Liaison Advisor Ukraine

What we are looking for

We are looking for candidates that have strong experience in liaison roles, coordinating with government institutions and fostering effective partnerships in Ukraine.

Good understanding of humanitarian action with comprehensive understanding of the political and humanitarian context in Ukraine and in-depth knowledge of government structures, sub-national authorities.

Proven track record of developing and implementing successful engagement strategies and risk assessments with governmental stakeholders.

Experience with humanitarian protection programmes and humanitarian policy and advocacy and familiarity with regulatory and policy activities related to resilience building, recovery, and development.

Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.

Fluency in English, Ukrainian, both written and verbal, knowledge of Russian language is an advantage.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Ukraine. We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this position.

What you will do

This role presents an interesting opportunity to work closely with government stakeholders and contribute to the humanitarian response and recovery processes in Ukraine. 

The Liaison Advisor will support the Country Management Group in harmonizing, strengthening, and developing NRC's relations with governmental stakeholders at the national, regional and local levels and other relevant stakeholders through networking and representing NRC in consultations, coordination fora and strategic meetings. The role entails coordinating with authorities, facilitating interactions with governmental entities and state bodies, and advising the work of the NRC operation. The role will provide advice on strategies for alignment with government priorities, arrange meetings for senior management, and maintain a network for information sharing.

Responsibilities also include reporting, document management, compiling reports required by various governmental stakeholders and providing activity updates to NRC management. 

Key responsibilities

• Provide regular internal briefings and support the NRC management with strategic advice for effective liaison and advocacy with the Ukrainian government, regional and local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain close contacts with the government, sub-national authorities, and local hromadas for information sharing, and stay up-to-date on partnership-related issues with the governmental counterparts.
• Facilitate initial interactions with key local and national authorities and support partnership development, including stakeholder and relationship mapping.
• Monitor the political context in Ukraine, as it relates to the humanitarian response, as well as legal and policy developments relevant to NRC. 
• Support resource mobilization efforts by providing inputs on the strategic priorities of the government, contributing to the alignment of NRC's program with government priorities.
• Liaison and follow up with relevant Government officials and authorities on specific topics related to NRC's work, and plan and facilitate meetings with relevant government officials and NRC senior management as per mission requirements. 
• Respond to queries from government officials, providing required information or appropriate referrals.
• Participate in working groups, meetings, conferences, and consultations on development and emergency relief-related matters.
• Support the development of MOUs and other documents as well as prepare briefing papers, statements, and other public-facing products
• Prepare and submit reports and analyses as authorized by management and facilitate collection of the inputs and compilation of the reports required by the governmental counterparts and as authorized by NRC management.
• Interact with NRC personnel in preparing summary and analytical documents, including reports, notes, and official communications.
• Provide regular activity reports to NRC management.

What you will bring

• Minimum 5 years of experience working in liaison roles.
• Experienced with humanitarian protection programmes and humanitarian policy and advocacy. 
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful engagement strategies and risk assessments with governmental stakeholders.
• Good understanding of humanitarian action with comprehensive understanding of the political and humanitarian context in Ukraine and in-depth knowledge of government structures, sub-national authorities.
• Familiarity with regulatory and policy activities related to resilience building, recovery, and development.
• Strong experience in coordinating with relevant government institutions and fostering effective partnerships.
• Proven ability to respond to inquiries from government officials, providing accurate and timely information.
• Active involvement in work groups, meetings, conferences, and consultations on development and emergency relief-related matters.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Fluency in English, Ukrainian, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of Russian language is an advantage.

Download the detailed job description here to learn more about the position.

What we offer

• Duty station: Kyiv, Ukraine
• Contract: 12 months
• Travel: Up to 30%(domestic travel within Ukraine)
• Salary/benefits: Grade 8 on NRC Ukraine national grading structure.  
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process

• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Ukraine. We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this position.
• Please ensure you attach copies of your academic and professional certificates. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email address or click on Opportunity Marketplace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity

Learn more about NRC

Learn more about NRC Ukraine