Legal Consultant

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 fulfilment 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. 

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.  

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

 

About the job 

DRC is looking for highly qualified candidate who will be handling court representation cases and providing legal consultations for DRC beneficiaries located in the North of Lebanon.

 

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

 

• Represent DRC’s beneficiaries in a minimum of 22 legal proceedings selected including by: 

- Interviewing beneficiaries. 

- Preparation and filing of all court documents. 

- Collection of evidence to support claim and arranging translation where required. 

- Legal research. 

- Court appearance. 

- Regular follow up with the authorities and clerks. 

- Documenting proceedings, challenges, and recommendations based on the context of the legal system in Lebanon and lessons learned. 

• Give legal consultations in person and/or over the phone to beneficiaries of DRC, including by: 

- Interviewing beneficiaries. 

- Legal research. 

- Follow up with Lebanese authorities. 

• Assist in development of informational materials regarding legal services, civil documentation, residency, and Housing, Land and Properties (HLP)  

• Contributing and leading protection ad hoc legal and needs assessment in the north to better understand the protection context in the area to support elaboration of evidence based reports for advocacy purposes.   

• Develop and maintain effective working relationship with relevant stakeholders including partner agencies, community leaders and service providers. 

• Inform refugees and asylum seekers about project activities and their legal rights and counsel them on means by which they may receive assistance from DRC, partner organizations, or the government.

 

About you 

To be successful in this role we expect you to have an advanced university degree (Masters Degree), preferably with the specialization in international human rights law and/or international refugees law

 

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required  

• Three to six years of experience in private practice, with a particular focus on personal status law. 

• Bar qualification. 

• Familiarity with international and national protection and human rights legal standards.  

• Good knowledge of refugee context, as well as demonstrated ability to identify and refer vulnerable cases. 

 

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 DRC’s vision and values. 

 

We offer 

Contract length: 31 March 2019 

Basic Salary: Based on SoP and years of experience  

Duty Station: Tripoli 

Start date: July 2018

 

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact dolene.khairallah@drclebanon.dk.

 

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button or go to www.drc.ngo under current vacancies. 

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

 

Closing date for applications: 28 June 2018 

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport. 

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our