Defence Legal Forum Expert (Short-term Project work)

Огляд

Alinea is an international development consultancy providing technical and management expertise that helps people improve their lives. Alinea works with governments, investors, companies, and communities to create lasting change. Over 39 years, Alinea has successfully delivered more than 1,000 projects worldwide.

The UK Special Defence Advisor Programme supports defence reform efforts in Ukraine through strategic advice, institutional development, and stakeholder engagement. As part of its legal and governance support portfolio, the Programme is assisting the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine in exploring the establishment of the Defence Legal Forum (DLF) as a permanent international platform for dialogue on legal, policy, and institutional aspects of modern defence.

The assignment will focus on developing the conceptual, programmatic, and organizational foundations necessary for launching the Defence Legal Forum as a high-level international platform addressing legal dimensions of modern warfare, defence innovation, NATO and EU integration, international defence cooperation, and defence sector development.

Обов'язки

Research and Concept Development

• research on international experience and best practices related to defence, security, and legal forums and conferences
• analysis of existing international platforms and identification of lessons learned relevant to the Ukrainian context
• development of the overall concept and vision for the Defence Legal Forum
• preparation of concept notes, background papers, and strategic recommendations regarding the Forum’s establishment

Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement

• identification and mapping of key national and international stakeholders, including government institutions, international organizations, defence experts, academia, civil society, and partner governments
• development of recommendations regarding potential speakers, participants, and strategic partners
• support of consultations with relevant stakeholders to validate the Forum concept and priorities

Programme Design

• development of a draft programme structure and thematic tracks for the inaugural Forum
• preparation of recommendations regarding session formats, participation models, and expected outcomes
• development of options for institutional positioning and long-term sustainability of the Forum

Organizational Planning

• assessment of organizational requirements and resource needs
• development of indicative budget estimates and implementation scenarios
• identification of potential risks and mitigation measures associated with Forum delivery

Reporting and Coordination

• provision of regular updates and recommendations to the Pillar Lead
• participation in coordination meetings with the Ministry of Defence
• delivery of agreed outputs within established timelines and quality standards

Deliverables

• stakeholder mapping and engagement plan
• Defence Legal Forum Concept Paper
• draft Forum Programme and thematic agenda
• recommendations on speakers, participants, and strategic partnerships
• preliminary organizational and budget assessment
• final package of concept and planning documents to support decision-making on the establishment of the Defence Legal Forum

Вимоги

• advanced degree in Law, International Relations, Public Policy, Security Studies, or a related field
• minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in international law, defence policy, security sector governance, international cooperation, or related areas
• demonstrated experience organizing, designing, or supporting high-level international conferences, forums, or policy dialogues
• strong understanding of defence, security, NATO, EU integration, and international legal issues
• experience engaging with government institutions, international organizations, and donor-funded programmes
• excellent analytical, drafting, and stakeholder engagement skills
• fluency in English and Ukrainian
• experience working with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine or other security and defence institutions will be an advantage
• familiarity with NATO legal frameworks and defence governance reforms will be an advantage
• established professional network within the defence, legal, and international policy communities will be an advantage

Умови

• location: Ukraine, Kyiv (remote/hybrid)
• remuneration: fees are subject to negotiation in line with market rates
• indicative LOE/time frame: Part-Time (up to 10 days/month), June 2026 – August 2026
• citizenship: Ukrainian preferred
• language requirements: fluent English and Ukrainian