Senior Political Adviser – Kyiv – 874031

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 some 18,000 staff worldwide. In 2014, the ICRC expanded its presence in Ukraine. Over 900 team members are working across the county in various professional fields.

About the job 

The ICRC Delegation in Ukraine seeks a Senior Political Adviser to join our team in Kyiv. The Senior Political Adviser plays a central role in shaping the delegation’s understanding of Ukraine’s evolving political, conflict, and security environment. S/he contributes to the organization’s positioning and external engagement, ensuring they are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the broader political context.

The Senior Political Adviser monitors political developments and the conflict, s/he identifies emerging trends, and assesses their implications for the delegation’s objectives and humanitarian action. S/he provides strategic, evidence-based analysis and advice that directly inform management decisions and operational priorities. S/he identifies, maintains, and broadens high-level relations with key national stakeholders (authorities, civil society, etc.) and facilitate the management’s access to them.

Start date: As soon as possible

NOTE:  While this position is advertised as a full-time role under a Ukrainian employment contract, the ICRC is open to consider qualified candidates for long-term consultancy engagement. 

 

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic political advice on political, conflict, and security developments, contributing to the formulation of strategies and priorities
• Monitor and analyze political, security, social, and cultural dynamics, identifying trends and their potential impact on ICRC activities in Ukraine
• Develop and maintain high-level networks with key stakeholders, including government and parliamentary representatives, security actors, civil society, humanitarian organizations, and other influential interlocutors
• Produce analytical outputs, including political reports, situation updates, and briefing notes
• Conduct context and cultural briefings to enhance understanding of the operating environment and ensure culturally sensitive engagement
• Advise on political and security risks, providing early warning and context-driven recommendations to support operational decisions
• Represent the ICRC in meetings and events, presenting the organization’s mandate, principles, and activities in a professional and neutral manner
• Coordinate with other humanitarian actors to maintain awareness of their activities, ensuring coherence and complementarity in the humanitarian response
• Participate in field missions as required

What we offer you

• A great team to work with and an organization where you have an impact
• Employment contract according to Ukrainian labor law with flexible working arrangements or consultancy contract
• Competitive salary between UAH 78,000 and 140,000 (gross) before taxation
• Medical insurance for you and your depending family members
• Comprehensive onboarding and learning opportunities
• 20 working 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 foster a supportive, inclusive work environment. For more information, visit the website http://www.icrc.org/.

 

About you

To be successful as Senior Political Adviser in the ICRC, you should possess the following qualifications and experiences and have the following characteristics:  

• Ukrainian citizenship or permanent residence permit in Ukraine
• University degree in political science, international relations, law, or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• 6–10 years of professional experience in political analysis, advisory, or programme management in similar fields, ideally including at least 5 years with government institutions or a humanitarian organization.
• Proven analytical and strategic thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to interpret complex political and security dynamics and provide actionable insights 
• Established network of relevant contacts across governmental, political, and civil society spheres
• Proven track record of delivering strategic political insights in complex environments, ideally within international organizations, government, or research institutions
• Strong grasp of Ukraine’s political landscape, conflict dynamics, and institutional frameworks
• Excellent command of English and Ukrainian (minimum C1 level in both languages, oral and written)
• Strong understanding of the Ukrainian political context, conflict dynamics, and institutional frameworks
• Excellent drafting, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex analyses clearly and persuasively
• Computer literate, including sound knowledge of Microsoft Office
• 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!

Please submit your English CV, along with your motivation letter and salary expectations, to the attention of the ICRC People and Culture Team. Please state if you prefer the consultancy arrangement. Please label your CV with your first and last names (First Name LAST NAME). In addition, please complete the compulsory ICRC questionnaire. The questionnaire is available through the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/APw3dvQMHJ. (Click on the link or copy the link into your internet browser.)

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

Application deadline: 05 December 2025

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

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