Старший експерт з юридичних питань, IFES

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), a non-profit international organization, supports citizens’ right to participate in free and fair elections. Our independent expertise strengthens electoral systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions. As the global leader in democracy promotion, we advance good governance and democratic rights by providing technical assistance to election officials, and by empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process. Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries – from developing democracies, to mature democracies.

IFES works to foster discussion on electoral law reform, build the capacity of civil society to analyze and advocate on election law issues, ensure Ukraine’s ability to enact critical political finance reforms and strengthen the capacity of election officials through technical assistance to the Central Election Commission (CEC). IFES support has focused on both the process and content of reform by promoting inclusive dialogue among stakeholders and providing technical assistance in the development of legislation consistent with international and European standards. Dovetailing with election law reform is the objective to improve transparency and oversight of political finance. IFES has been directly involved in the conceptualization and drafting of reform legislation, including recent efforts to reform the Law on Local Elections and comprehensive political finance reform. In addition, IFES is working with local civil society organizations to develop and promote measures that address women’s underrepresentation in Ukrainian politics and make local and national elections more accessible to persons with disabilities.

IFES is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Senior Legal Expert. The period of performance: November 15, 2019 – March 15, 2020. The total number of days for the contract: 120.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review draft documents produced by IFES on election law reform in Ukraine, political finance, abuse of state resources, electoral administration, electoral justice, gender and inclusion, and referenda issues, and provide comments and recommendations;
• Draft expert reviews/legal opinions, research, and other similar documents within the topics listed above, including from a comparative perspective;
• Suggest amendments for improvement of draft election and referenda legislation;
• Participate in Verkhovna Rada working group meetings, conferences, round tables and other similar public events as expert or guest speaker;
• Draft papers or abstracts for participation in public events;
• Perform other duties as requested.

 The consultant will refer directly to IFES Senior Country Director or his designated representative(s).

SKILLS and SPECIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience working with senior government officials, local governments, NGOs, and the international donor community;
• Previous experience drafting legislation and amendments on elections, political finance;
• Experience working with civil society organizations specifically as relates to strengthening their technical capacity in aspects of electoral processes;
• Familiarity with the international donor community and experience as an action-oriented interlocutor with democracy-development actors at all levels;
• Strong analytical reasoning skills;
• Strong diplomacy skills and cultural sensitivity;
• Excellent knowledge of Ukraine’s legal and electoral framework and community;
• Experience in legal drafting and in providing senior briefings on electoral and legal issues;
• Extensive experience in analysis, policy formation, strategy development and follow-through;
• Willingness to adhere to all principles of confidentiality.

 EDUCATION and QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in relevant field;
• Minimum of ten years of relevant working experience;
• Experience working on policy, democracy and governance programs;
• Excellent knowledge of political issues and elections;
• Excellent knowledge of Ukraine’s civil society, policy landscape, and stakeholders.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Fluency in written and spoken English, Ukrainian, and Russian languages required.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and letter of interest, with “Application for Senior Legal Expert 2019” in the subject line, to Kateryna Polishchuk at [email protected] copying Maksym Palamarchuk at [email protected] no later than November 11, 2019.  

All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. IFES encourages people with disabilities and from other diverse backgrounds to apply.