Legal Counselor

 

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. 

 

 

 

 

The Legal Counselor, under the direct supervision of Senior Protection Officer– Kabul/Central and under technical guidance of Protection Coordinator, is primarily responsible for providing legal counselling/advice to the project beneficiaries and targeted communities, case management and referrals, follow-up, necessary support and coordination to partner organization, liaising with government and other key stakeholders and arranging trainings. 

 

 

 

• Provide legal counseling services to IDP’s and Returnees or other project beneficiaries in targeted communities in Kabul settlements, areas of high return, community centers or mobile clinics); 

• Ensure case intake and all appropriate documentation is correctly filled during legal counselling sessions, keep all the cases records locked and confidential; 

• Provide referrals of protection clients to appropriate organizations for further assistance and services; 

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of the referred cases and follow-up of the cases; 

 

• Conduct protection awareness raising sessions in the targeted communities; 

• Engage the men and women of the community in discussions around women’s rights, children’s rights and gender based violence; 

 

• Draft reports concerning legal problems and issues related to family, inheritance, property and EVAW laws and documentation recovery, and efforts to mitigate them; 

• Draft reports concerning human rights’ violations and issues related to protection/GBV and efforts to mitigate or eliminate them. 

• Identify problems with GBV and access to justice and provide recommendations to mitigate them; 

• Support protection related advocacy initiatives; 

• Provide support in needs Protections assessments/surveys for future protection programming; 

 

• Under the guidance of Senior Protection Officer, design protection related trainings, development of training materials and deliver training at community level and for various stakeholders (government officials, NGOs, etc.), as well as to DRC-DDG staff and local partners 

 

• Submit weekly progress reports of the activities to line manager; 

• Contribute in donor reporting and internal reporting requirements 

Perform other relevant duties, as needed or requested. 

 

 

 

To be successful in this role you must have: 

 

 

 

• University degree in Law and a valid license to practice law. 

• An understanding of the basic principles of humanitarian work, human rights, protection, and the needs of internally displaced persons and refugees in Afghanistan. 

• Interest in humanitarian work and human rights, ability and willingness to learn. 

• Ability to clearly express one’s thoughts, to analyze and present information clearly and concisely. 

• Ability to set priorities and show initiative, to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills. 

 

 

 

 

• At least 3-5 years of work experiences in legal counseling or other activities related to the responsibilities of the position. 

• Demonstrated experience in leading legal counseling to clients. 

• Work experience with Afghanistan’s laws and/or Afghanistan judicial system. Experience with informal justice systems is an asset. 

• Knowledge of and experience working with IDPs/refugees in Afghanistan. 

• Strong knowledge of and experience in counseling on issues related to civil documentation, family law, housing/land/property rights, GBV. 

 

 

 

 

• Good knowledge of English, ability to write reports and represent in English-speaking coordination forums 

• Fluency in Dari and Pashto 

 

 

 

 

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

Collaboration: 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 DRC-DDG vision and values. 

 

 

 

 

• Availability: As soon as possible  

• Duty station: Kabul, Afghanistan 

 

 

 

 

• DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract till end of 2018 extendable depending on funding availability and performance. 

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff. This position will be placed at salary NTA salary scale, Grade D, level 1, 38000 Afghanis. 

 

 

 

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on 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. 

 

Applications close 25 April 2017. However, please note due to the urgency of this position, shortlisting process will be ongoing. Should we find qualified candidates prior to expiry of this advert, interviews will be held immediately.