Researcher, Ukraine (Ukrainian nationals only)

About CIVIC

Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is an international nonprofit with offices around the world working to improve protection for civilians caught in conflict zones. CIVIC envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Our mission is to support communities affected by conflict in their quest for protection and strengthen the resolve and capacity of armed actors to prevent and respond to civilian harm. We are advocates who believe that no civilian caught in conflict should be ignored, and advisors who provide practical solutions to preventing and responding to civilian harm.

CIVIC has been present in Ukraine since 2017, focused on constructive engagement between communities and the Ukrainian security and defense forces; the development of implementation of tools, training and policies on protection of civilians; and the promotion of a national Protection of Civilians policy. In March 2022, CIVIC’s work in Ukraine shifted to focus on the urgent need to protect civilians from the effects of the Russian invasion. CIVIC Ukraine also conducts research into topics that inform the sector, and advocates for protection of civilians at all levels. 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 country 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 country program portfolio.

CIVIC has been present in Ukraine since 2017, building the capacity of conflict-affected communities, 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 (remote work will be considered on a case by case basis)

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/subcontractors or partners

Key Functions

• Lead country research projects in Ukraine, including drafting research ideas, methodologies, collecting data, analyzing data, writing full research reports and policy summaries of findings in support of advocacy;

• Undertake assessments to respond to informational requests from donors and to support programmatic needs, including informing the development of trainings and advocacy materials;

• Coordinate with Country Director, Community Based Protection team, and Military Engagement team to develop and implement a country-level research plan;

• Work with the MEL Officer to identify key lessons and recommendations from research project, and identify ways to build these into CIVIC’s advocacy and program delivery

• Conduct literature reviews and other background research under the direction of senior research staff and/or the Country Director in support of CIVIC’s research products;

• Synthesize and summarize findings of literature reviews for senior research staff and/or Country Director and CIVIC Ukraine team;

• Identify and establish new partnerships with like-minded NGOs and actors in the country;

• On cooperation with the Operations team, develop terms of reference and tender packages for subcontractors, manage subcontractors and consultants to ensure effective delivery of research products;

• Support the development of grant proposals, identifying ways to implement research findings into programming, identify opportunities to add relevant research and/or baseline studies into proposals;

• Build and maintains a strong network of contacts to further the program’s research, analysis, and advocacy;

• Participate in internal and external events to disseminate CIVIC’s research findings, or otherwise represent CIVIC’s analysis and priorities;

• Support the Ukraine country team and Country Director with developing the concept for the annual PoC conference, including participating in conference organisation, dissemination of findings, identifying key attendees

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;

• Experience and understanding of different research methodologies, ability to identify appropriate research products for different topics and audiences;

• Understanding and experience working in a fast-paced program environment;

• Ability to work across teams and with colleagues in different disciplines, ability to collaborate to ensure the quality of CIVIC’s work;

• Experience communicating analytical findings to policy-makers;

• Ability to synthesize large amounts of complex information, adapting as necessary to the relevant audience;

• 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;

• Outstanding communications and writing skills in Ukrainian and 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;

• Passion for CIVIC’s subject matter and willingness to take on the responsibilities and duties as a key member of our team;

• 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 28 August 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply early.

Additional Details

Application Deadline: August 28, 2026

Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates will receive an email invitation with further details regarding the next stage of the recruitment process.

CIVIC is an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.