Legal Aid Officer

Introduction

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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profit-making, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

1.        Background

DRC has been operating in Greece since November 2015, providing support to the Greek Ministry of Migration Policy in ensuring dignified reception conditions for refugees and migrants arriving on Lesvos island. In March 2016, DRC expanded its operations in Athens, in response to the changing context and the build-up of refugee population on mainland Greece.

2.        Purpose

DRC Greece is looking to recruit a qualified, flexible and enthusiastic professional to work for its Office in Mytilene-Moria (Lesvos Greece) as a Legal Aid Officer. Under supervision of the Area Manager and in close coordination with other DRC field units, the Legal Aid Officer will support the implementation of all Protection objectives under DRC projects in the emergency reception sites. 

3.        Duties & Responsibilities

Under the managerial supervision of Area Manager, the Legal Aid Officer will develop and maintain good relations with the persons of concern, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors, to support adequate implementation and coordination of DRC’s Protection activities.

The main responsibilities include:

• Work in close cooperation with our legal aid partners and thereby continuously monitor and document the needs of the persons of concern
• Identify cases in need of legal aid to be referred
• Collaborate with legal aid partners to provide individual counselling and information about international protection, including access to asylum, and asylum and immigration procedures
• Monitor and analyze the legal procedures followed by the implementation of law 4375/2016 within Lesvos for management, programme and advocacy purposes
• Provide legal aid statistics
• Document case studies, best practices and lessons learned from each of the activities implemented
• Represent DRC in Protection meetings as required
• Provide translation/interpretation as necessary
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Area Manager, relevant to the achievement of Protection objectives

In addition to the above, the Legal Aid Officer may be asked to carry out other duties requested by the Area Manager.

4.        Required Qualifications

·         Law degree and relevant experience with refugee/migration law and humanitarian law

·         Excellent verbal and written English and Greek skills

·         Working knowledge of French is an added advantage

·         At least three years working experience in a related field; previous working experience with local or international NGOs will be considered as a strong advantage

·         Strong computer skills

5.        Required Skills & Qualities

·         Core Competencies of DRC:

o    Striving for excellence

o    Collaboration

o    Taking the lead

o    Communication

o    Demonstrating Integrity

·         Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment

·         Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration

·         Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics

·         Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed

·         Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required

·         Multi-tasking and organizational skills is a must, and a good sense of humor

6.        Terms & Conditions

·         The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position)

·         All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)

·         DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.

·         The position will be based in Lesvos, Mytilene-Moria (Greece) and national terms and conditions apply

7.        Application Process

Are you interested? Then apply for this position on line: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/current-vacancies. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot systemically sponsor non-EU citizen or non-Greek resident for all the steps of legal process to get a work permit and/or a residency permit in Greece.

Applications close on the 23^rd of January 2019. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.