Researcher, Ukraine At Center for Civilians in Conflict

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is in international non-governmental organization whose humanitarian mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors and relevant institutions to prevent and respond to civilian harm. When civilians are harmed, we advocate for the provision of amends and post-harm assistance. We bring the voices of civilians themselves to those making decisions affecting their lives. Learn more at civiliansinconflict.org.

About the Position

CIVIC is seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Researcher, Ukraine who will be an integral part of the CIVIC program team and work closely with colleagues in the field and at HQ. S/he will lead research and conflict analysis within CIVIC’s Ukraine program portfolio.

CIVIC has been present in Ukraine since 2017, building the capacity of conflict-affected communities in Donbas, the Ukrainian government, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), and civil society to strengthen the protection of civilians (POC). After Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, CIVIC has adapted to the new reality on the ground and implemented a response that focuses on civil-military engagement and community-based protection. Our response efforts are structured around three main pillars: 1) Strengthening Communities’ Preparedness and Resilience to Current and Future Protection Threats; 2) Building Effective Civil-Military Coordination Systems, and 3) Research, Documentation, and Advocacy on civilian harm.

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Travel: Domestic travel to undertake or support research as needed; potential international travel to present findings and workshops and conferences.

Reports to: Country Director, Ukraine

Staff Reporting: Research consultants or partners

Key Functions

• Leads country research projects in Ukraine, with core responsibilities including drafting research methodologies, collecting data, analyzing data, writing policy relevant summaries of findings, and supporting advocacy;
• Undertakes assessments to respond to informational requests from donors and to support programmatic needs, including informing the development of trainings and advocacy materials;
• Coordinates with Director, protection advisors, and military advisors to develop a country-level research plan;
• Conducts literature reviews and other background research under the direction of senior research staff and/or the Director in support of CIVIC’s research products;
• Synthesizes and summarizes findings of literature reviews for senior research staff and/or Director;
• Identifies new partnerships with like-minded NGOs and actors in the country;
• Helps identify and manage research consultants as needed;
• Supports the development of grant proposals;
• Builds and maintains a strong network of contacts to further the program’s research, analysis, and advocacy;
• Participates in events to disseminate CIVIC’s research findings, or otherwise represent CIVIC’s analysis and priorities.

Qualities Sought

• Knowledge, experience, and understanding of humanitarian protection issues in armed conflict;
• Demonstrated knowledge of international humanitarian law a benefit, but not required.
• Experience working at local level with communities conducting research and conflict analysis in Ukraine;
• Understanding and experience working in a fast paced program environment;
• Experience engaging with donors and communicating analytical findings to policy-makers;
• Poise, flexibility, discretion, and mature judgment to handle and respond appropriately and professionally in a high-pressure atmosphere;
• Well organized, self-motivated, and able to conceptualize and implement programs in stressful environments;
• Willingness to work with security forces and understanding of the military/civilian/humanitarian spaces;
• Ability to work in a team environment;
• Outstanding communications and writing skills in Ukrainian
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English (verbal and written).

Experience/Qualifications

• B.A. in international affairs, political science, behavioral sociology, or related area; MA, MS, or JD preferred;
• Minimum 5 years relevant full-time staff level work experience required (minimum 5 years with graduate degree, minimum 7 years without graduate degree);
• Demonstrated work experience in Ukraine, with potential experience in other conflict-affected environments;
• Demonstrated tireless work ethic;
• Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team; and
• Advanced proficiency in English required, and Ukrainian fluency mandatory.

To apply, please submit a cover letter explaining your interest in CIVIC’s work, resume, and a brief writing sample (extract from research, op-ed, etc).

Applications will be accepted until 20 January 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so please apply early.

Additional Details

CIVIC seeks to recruit, develop, and retain top talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences in the belief that this is critical to fulfilling our mission. We strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

CIVIC is not able to sponsor employees at this point; therefore, please ensure that you can legally work in this location when applying.

Note to Recruiters and Placement Agencies: CIVIC does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and does not pay placement fees for candidates submitted by agencies other than its approved partners.