Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and will continue to scale-up in 2024 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Ukrainian National Government Liaision Officer for its activities in Kharkivska and Donetska oblast (Kramatorskyi, Pokrovska raions only).

This position will be supervised by the Kharkiv Area Manager.

Overall purpose of the role:

The success of DRC in Ukraine, however, depends upon the goodwill of the Government of Ukraine. As the Government increases its capacity to coordinate the humanitarian/early recovery operations, there is need to ensure enhanced cooperation with authorities on all level, and to orchestrate the many messages being conveyed by varying programme interests.

Moreover, the long-term impact of DRC programming today will be built upon the ability to implant core knowledge which is gained or imparted through programme activity into sustainable Ukrainian institutions such as the government, educational system, etc., through trainings, manuals, and innovative techniques.

The position of Government Liaison Officer is responsible for ensuring that the Ukraine programme communicate cohesively and proactively with all levels of Ukrainian government, and leads all programme sectors in the development of mechanisms for knowledge transfer and sustainability. S/He reports to the Area Manager and works closely with the DRC Programme Managers and Technical Field Manager (HDP), Government Relations Coordinator and the Communications Manager.

Main responsibilities:

• Identify, coordinate and organize meetings with key government agencies of a regional and local levels, as required to promote the development and implementation of DRC Ukraine programming, and to maintain good interinstitutional relations:
• Conduct correspondence with state authorities in accordance with national legislation;
• Collect and study relevant government strategies, including the attendance in various civic councils, working groups, etc., with a view of strengthening DRC programming’s understanding of and collaboration with state plans.
• Communicate throughout DRC the messages coming from and being given to government counterparts.
• Attend meetings as agreed with the Area Manager with government partners, regional and local authorities, coordination bodies, etc., at all levels.
• Lead the negotiation and preparation of replays on the government authorities on DRC programming, in cooperation with the Area Manager. Provide regular updates to authorities in other appropriate forms.
• Represent DRC on government and organizations’ steering committees and advisory boards, as appointed.

Required experience and competencies:

• Relevant university degree (graduate degree), preferably in international relations and/or development, political science or management
• Fluence in Ukrainian and Russian; advanced English preferred
• At least one year of professional work experience in humanitarian/development work.
• Good understanding of displacement issues of internally displaced and refugees and related international standards/frameworks.
• Extensive experience in representation and networking, particularly with the Government of Ukraine.
• Excellent analytical and strategic planning skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with local staff and other stakeholders
• Excellent negotiation, advocacy and communication skills.
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy.
• The capacity and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in difficult and insecure circumstances.
• High level of computer literacy with proficiency in MSWord, Excel, PDF, and Internet Strong computer skills (Excel, Microsoft, PowerPoint and Outlook).

We offer:

• Contract length: 3-month probation period with possible contract extension
• Level: H
• Designation of Duty Station: Kharkiv with travel to Donetska oblast (Kramatorskyi, Pokrovska raions only)
• Start date: As soon as possible.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

Application process:
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English).

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 22/02/24.

DRC as an employer
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise.
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do.
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution.
• Culture, values & strong leadership.
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.