Legal counsel for the representative office of Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Ukraine

About Help:

The German humanitarian organization Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe (Help) has been working around the world for 40 years. We are currently implementing projects in 27 countries (https://www.help-ev.de/en/about-us, https://help-ukraine.org.ua).

Since its founding in 1981, Help has been committed to providing rapid, sustainable and long-term help and support to people in need. Help improves the lives and resilience of people in need around the world.

Help is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Legal Counsel to provide expert legal advice and ensure compliance with national and international laws governing its activities. The Legal Counsel will play a key role in mitigating legal risks, reviewing contracts and ensuring that the organization’s activities are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Key responsibilities:

1. Legal compliance and counseling

• Ensure that the organization complies with national labor laws, tax laws and other relevant legal regulations. 
• Provide legal advice on operational and programmatic issues, including labor law, procurement and contractual obligations. 
• Monitor updates to laws and regulations that may affect the organization and recommend necessary changes

2. Review contracts and documents 

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements and memorandums of understanding with suppliers, donors and partners. 
• Review all legal documents to ensure compliance with the organization’s standards and protect the organization from potential liabilities. 

3. Dispute resolution and risk management

• Representing the organization in legal disputes, arbitrations and litigation, as necessary. 
• Identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. 
• Organizing and controlling the process of staff exemption from conscription, representing the interests of employees in the TCC and military commissariats

4. Training and capacity building 

• Conducting legal trainings and briefings for staff on topics such as labor law, anti-corruption legislation and donor compliance. 
• Assist in the development of templates, tools and guidelines to address day-to-day legal issues. 

5. Coordination and reporting

• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., HR, finance, and program teams) to ensure that legal issues are integrated into the organization’s operations. 
• Prepare and present regular reports on legal matters to senior management. 

Qualifications and requirements:

• University degree in law (Bachelor of Laws or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
• At least 2 years of experience as a legal counsel, lawyer or similar position, preferably in an INGO or international organization. 
• Proven experience in labor law, contract law, tax law. 
• Fluency in Ukrainian and a sufficient level of English (written and oral). 

Preferably:

• Knowledge of international humanitarian law or experience working with donor-funded projects. 
• Knowledge of the INGO operational context and regulatory requirements. 
• Strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills.

We offer:

• Official employment
• Competitive salary
• Medical insurance
• Annual 13th salary
• Courses and trainings
• Convenient office with a generator in the city center of Kyiv

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their CVs in English by 10.01.2025.

Additional confirmation (diplomas, letters of recommendation, etc.) is not required at this stage.

Candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

Only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified.

We recommend applying as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.