Legal Counsel (800968)

icrc • Kyiv (KYI), UA, 31719 • 1w ago

WHAT WE DO

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC is mandated to work in countries affected by armed conflict or other situations of violence. The ICRC is present in over 100 countries and has 18,000 staff worldwide. In 2014, the ICRC expanded its presence in Ukraine. Over 900 team members are working across the country in various professional fields.

ABOUT THE JOB

The ICRC Corporate Adviser Unit seeks a skilled and experienced Legal Counsel to lead our in-house legal team in Kyiv. The Legal Counsel will lead and coordinate the provision of legal advice and support to all units (internal clients) within the ICRC Delegation in Ukraine, including field structures.This middle management role involves ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality legal advice and support across a broad range of areas, such as employment and HR-related issues, contractual and commercial matters, governance, compliance, and regulatory questions.Legal Counsel will oversee the management of complex legal issues and risks, ensure consistency in legal interpretation and application of relevant laws, and support decision-making by senior management. The position also contributes to strengthening legal awareness and capacity across the organization and promotes compliance with applicable national and international legal frameworks.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the provision of legal advice and strategic guidance on matters affecting ICRC operations, including HR, procurement, logistics, administration, governance, and regulatory compliance.
Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts and other legal instruments to ensure compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
Provide strategic legal opinions and recommendations to senior management on legal risks, obligations, and institutional commitments.
Guide the development and implementation of internal policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation.
Ensure effective management of legal and regulatory risks related to ICRC activities and operations.
Represent the ICRC in interactions with national authorities, law-enforcement, judicial or administrative bodies, and external stakeholders on legal matters.
Manage relationships with external legal counsel and coordinate legal support when required.
Provide leadership, guidance, and capacity-building to internal teams, supporting informed decision-making and strengthening legal awareness across the organization.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

A great team to work with and an organization where you have an impact
Opportunity for a dynamic legal professional to lead and shape the legal services provided within the ICRC delegation.
Employment contract according to Ukrainian labor law with flexible working arrangements
Competitive salary between UAH 118,000 and 163,000 (gross) before taxation
Medical insurance for you and your depending family members
Comprehensive onboarding and learning opportunities
20 days of annual paid leave
Convenient office location in the city center

The ICRC is an equal opportunity employer that prioritizes staff safety and security.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our workforce and encourage qualified female and male candidates of all backgrounds, including candidates with disabilities to apply for the position. We also value our employees' professional growth and offer a supportive and inclusive work environment. For more information, visit the website http://www.icrc.org/.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful as Legal Counsel in the Legal Corporate Adviser (LCA) Unit, you should possess the following qualifications and experiences and have the following characteristics:

Ukrainian citizenship or permanent residence permit in Ukraine

At least 5 years of proven experience working on corporate legal matters, either in-house or in a law firm, preferably in an international or multinational environment

Strong experience in contract law, employment law, business law, or administrative law.

Data Protection certificate a strong asset (e.g., Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP); Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPP/M); ECPC-B Data Protection Officer (DPO) Professional University Certificate, or similar)

Experience working with non-profit sector, international organizations or NGOs is considered a strong asset

Knowledge of or previous experience with the ICRC is considered an asset

Excellent command (written and spoken) of English and Ukrainian

Advanced computer skills

Self-motivated with a strong commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principles

Flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to learn

Ability to work independently, as well as effectively under supervision

Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks

Ability to work within a diverse team and establish and maintain good working relations in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-disciplinary environment

INTERESTED? YES? THEN APPLY!

To apply, please complete and submit the compulsory ICRC application form. Kindly note that your application will only be considered if it is submitted through the HRSpace recruitment module.

To apply on the platform, please locate the "Apply now" button in the top right-hand corner of the vacancy announcement and complete the application form.

Your application will be considered only once you have completed the ICRC application form and uploaded your English CV.

Application deadline: 26 March 2025

Only candidates meeting the abovementioned criteria will be contacted to move forward in the recruitment process.

The ICRC reserves the right to re-issue the vacancy, cancel the recruitment process, offer a position at a lower grade, with an adjusted job description or different duration, or to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the deadline.