Legal Officer

We are looking for a highly qualified candidate for our program operations in Northern Iraq. The ideal candidate possesses outstanding communication skills, a desire and willingness to learn and a personal commitment to professional improvement. 

Who are we?  

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity 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.

About the job:  

The Legal Officer is responsible for the provision of legal aid services - including legal information, counsel, assistance and representation to People with Specific Protection Needs, particularly women, in accordance with DRC’s organizational mandate, priorities and donor agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Disseminate accurate and impartial information to the beneficiaries through individual counselling, collective/group events, advisories and leaflets.
• Undertake individual sessions providing legal information and legal counsel as per the established work plan;
• 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.
• 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.
• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of a referral pathway for protection and legal assistance, respectful of the confidentiality and consent principle and DRC Standard Operating Procedures.
• 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.
• In collaboration with the Protection Officer and the Information Officers, prepare regular reports.
• Promptly inform the Protection Project Manager of urgent protection cases and/or issues.
• 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.
• Make sure to spread a positive image of DRC and its activities by explaining what DRC is doing and why DRC operates in that way.

About you:

To be successful in this role you must have: Analytical Skills, Planning Skills, with strong skills in Communication, Teamwork skills, Excellent spoken and written English/Kurdish/Arabic and relevant computer skills.

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

1. Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.   
2. Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.   
3. Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   
4. Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.   
5. Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.   

Moreover we also expect the following:  

Required qualifications:

• Relevant professional experience of three (3) years in the legal sector;
• Familiarity with international protection and human rights legal standards, with special emphasis on women rights and SGBV, is required.
• Prior experience or familiarity with DRC and/or persons of concern (including internally displaced persons and refugees-returnees) would be a distinct advantage;
• Prior experience or familiarity with NGO sector would be an advantage;
• A high respect to 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.
• Punctuality and respect for applicable rules and procedures.
• Ethical and transparent decision-making.
• Computer/IT literacy (OS Windows/Vista/Linux, MS Office, Internet etc.).

Desirable qualifications: 

We offer:  

DRC will offer the successful applicant a 6 month contract, renewable dependent on both funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National Staff; please refer to www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. This position will be placed at Grade C1.

Application process:  

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

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 job@drc.dk    

Applications close on 31/12/2017. Only shortlisted candidates will be considered.  

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