Chief Legal Expert (consultant)

Organizational Context

IOM, a UN-related organization established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. In Ukraine, IOM supports EU integration by harmonizing national legislation with EU acquis, particularly in migration governance and border management. This role contributes to the EU-funded project "EU Support to Strengthening IBM in Ukraine," focusing on enhancing capacities for EU-aligned policy development and border governance within the MBG Unit.

Job Purpose

The Chief Legal Expert (Consultant) will provide high-level legal expertise to support Ukraine's EU and Schengen approximation agenda. This involves leading migration-related EU alignment efforts, advising state authorities on legal reforms, and contributing to legislative and policy development. The role is crucial for harmonizing national legislation with EU standards, particularly concerning migration governance, border management, and the Schengen acquis. The expert will analyze Ukrainian legislation, draft legal acts, and provide strategic guidance to key government stakeholders, ensuring compliance with EU legal frameworks and facilitating Ukraine's integration process. This position is integral to the "EU Support to Strengthening IBM in Ukraine" project, specifically within Component 2.2, aiming to enhance national capacities for EU-aligned migration policy and border governance.

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive legal assessments of Ukrainian migration and border management legislation against EU acquis and international standards. Provide senior-level legal advice and strategic guidance to government institutions on EU alignment, Schengen approximation, and migration policy reform. Draft, review, and support the development of legislative, regulatory, and policy acts for alignment with EU legal acts and European standards. Offer follow-up legal advice on implementing initiatives related to the legal status of foreigners, EU Blue Card, family reunification, long-term residence, and researcher/student mobility. Provide analysis and recommendations for Ukraine's national Schengen governance process, including screening legislation and identifying legal/institutional requirements. Advise on legal aspects of ICT solutions for migration management, ensuring data protection and compliance. Contribute to policy documents, monitor legal developments, and facilitate expert-level discussions with stakeholders. Support knowledge transfer and capacity development for national counterparts. Perform other senior-level legal tasks related to EU integration and migration/border governance enhancement.

Work Experience

At least fifteen years of experience is required, including proven experience in legal drafting of migration-related acts, policy and legislative analysis against EU law, and providing high-level legal advice to government institutions or international organizations. Experience with Ukrainian legislation in migration, border management, and EU/Schengen acquis is essential. Experience with ICT solutions and digitalization in legal contexts is an asset.

Skills

Advanced legal expertise in migration and border management law; legislative drafting and analysis; policy development; legal advice to government institutions; knowledge of Ukrainian legislation; knowledge of EU migration and Schengen acquis; analytical, research, and drafting skills; communication and coordination skills; experience with ICT solutions and data governance.

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