Legal Assistant

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), UN Volunteers with at least twelve (12) months of continuous service in IOM, and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM operates Five Accommodation Centers for Unaccompanied Minors (Shelters) providing accommodation and access to services for Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC). Besides accommodation, the following services are provided to the beneficiaries: addressing basic needs, catering, hygiene, legal counselling, and information about life opportunities in Greece, interpretation, psychosocial support, medical support, Greek learning programs, learning support, organization of intercultural activities, work and career guidance.

Within the framework of the actions: "Subsidy N.P. INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM) MISSION GREECE for the implementation of the project "Operation of K.F.A.A. Patra" with MIS Code 6016489 the Program "Greece Programme - Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027", under the overall supervision of the National Project Officer or his/her designate and the direct supervision of the Shelter Coordinator, the successful candidate will provide support in implementing project activities through overseeing services for the UMC in the assigned Accommodation Center.

Responsibilities

1. Τhe provision of legal advice in individual and/or group sessions regarding the rights, obligations and procedures regarding the legal status of accommodated minors, taking into account their needs.
2. The organization, following cooperation with the coordinator and the legal guardian, of individual and group information sessions on the rights of minors and on issues related to their legal status, taking into account their needs (e.g. asylum procedures, family reunification, relocation programs, etc.)
3. The provision of legal assistance during the process of examining a request for international protection in the first and second instance, examining a request for family reunification, applying for a residence permit based on the Immigration Code and in any other administrative or judicial procedure legal assistance is provided for under the current legislation.
4. The referral, in cooperation with the legal guardian, to programs of free provision of legal support and information, cases of minors, for which an appearance in an administrative, criminal or civil court is required, or the drafting of indictments and memoranda.
5. Provide support in all applications for a residence/work permit in Greece and/or any other legal documents for the children’s case i.e. travel documents.
6. Keep records of actions undertaken and meet the deadlines for children’s legal and administrative procedures.
7. Conduct research and provide counselling, inter alia, on legal and contractual issues and ensure that IOM’s activities are implemented in accordance with the IOM Constitution and other relevant provisions.
8. Provide to other staff operating within the Shelters with necessary legal information for the children’s best interests.
9. Maintain close communication and collaboration with the competent government authorities in relation with children’s well-being on a case-by-case basis.
10. Undertake travel, as required, in relation to carrying out relevant legal procedures.
11. Ensure all necessary documentation (forms, databases, trackers, etc.) are updated timely. Provide inputs to internal and external reports.
12. Ensure appropriate information management protocols are followed, particularly in terms of data confidentiality.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree in Law from an accredited academic institution.
• Master’s degree in Law, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights or a related field would be an advantage. 

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• License to practice and/or Certificate of Registration in the relevant professional association is required; 
• At least one year of relevant professional experience, preferably in the migrant and refugees context would be an advantage; 
• Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment preferred. 

Skills

• Computer knowledge MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required. Certificate in a related field would be an advantage;
• Awareness of Refugee and Immigration Law (National Law, International Conventions and EU Regulations);
• Knowledge and understanding of the asylum administrative procedures before the National authorities;
• Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles;
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, personal commitment, efficiency and flexibility;
• Excellent research, writing and analytical skills;
• Willingness to work in day shifts;
• Valid driver’s license with at least five years driving experience an advantage.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in Greek, and English or French (level B1/B2) is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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