Protection Legal Expert - National Contract

Protection Legal Expert (National Contract)

Kahramanmaraş -  Turkey

We are looking for a highly qualified Protection Legal Expert for our program in Turkey.

 

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC has been operating in Turkey since early 2013, working with by and large with non-camp Syrian refugees and affected host communities. DRC is committed to basic humanitarian principles; including impartiality and neutrality, and offers the highest standards of accountability to the people it serves. The overall objective for DRC in Turkey is the protection and promotion of durable solutions to displacement affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights with more immediate objectives focusing both on the immediate subsistence needs, protection and self-reliance support as well as a more long term focus on capacity building. In Turkey, DRC works partially through partners, also providing intensive capacity building support, while also conducting direct implementation.

About the Job

The overall objective for DRC in Turkey is the protection and promotion of durable solutions to displacement affected populations on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights with more immediate objectives focusing both on the immediate subsistence needs, protection and self-reliance support as well as a more long term focus on capacity building. DRC works with beneficiary communities and individuals to prevent and reduce protection threats, and build resilience.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Responsibility (40%)

• Abide by and promote DRC’s code of conduct, vision, and values, aims & objectives and equal opportunities policy.
• Provide direct legal information, support and assistance to DRC’s community centers beneficiaries and, as appropriate, advocate on their behalf
• Represent the DRC protection team when requested
• Provide legal and other relevant information to beneficiaries in person, on the phone and by email etc.
• Research individual cases, assess problems and identify possible courses of action together with the client;
• Ensure that at all times beneficiaries are aware of what options are available to them and that they are empowered to pursue chosen options, and assisted to access resources.
• Produce information for publications, leaflets etc.
• Promote the services on offer and distribute publicity materials.
• Mediate on a beneficiary’s behalf, for example, by writing letters, making phone calls or attending meetings.
• Advocate and make representations to mainstream service providers on behalf of beneficiaries.
• Refer beneficiaries to other sources of help, for example solicitors, social workers or special case workers who may represent the client in court, at tribunals or other official bodies.
• Liaise with other internal departments and external organizations on behalf of beneficiaries.
• Keep up to date with appropriate legislation and policies regarding Syrian refugees and refugees living in Turkey in general.
• Interpret and explain legislation, official documents or the content of letters to beneficiaries.
• Provide training or talks to internal staff or external organizations.
• Ensure impartiality, and confidentiality of beneficiaries, at all times, is respected
• To work on a flexible basis by performing other tasks not included above, but as necessitated by the needs and changing circumstances.
• To negotiate with agencies, government departments, local authorities, immigration services, solicitors and other bodies in order to secure beneficiaries entitlements and/or access services.
• To keep up-to-date with legislation and policy relevant to the post to ensure effectiveness and competence in delivering a high quality service.
• To help beneficiaries with the completion of forms.
• To participate in staff training, development and appraisal, as agreed with the line manager.
• To work in partnership with service providers and key stakeholders to provide a holistic approach to meet service beneficiaries needs.
• In coordination with team leadership, assist with broader advocacy efforts as requested by collecting case data, writing reports, briefings, articles and case profiles.

   

  Coordination and follow-up responsibilities: (40%)

• Understand and follow up on activities and assess progress of implementation, provide solutions and report issues when needed

   

  General Responsibility (40%)

• Abide by and promote DRC’s code of conduct, vision, and values, aims & objectives and equal opportunities policy.
• Provide direct legal information, support and assistance to DRC’s community centers beneficiaries and, as appropriate, advocate on their behalf
• Represent the DRC protection team when requested
• Provide legal and other relevant information to beneficiaries in person, on the phone and by email etc.
• Research individual cases, assess problems and identify possible courses of action together with the client;
• Ensure that at all times beneficiaries are aware of what options are available to them and that they are empowered to pursue chosen options, and assisted to access resources.
• Produce information for publications, leaflets etc.
• Promote the services on offer and distribute publicity materials.
• Mediate on a beneficiary’s behalf, for example, by writing letters, making phone calls or attending meetings.
• Advocate and make representations to mainstream service providers on behalf of beneficiaries.
• Refer beneficiaries to other sources of help, for example solicitors, social workers or special case workers who may represent the client in court, at tribunals or other official bodies.
• Liaise with other internal departments and external organizations on behalf of beneficiaries.
• Keep up to date with appropriate legislation and policies regarding Syrian refugees and refugees living in Turkey in general.
• Interpret and explain legislation, official documents or the content of letters to beneficiaries.
• Provide training or talks to internal staff or external organizations.
• Ensure impartiality, and confidentiality of beneficiaries, at all times, is respected
• To work on a flexible basis by performing other tasks not included above, but as necessitated by the needs and changing circumstances.
• To negotiate with agencies, government departments, local authorities, immigration services, solicitors and other bodies in order to secure beneficiaries entitlements and/or access services.
• To keep up-to-date with legislation and policy relevant to the post to ensure effectiveness and competence in delivering a high quality service.
• To help beneficiaries with the completion of forms.
• To participate in staff training, development and appraisal, as agreed with the line manager.
• To work in partnership with service providers and key stakeholders to provide a holistic approach to meet service beneficiaries needs.
• In coordination with team leadership, assist with broader advocacy efforts as requested by collecting case data, writing reports, briefings, articles and case profiles.

   

  Coordination and follow-up responsibilities: (40%)

• Understand and follow up on activities and assess progress of implementation, provide solutions and report issues when needed
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships, including service as referral focal points, with relevant stakeholders including partner agencies, community leaders and service providers
• Follow DRC Standard Operation Procedures for vulnerability assessment and assistance
• Refer protection cases to relevant partners; including updating relevant databases on referrals and feedback
• Participate in Case Management meetings
• Coordinate closely with other members of DRC legal team and partners to establish community of practice

   

  Human resources responsibilities: (10%)

• Support protection staff through the provision of technical support and guidance.
• On the job training and coaching of staff on relevant topics but prioritizing minimum protection standards, and relevant legal statues

   

  Monitoring and Reporting responsibilities: (10%)

• Regularly monitor and evaluate the quality of activities & security and protection policies being implemented
• Contribute to monthly and ad hoc reports
• Participate in the post-assistance monitoring

   

  Additional Duties:

• Any other duties related to the nature of the job as directed by the supervisor.

About you

To be successful in this role, you must have University in Law degree; ability to practice law in Turkey

 Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required qualifications

• 5+ years relevant legal experience, focusing on refugee law, housing, land and property rights, etc.
• Experience preparing training materials and conducting trainings.
• Experience of work (in paid or voluntary capacity) in NGO or voluntary sector
• Experience working within a team.
• Fluent English and Arabic Languages.
• ** Qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position**

   

  Desirable qualifications

• Commitment to the values, vision and mission of DRC
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Well-developed organizational skills
• Experience with case management protocols desirable
• An understanding of humanitarian/civil society issues in Turkey and the region
• Active member of Turkish Bar Association
• Strong initiative and self-motivation, with a commitment to teamwork;
• Flexible, enthusiastic and willingness to learn from others;
• Ability to multi-task and cope with competing demands under tight deadlines;
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment;
• Excellent analytical, organizational and facilitation skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic;
• Strong problem solving and organisational skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Flexible and responsive thinker
• responsive thinker

 

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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 act in line with our vision and values. 

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a 04 months’ contract, renewable dependent on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work from 01 September 2017 and be willing and able to work in Kahramanmaraş.

We offer a fair compensation package depending on your qualification and experiences as well as additional allowances such as relocation allowance and living allowances, if applicable. DRC Turkey is income tax exempted.

Application process

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

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

 

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact recruitment@drc-turkey.org 

Applications close 16 August 2017. The interviews are expected to take place within 1 week after the application close date.

Need further information?

For more details on this position please contact HR team at recruitment@drc-turkey.org

Please note that applications sent directly to HR team will not be considered.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.ngo