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Oleksandr Kliuzhev is Political and Legal Affairs Advisor at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Ukraine. He brings over 15 years of professional experience in democratic governance, electoral legislation, civil society development, and humanitarian response in conflict settings. At IFES Ukraine, Oleksandr contributes to electoral law reform, improvement of election administration, and strengthening democratic institutions.

Prior to joining IFES, Oleksandr led the Shelter Program at Caritas Ukraine, coordinating the implementation of medium- and long-term humanitarian projects across various regions of the country.

For more than a decade, he worked for the Civil Network OPORA, including as Senior Analyst, where he was responsible for producing analytical reports from nationwide election observation missions, analyzing electoral legislation, and leading advocacy efforts. He has collaborated extensively with government institutions, international organizations, and civil society stakeholders in Ukraine.

His professional background also includes service in regional government bodies, participation in civil society development programs, teaching and academic work, and international election observation missions under the auspices of OSCE/ODIHR and ENEMO. He has conducted training for election commission members through programs supported by the Central Election Commission, OSCE, and IFES, and has first-hand experience serving on election commissions.

Oleksandr is a co-author of several key legislative initiatives, including the Election Code of Ukraine, the Law on the All-Ukrainian Referendum, and amendments that ensured voting rights for internally displaced persons in local elections. He has also contributed to the development of draft laws and analytical documents related to postwar elections, peacebuilding, and electoral processes in frontline areas – some of which have been reviewed by the Venice Commission.

Oleksandr Kliuzhev holds a PhD in Political Institutions and Processes from Oles Honchar Dnipro National University (2012) and a Master’s degree in Political Science from Donetsk National University (2007). He is fluent in Ukrainian, English, and Russian.