Investigator (Ukraine)

ABOUT LAW  

ounded in 2013, Legal Action Worldwide is an independent non-profit organisation comprised of human rights lawyers and jurists, united in our belief that those who have experienced grave human rights violations and international crimes, should receive targeted, survivor-centred, gender-competent, and trauma-informed support to access the justice they deserve. 

LAW’s teams work in/on conflict-affected and fragile contexts across 18 countries including South Sudan, Sudan, Tigray, Somalia, Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, Sri Lanka and Myanmar, combining national and international expertise to provide legal redress to the most vulnerable. LAW undertakes creative accountability strategies, including strategic litigation at national, regional and international levels. In 2024, we secured 206 favourable decisions at national, regional and international courts.  Alongside this, we provide technical assistance to strengthen justice institutions to ensure they are equipped to uphold the rule of law and promote accountability. 

Our vision: A world where all victims and survivors have access to justice, so that impunity is not a barrier to sustainable peace.

ABOUT THE ROLE     

Join our team to deliver justice for Ukrainian victims and survivors. You will support our Kyiv-based team by carrying out investigations into international crimes and human rights violations. This will include open-source investigations, collecting information from partner organizations, as well as field missions and interviews with victims and survivors where appropriate. You will synthesise this information into succinct, high-quality analytical materials and work with the legal team to produce case files and reports.

MORE ABOUT THIS POSTION 

Where? 
The position will be based at LAW’s Office in Kyiv. You must have the legal right to work in Ukraine. Flexible hybrid work arrangements are available, subject to operational and management’s discretion.

Duration: This position is full time on 12 months contract, and possible extension subject to funding.

Salary: Competitive salary (based on experience) plus benefits.

MORE DETAIL:  

The post holder will perform duties in accordance with the responsibilities outlined below:

Investigations

• Support the LAW Team in devising strategies for investigating international crimes and human rights violations in Ukraine.
• Conduct open-source research into specific incidents that could amount to international crimes or human rights violations.
• Monitor open sources for possible leads in ongoing investigations as well as to develop new investigations.
• Participate in field missions to interview victims and survivors in other regions of Ukraine as well as other countries they reside.
• Liase with LAW partners, particularly those responsible for investigations and research, to coordinate joint investigative efforts.

Analysis

• Draft high-quality analysis of investigative findings based on independent research as well as contributions by the LAW team, partners, and consultants.
• Draft factual and narrative sections of LAW’s case files, including submissions to prosecutors under the principle of universal or extraterritorial jurisdiction, and complaints to UN treaty bodies.
• Assist the LAW team in drafting public reports.
• Advise the LAW team on investigative findings to inform litigation strategy.

ABOUT YOU

• Masters degree in law, criminal justice, human rights, or international law is preferred.
• Minimum of five years demonstrated experience investigating international crimes or human rights violations. Experience as an investigator within an international tribunal or mechanism is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience implementing a survivor-centered, trauma-informed approach to investigations and experience with implementing international best practices including the Berkeley Protocol.
• Proven ability to evaluate the credibility, significance and relevance of information sourced from diverse and high‑volume datasets, and to produce clear analytical materials.
• Experience developing analytical materials, drafting reports based on a wide variety of sources and making evidence-based conclusions.
• Experience conducting interviews with survivors and victims of international crimes or human rights violations, including survivors of gender-based violence, LGBTIQ+ persons, and other vulnerable people.
• Proven experience conducting financial investigations, experience with geolocation and mapping, and/or military expertise (knowledge of equipment, Russian C2, etc…) is desirable.
• Fluent Ukrainian, excellent written and oral communication in English, knowledge of Russian is desirable.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word and PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with advanced open-source techniques and software, knowledge of basic programming languages used in open-source investigations is a plus.  
• Good knowledge and understanding of the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine and its implications for justice and accountability. 
• 
  Familiarity with the volatile and unpredictable nature of working in conflict environments.  

HOW TO APPLY

Are you passionate about supporting survivors and delivering tangible results, if so, we would like to hear from you. Please click on the link and apply early!  

HR Bamboo Link: 

Deadline for Applications – by 9a.m.  Geneva time on 21st July 2025.

We reserve the right to close this job earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of interest.   

At LAW we are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues reflecting the people and communities that we represent and support. Our team includes many nationalities with diverse professional backgrounds, skills and knowledge. This enables us to deliver and understand the cultural and political contexts on the ground and to tailor our support effectively and appropriately. 

LAW’s website 🔗 Learn more at: www.legalactionworldwide.org