Senior Adviser on Fair Trial Rights

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people. NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un‑met gaps and challenges.

Since 2014, EUAM Ukraine has worked closely with its Ukrainian counterparts to expedite sustainable reform of the civilian security sector, providing strategic advice and practical support for specific reform measures in accordance with EU standards and international principles of good governance and human rights.

The civilian security sector comprises institutions responsible for law enforcement and the rule of law, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its agencies (the National Police of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the State Migration Service of Ukraine and others), the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Prosecutor General together with the regional prosecutor’s offices, the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, courts, and anti-corruption bodies. Moreover, civil society and Parliament (the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine) play important roles in ensuring the reform process of this sector.

This position is only open to candidates with Norwegian citizenship.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
• To operationalise the Mission mandate and tasks as set out in the planning documents and the Mission Implementation Plan by advising and mentoring local counterparts on the strategic and operational level;
• To support the Mission to address areas of structural weaknesses in the performance and accountability of counterparts/institutions and propose relevant solutions;
• To provide analysis and recommendations to the local counterparts in the area of responsibility;
• To be embedded within the local institutions, security permitting;
• To maintain necessary contacts and build relationships with relevant local counterparts;
• To liaise closely with other advisers;
• To design and deliver training;
• To support the development of the local institutions primarily the Free Legal Aid Centres and the relevant bar associations in the field of upholding fair trial rights during criminal proceedings for international crimes cases through activities including advice, mentoring and training;
• To be the key interlocutor with the Free Legal Aid Centres and the relevant bar associations;
• To develop policies in line with the local institutions;
• To provide advice and training in order to build the capacity of defence counsel in upholding fair trial rights and guarantees of suspects and defendants during international crimes cases in Ukraine;
• To provide training to defence counsel on the application of international humanitarian law, international criminal law and international human rights law within the context of the armed conflict in Ukraine.

General Tasks and Responsibilities:
• To identify and report on lessons learned and best practices within the respective area of responsibility;
• To contribute and ensure timely reporting on activities within the respective area of responsibility;
• To take account of gender equality and human rights mainstreaming in the execution of tasks;
• To undertake any other related tasks as requested by the Line Manager(s).

Essential Qualifications and Experience:
• Successful completion of university studies in law of at least 4 years attested by a diploma OR a qualification in the National Qualifications Framework which is equivalent to level 7 in the European Qualifications Framework OR a qualification of the second cycle under the framework of qualifications of the European Higher Education Area, e.g. Master's Degree OR equivalent and attested police and/or military education or training or an award of an equivalent rank; AND
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience, after having fulfilled the educational requirements.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to mentor, advise and motivate local counterparts;
• Expertise of designing and delivering training;
• Knowledge of upholding the rights of suspects and defendants during complex criminal proceedings gained as defence counsel, or as a judge or through another relevant position;
• Knowledge of international humanitarian law, international criminal law and international human rights law;
• Legal drafting skills.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
• Experience of representing suspects and defendants during international crimes proceedings within national jurisdictions and/or at the international level (from specialised courts/tribunals and/or from executive international mission);
• Experience in project management;
• International experience, particularly in crisis areas with multinational and international organisations.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ukrainian or Russian language skills.

What We Offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
• Salary and benefits in accordance with NORCAP´s framework for international assignments
• Eligible for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review

Our Values & Commitment

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation's values. Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

• Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!
• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• An approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.
• Apply before 8th September 2026, 11:59PM Central European Time