Protection Legal Assistant - IQ Talent Marketplace

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. 

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. 

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

In 2003, following the start of foreign military operations in Iraq, DRC became one of the first organisations to provide humanitarian assistance in the country and now operates in 11 governorates, including Anbar, Baghdad, Babel, Diyala, Duhok, Erbil, Karbala, Kirkuk, Najaf, Ninewa and Salah-al-Din.

 

The overall purpose of the role:

The Protection Legal assistant is responsible for the delivery of timely, high-quality, and effective provision of lagal services. This includes: management of legal needs, implementation of psychosocial support programming (PSS) both structured and unstructured, awareness raising, and recreational activities.

Responsibilities:

• Provide legal services, in line with DRC Iraq guidance and standard operating procedure (SOP) to community members of different ages (youth, adults and older persons), sex (men and women) and abilities (including people with disabilities).
• Participate in the dissemination of accurate and impartial information to the beneficiaries through individual counseling, collective/group events, advisories and leaflets.
• Assist the Legal Officer in undertaking individual sessions providing legal information and legal counsel as per the established work plan;
• Assist the conduct legal protection discussions with varied target groups – using an age, gender and diversity perspective.
• Conduct field visits to assess the protection needs and concerns of the target population, with particular attention to especially vulnerable persons.
• Identify and refer Extremely Vulnerable Individuals and People with Specific Protection Needs for assistance according to DRC pre-defined criteria.
• Assist the conduct field visits to identify local NGOs, charity associations, social centers, local institutions providing support to the local population to establish a mapping of existing services.
• Update case files on individual developments, following DRC Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring beneficiary’s data are protected.
• Coordinate and maintain constructive relationships with municipalities, other local government institutions, local NGO partners, other international organizations, in coordination with the other team members.
• Advocate on behalf of clients, make direct interventions with other actors or other organizations, where appropriate;
• Assist the Legal Officer in the preparation of regular activity reports
• Promptly inform the Legal Officer and Protection Team Leader of urgent protection cases and/or issues.

Other:

• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Line Manager.
• Conduct duties in accordance with DRC Iraq programme Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct duties in strict accordance with DRC Code of Conduct and the principle of confidentiality.
• Ensure transparency and DRC’s positive regard and reputation within communities.
• This position requires travel between base/sub offices/community centers/mobile centers, and will also require participation in community outreach

Experience and technical competencies:

• Strong legal background and understanding of legal procedures
• Strong knowledge and understanding of local communities and customary rules.
• Excellent analysis and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Punctuality and respect for applicable rules and procedures.
• Ethical and transparent decision-making.
• Computer/IT literacy (OS Windows/Vista/Linux, MS Office, Internet etc.).
• Independent work, i.e. with minimal supervision and under pressure;
• High regard toward preserving the confidentiality of work-related information and data.
• Self-motivation, goal/result orientation, and team work.
• Flexibility, creativeness, tolerance, and maturity.
• Familiarity with international protection and human rights legal standards, with special emphasis on women rights, is required.
• Full respect for client/organization confidentiality.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and respect for people with special needs and other vulnerability.
• Ability to work in a multicultural context as a flexible and respectful team player

Education:

• University degree in law, human rights, refugee studies, social sciences or other related discipline.
• Relevant professional experience of one (1) year in the legal sector.

Languages:

• Arabic (Fluent)
• English (intermediate)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment

We Offer

• Contract Length: 7 Months
• Salary Band: I
• Start Date: As soon As possible

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the Apply button.

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

 

Closing date for applications: 22 Feb, 2023

 

Diversity & Inclusion:  DRC Iraq is committed to promoting an inclusive work environment according to our Age, Gender, and Diversity approach (AGD). We aim to have a more diversified leadership structure creating opportunities for qualified women to take on managerial roles. We also continuously work to make our workplace more accessible for persons with specific needs. We offer benefits related to psychosocial support, health insurance, maternity and paternity leave, child sick leave, and lactation breaks. As part of our commitment to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from female candidates, persons living with disabilities, as well as representatives of minorities