Government Relations Officer (Ukraine), Temporary

Organization Profile

ICMP is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization, based in The Hague, the Netherlands that helps governments and other authorities to locate missing persons from conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. ICMP supports the work of other organizations in their efforts, encourages public involvement in its activities and contributes to the development of appropriate expressions of commemoration and tribute to the missing. To learn more about the ICMP click here.

Ukraine Project

The authorities of Ukraine have requested immediate assistance by the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) to account for missing and disappeared persons. ICMP will assist in finding missing persons, regardless of nationality, religion, role of the missing person in armed conflict, and will seek the cooperation of governments in such efforts as part of securing the rights of families of the missing and contributing to reinstating peace and stability. 

ICMP will support Ukraine in accounting for missing and disappeared persons, including through initiating a large-scale data collection program to investigate disappearances and the whereabouts of missing persons through measures including the following:

Implementing an outreach campaign in Ukraine with direct participation by those most affected by crimes currently being committed to obtain on a large-scale report of missing persons from families, including information about the missing person, the circumstances and location of their disappearance, photographs and other supporting data;  Advancing the reporting of locations where missing persons may be found, including mass graves, other illicit burial sites and surface locations, and places of detention, using ICMP’s Site Locator application for mobile phones; Deploying ICMP’s MyFace application, which makes it possible to submit reports of missing persons seen alive and add information relevant to photographs displayed on ICMP’s website; and Working with Ukrainian authorities on the ground to collect data for direct import into the ICMP data processing system, including documentary and other evidence of human rights violations, war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Background of the Position

The Government Relations Officer (Ukraine) will be responsible for designing and coordinating the implementation of the Government Relations activities in Ukraine ensuring that they are carried out in line with ICMP strategy, policies and procedures.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Program Director, Europe the Government Relations Officer’s duties and responsibilities will include, but will not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• Develop and coordinate the implementation of Government Relations-related objectives in Ukraine, ensuring gender mainstreaming and an impartial approach to the issue of the missing.
• Act as the point of contact with the national authorities (Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Police of Ukraine, Office of the Commissioner on Persons Missing in Special Circumstances, Forensic Expert Service (DNDEKC), Ministry of Health, Main and Regional Bureaus of Forensic Medical Expertise, Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others) and international counterparts in Ukraine.
• Provide analysis and advice to ICMP senior managers on political and other issues that affect implementation of program activities, and support communication with government officials and decision-makers.
• Identify, document, systematize, share and maintain information about current or potential partners, initiatives, threats and opportunities impacting ICMP Government Relations-related activities in Ukraine.
• Ensure ICMP is present in relevant policy dialogues and opportunities that impact and affect the issue of missing persons, as well as opportunities for the advancement of the process of accounting for missing persons in Ukraine.
• Create, develop and maintain an up-to-date stakeholder map for Ukraine, which identifies key political stakeholders, as well as to widen the existing stakeholder base in the areas that are crucial to ICMP’s strategy.
• Draft reports, letters and other documents to support the implementation of day-to-day activities of the program and coordinate with ICMP staff in the implementation of strategic goals and program activities.
• As necessary, give briefings and presentations on topics related to ICMP’s activities in Ukraine. Provide assistance in the implementation of the ICMP’s HQ initiatives and activities as necessary.
• Contribute to the preparation of internal and external proposals, reports and other materials for fundraising, grant management or implementation activity.
• Support requests, procurement and donation of material and equipment to ICMP’s partner institutions in Ukraine.
• Plan, organize, attend, follow-up, and report on meetings and events.

Requirements

• Masters's degree in International Relations, Political or Social Science or related field. A first-level degree in combination with additional years of qualifying experience is accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience and experience in similar roles in international organizations, specialized agencies or governmental institutions.
• In depth knowledge of local contexts (especially political).
• In depth knowledge of political structures, relevant governmental institutions, specialized agencies and IOs in Ukraine dealing with missing persons.
• Experience in capacity building/institutional development.
• Experience in project preparation, implementation and monitoring.
• Experience in preparation of events, reports and briefing papers.

Mandatory Requirements

• Ability to assume responsibility, proactively seek opportunities and solutions with minimal supervision
• Ability to multi-task and produce high-quality work in a fast-paced environment
• Tact and diplomacy
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Proven ability to interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality or gender.
• Ability to travel at short notice and to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings.
• Commitment to the underlying objective of helping the authorities and families of the missing to account for missing persons in an impartial and transparent manner.
• Physical and mental resilience, with the ability to operate effectively in hostile environments.
• Willingness and ability to work and live in hardship conditions with limited infrastructure and personal privacy.

Benefits

This is a full-time temporary position with a competitive base salary based in the Ukraine at the LP level on the ICMP Ukraine Locally Engaged Staff Salary Scale, generous paid leave, and extensive health insurance benefits for the incumbent and any eligible dependent. This position is not eligible for expatriate allowances. For more details, please see the ICMP website.

Expected start date: as soon as possible

VN close date: 12 January 2026

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.

ICMP may cancel this recruitment without notice or may decide to offer a position with different duties and/or contract length.

ICMP does not request payment during any stage of the selection process.