Protection Officer - Local Policy and Advocacy

About the role

The Protection Officer – Local Policy and Advocacy supports the implementation of human‑rights and rule‑of‑law activities within the IRC’s Protection program in Kharkiv. Reporting to the Protection Senior Officer, the role blends legal‑aid provision with research, analysis and advocacy to address legal barriers faced by conflict‑affected populations.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse legislative, regulatory and policy developments affecting internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, veterans and other conflict‑affected groups.
• Identify barriers to rights and access to protection, justice, civil documentation, housing, land and property, and contribute to evidence‑based advocacy initiatives.
• Prepare advocacy materials, analytical notes, policy briefs and other legal products to support campaigns and programmatic work.
• Maintain regular contact and collaboration with partners, governmental authorities and civil‑society representatives.
• Support the development and implementation of local advocacy strategies and build an evidence base for advocacy efforts.
• Conduct fieldwork and coordinate with IRC protection units and external legal‑service providers, including travel within the area of responsibility.

Required profile

• Experience in legal‑aid provision, research, analysis and advocacy within a humanitarian or rule‑of‑law context.
• Understanding of human‑rights principles and the challenges faced by conflict‑affected populations.
• Ability to engage effectively with partners, authorities and civil‑society actors.
• Willingness to travel regularly within the assigned area.

Required skills