International Advocacy Advisor

RFSL is seeking an International Advocacy Advisor to advance international advocacy for LGBTQI rights in Ukraine. You will play a key role in working in close partnership with Ukrainian LGBTQI organisations and activists to identify priorities, develop advocacy strategies and create opportunities for locally led influence, while contributing RFSL’s resources, networks and international advocacy experience where these add value.

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.

Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the 2022 full-scale invasion continues to threaten lives and rights of Ukrainians, disproportionately affecting LGBTQI persons. But the country’s broader political and social developments, as well as EU accession, have new opportunities for LGBTQI civil society. Against this backdrop, RFSL works with LGBTQI organisations and activists in Ukraine to make sure that international advocacy on Ukraine and LGBTQI rights is defined and led by Ukrainian voices, supporting their priorities and strengthening their influence at national and international levels. RFSL contributes resources, networks and international advocacy experience where these add value, while supporting partner autonomy and locally led advocacy.

Your role with us

As an International Advocacy Advisor, you will work closely with LGBTQI partner organisations and activists, primarily in Ukraine. The role focuses on facilitating international advocacy, with partnership support, knowledge exchange, travel scholarships and programme support contributing to this work.

Your work will be aimed at ensuring that Ukrainian partner organizations have access to crucial international advocacy spaces, and that they have adequate capacity to impactfully engage with them. You will work with partners to identify advocacy priorities, develop strategies and engage with relevant decision-makers, institutions and human rights mechanisms. You will draw on RFSL’s international networks and experience where relevant, while ensuring that partners’ agency, priorities and expertise remain central. You will also coordinate and strengthen advocacy efforts in Sweden related to Ukraine, working closely with relevant colleagues and partners. Internally, you will coordinate with RFSL’s communications colleagues to ensure that advocacy and communications efforts are aligned and mutually reinforcing.

You will contribute to advocacy towards institutions such as the EU, UN, OSCE, Council of Europe and other relevant actors, supporting Ukrainian partners to participate in and influence these spaces where appropriate. You will also monitor political, legal and security developments together with partners, using this analysis to identify advocacy opportunities and adapt approaches as needed.

You will work closely with the Head of Program, International Program Managers, other Advocacy Advisors and colleagues across RFSL’s international work and will be based in Stockholm.

Who are you?

You are a structured, solution-oriented and collaborative professional with a strong commitment to LGBTQI rights, international advocacy and locally led movement strengthening in Ukraine. You understand that effective advocacy depends on strong relationships, partner-led priorities and attention to security, safeguarding and organisational needs.

You are comfortable working with activists, grassroots groups and established civil society organisations, adapting your approach to different partners and contexts. You separate between your personal views and relationships from your professional duties. You recognize the leadership of partner organizations in defining work and priorities. You work effectively in complex and politically sensitive environments, providing safe, accountable and flexible support while respecting partners’ knowledge, priorities and autonomy.

You understand the situation in Ukraine, region, its political and social context. You are aware of power dynamics in international partnerships and approach collaboration with humility, recognising that international organisations cannot replace local leadership or expertise. You combine strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to build trusted relationships, manage practical implementation and contribute to advocacy strategies developed together with partners.

You are politically aware, analytical and a strong communicator, able to represent RFSL professionally with civil society organisations, government representatives and international institutions.

For full description of the role, key responsibilites and desired qualifications, please see our job ad on RFSL’s careers page.

Employment terms

• Employment type: This is a permanent position, starting with a six-month probationary period.
• Location: RFSL office in Stockholm, with some hybrid work possible. International travel several times per year is expected.
• Start date: As agreed
• Contract terms: Covered by the Collective Agreement for Nonprofit Organizations

Our offer

RFSL offers a dynamic and inclusive workplace that values professionalism, learning, and social impact. We provide competitive conditions, including occupational pensions and parental benefits, and an opportunity to work closely with committed colleagues and partners in a value-driven organisation.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted by September 20th, 2026. This recruitment process will be conducted in English.

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

As a feminist and anti-racist organisation, RFSL strives to be an inclusive workplace for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, religion, race, ethnicity, country of origin, disability status, age, or other grounds of discrimination. Candidates with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.