Senior Legal Advisor

Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) is currently looking for Senior Legal Advisor to provide Operational support to programme implementation in Ukraine.

General information:

• Position: Senior Legal Advisor
• Duty Station: Kyiv (Travel to area offices in Kharkiv, Dnipro & Mykolaiv expected ~10%)
• Reporting line: Country Director & Head of Operations
• Job terms: Full-time
• Type of job: Labour contract
• Starting date: ASAP
• Duration: 12 months

About PAH:

Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) is an international non-governmental organization which since 1992 has been providing humanitarian and development help worldwide. So far, the interventions have been carried out in 46 different countries. By possessing long-standing expertise in the implementation of projects in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), Food Security and Livelihoods, as well as Nutrition and Education, PAH concentrates its global activities on ensuring sustainable and stable development of regions suffering from the consequences of armed conflicts, natural disasters and other humanitarian crises.

PAH has been present in Ukraine since August 2014 delivering humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable of the conflict-affected population. PAH aids Ukrainians through various humanitarian response mechanisms including, Protection, Shelter, WaSH, and Livelihoods. PAH Ukraine is currently expanding humanitarian response programming to include both early recovery and development-oriented interventions that provide sustainable livelihoods opportunities for the affected population.

For more information, please refer to www.pah.org.pl.

Purpose:

To provide comprehensive legal advice and guidance for an international NGO in Ukraine, ensuring legal compliance, risk management, and protection of the organization’s interests under Ukrainian law.

1. Objectives (Expected Results)

1. Legal Guidance: Advise the Senior Management Team (SMT) on the legality of actions and decisions, ensuring alignment with Ukrainian legislation.
2. Protection of Interests: Legally safeguard the rights and interests of the organization and its subdivision in Ukraine.
3. Document Management: Oversee and ensure the legality and proper flow of internal and external documents.
4. Consultative Support: Provide continuous legal consultation and information to subdivision administration on relevant legal matters.
5. Corporate Legal Culture: Foster a strong legal awareness and compliance culture as a key part of the subdivision’s identity.

2. Functions (Responsibilities)

A. Internal Documentation & Compliance

• Policy Development: Develop and maintain internal legal documentation, including regulations, orders, and instructions, offering guidance on compliance standards.
• Staff Training & Guidance: Conduct sessions to clarify legal responsibilities and regulatory standards among subdivision staff.

B. Contractual & External Documentation

• Contract Oversight: Draft, negotiate, and support all external legal documentation, including contracts, claims, and protocols.
• Document Certification: Review, certify, and suggest amendments to legal documents, guiding staff on drafting and contract management.
• Public Communication Compliance: Review and approve materials for media, social networks, etc., ensuring legal compliance and alignment with organizational standards.

C. Governance & Compliance Support

• Governance Legalities: Advise governing bodies on legal aspects, oversee the lawful formation and function of governing bodies, and participate in decision-making preparation.
• Corporate Governance & Registration: Guide corporate governance compliance, support registration activities with Ukrainian authorities, and ensure ongoing regulatory adherence.

D. Risk & Dispute Management

• Dispute Resolution: Prepare and submit necessary documents for judicial proceedings, respond to legal claims, and handle regulatory authority interactions.
• Risk Management: Assess legal risks and recommend effective management measures.
• Contractual Compliance: Monitor contractual practices, identify and address violations, and propose corrective actions.

E. Liaison & Legislative Updates

• External Negotiations: Communicate and negotiate with external entities, including partners, stakeholders, contractors, and government bodies.
• Legislative Monitoring: Track changes in Ukrainian legislation, especially those impacting the organization, and keep management informed.

3. Powers and Authorities

• Independent Legal Counsel: Authorized to provide legal recommendations on organizational matters.
• Document Endorsement: Endorse documents related to responsibilities without prior management approval.
• Information Access: Request necessary documentation from other departments to fulfil duties.
• Inter-Department Collaboration: Engage other employees to support legal tasks as needed.
• Policy Improvement Proposals: Suggest process enhancements for legal operations to management.

4. Accountability

• Duty Fulfilment: Accountable for meeting all assigned responsibilities and duties.
• Regulatory Compliance: Must adhere to internal regulations, directives from senior leadership, and uphold professional standards.
• Qualification Standards: Continuous non-compliance with role requirements may result in re-evaluation of the position due to insufficient qualifications.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Education: Master’s degree in law (Ukraine)
• Minimum five (5) years professional legal experience, preferably as in-house counsel or in a law firm.
• International and / or national NGO in humanitarian sector advantageous.
• Professional fluency in BOTH Ukrainian and English Language (written & verbal)
• Skills: Strong drafting, analytical, and research capabilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Apps.

Personal Attributes:

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage large volumes of information accurately and securely.
• Ability to take responsibility for legal decisions and outcomes.
• Ability to work systematically, with multiple time sensitive topics simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and / or as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional integrity.

How to apply:

Please fill in your application form and submit your short resume (max. 2 pages) highlighting relevance and work experience relating to the role with cover letter in English no later than December 31st, 2024.

We strongly encourage qualified candidates to apply as soon as possible, the applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Kindly note that only the candidates shortlisted for the next stages of the recruitment will be contacted.