme Manager in developing fundraising materials, such as concept notes and proposals, and engaging with potential donors.
• Support the LAW team’s creation and implementation of advocacy strategies, especially those connected to litigation.
• Coordinate the organisation high-level advocacy events, liaising with panelists, preparing concept notes, agendas, talking points, flyers and circulating all to participants.
• Promote the profile and visibility of the programme and represent LAW on national and regional platforms, when required.
• Support the LAW team in coordinating with existing partners and establishing new partnerships with Ukrainian and international NGOs as well as government authorities.
• Other ad hoc communications assignments, such as drafting promotional materials, website and social media content, as requested by the Programme Manager or LAW management.

ABOUT YOU

• Masters degree in law, human rights, or international law is preferred.
• Minimum of five years demonstrated experience conducting litigation on behalf of survivors of international crimes or human rights violations.
• Demonstrated experience conducting advanced legal research and drafting high quality legal documents, applying international criminal law to the facts of an investigation.
• Demonstrated experience implementing a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach to investigations and litigation.
• Experience conducting open-source research into international crimes.
• Proven ability to evaluate the credibility, significance and relevance of information sourced from diverse and high‑volume datasets, and to produce clear analytical materials.
• Experience conducting interviews with survivors and victims of international crimes or human rights violations, including survivors of gender-based violence, LGBTIQ+ persons, and other highly vulnerable people.
• Experience developing case files under universal or extraterritorial jurisdiction for prosecutorial action is preferred.
• Fluent Ukrainian, excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with case or evidence management software or advanced open-source investigation tools is a plus.
• Good knowledge and understanding of the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine and its implications for justice and accountability.
• Familiarity with the volatile and unpredictable nature of working in conflict environments.

HOW TO APPLY

Are you passionate about supporting survivors and delivering tangible results, if so, we would like to hear from you. Please click on the link and apply early!

HR Bamboo Link: https://legalactionworldwide.bamboohr.com/careers/53

Deadline for Applications – by 5 p.m. GVA time on 13th July 2025.

We reserve the right to close this job earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of interest.

At LAW we are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues reflecting the people and communities that we represent and support. Our team includes many nationalities with diverse professional backgrounds, skills and knowledge. This enables us to deliver and understand the cultural and political contexts on the ground and to tailor our support effectively and appropriately.

How to apply

Are you passionate about supporting survivors and delivering tangible results, if so, we would like to hear from you. Please click on the link and apply early!

HR Bamboo Link: https://legalactionworldwide.bamboohr.com/careers/53

Deadline for Applications – by 5 p.m. GVA time on 13th July 2025.

We reserve the right to close this job earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of interest. LAW’s website ???? Learn more at: www.legalactionworldwide.org