International Advocacy Advisor

RFSL is seeking an International Advocacy Advisor to support Ukrainian LGBTQI organisations and activists in advancing their advocacy priorities and influencing policy at national, regional and international levels. The role combines international advocacy, partnership development and capacity strengthening, with practical programme and administrative support that enables locally led movements to thrive.

About RFSL and our international work

RFSL (the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Rights), founded in 1950, is one of the world’s oldest non-profit organisations working to advance LGBTQI rights.

RFSL’s international work supports LGBTQI movements in Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa through regranting, partnerships, knowledge exchange, organisational support and advocacy. We work closely with local partners to support locally led movements, strengthen their agency and influence, and contribute to enabling environments for LGBTQI rights at national, regional and global levels.

Your role with us

You will work closely with Ukrainian LGBTQI organisations and activists to strengthen their ability to lead and influence advocacy processes. Together with partners, you will identify priorities, develop strategies and messaging, map stakeholders, and find opportunities to engage decision-makers and relevant international platforms, including the EU, UN, OSCE and Council of Europe.

A central part of the role is helping partners access the knowledge, networks, resources and practical support they need to pursue their priorities. This includes organising capacity-strengthening activities, managing scholarships and providing hands-on programme and administrative support. You will also contribute to advocacy efforts in Sweden related to Ukraine and work with RFSL colleagues to align policy, advocacy and communications.

You will collaborate with the Head of Program, International Program Managers, other Advocacy Advisors and colleagues across RFSL’s international work. The position is based in Stockholm and involves international travel several times per year.

For full description of key responsibilities and desirable qualifications, please see our job ad on RFSL’s careers page

Who are you?

You are a structured, collaborative and solution-oriented professional committed to LGBTQI rights, international advocacy and locally led movement strengthening. You understand Ukraine’s political and social context, the regional human rights and civil society landscape, and the challenges facing LGBTQI organisations working in politically sensitive or resource-constrained environments.

You build trusted partnerships and adapt your approach to different organisations, particularly grassroots groups that may need substantial practical support alongside strategic guidance. You respect local leadership and autonomy, understand power dynamics in international partnerships, and approach your work with awareness of security, safeguarding and the importance of accountable support.

You enjoy combining strategic advocacy and capacity strengthening with practical operational and administrative tasks. You are comfortable moving between developing advocacy strategies and organising activities, coordinating travel, booking accommodation, handling receipts and ensuring that payments and documentation are in order. You recognise that this hands-on support is an important part of enabling partners to advance their own priorities.

You bring strong analytical, communication and organisational skills, can represent RFSL professionally with civil society, public authorities and international institutions, and work effectively across teams and cultures. You are proactive, flexible and accountable, and share RFSL’s values of anti-racism, feminism, accessibility and intersectionality.

To succeed in this role, you need:

A strong commitment to LGBTQI rights and experience or demonstrated competence in advocacy, policy influence, civil society support or related human rights work, particularly in relation to Ukraine.

Strong knowledge of the human rights situation and civil society landscape in Ukraine or the wider region, including experience working in partnership with LGBTQI movements or organisations.

At least three years of relevant professional experience in advocacy, civil society support, development cooperation or a related field.

Experience engaging with international or regional advocacy processes and human rights mechanisms, such as those of the EU, UN, OSCE or Council of Europe.

An understanding of security and safeguarding considerations when working with LGBTQI activists and civil society in challenging contexts.

Strong analytical, organisational and administrative skills, including experience with organisational capacity assessment, budgets, programme documentation and risk management.

Excellent written and spoken English.

Some understanding of Ukrainian or a closely related language, together with a willingness to develop Ukrainian-language skills as needed.

The ability to work from Stockholm, Sweden, and undertake international travel several times per year.

Employment terms

Employment type: This is a permanent position, starting with a six-month probationary period.

Location: RFSL office in Stockholm.

Start date: As agreed

Contract terms: Covered by the Collective Agreement for Nonprofit Organizations

Our offer

RFSL offers an inclusive, values-driven workplace where you can contribute to meaningful change alongside committed colleagues and partners. We provide competitive employment conditions, including occupational pension and parental benefits.

How to apply

Apply by November 15th, 2026. The recruitment process is conducted in English and includes anonymous, competency-based assessment, a work-related assignment and a background check.

For questions about the position or recruitment process, contact HR Partner Tobias Jensen at tobias.jensen@rfsl.se.

RFSL strives to be an inclusive, feminist and anti-racist workplace. We welcome applicants regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex characteristics, religion, race, ethnicity, country of origin, disability, age or other grounds of discrimination. We strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

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