Protection Assistant (Legal)

 

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.  

In 2003, following the start of foreign military operations in Iraq, DRC became one of the first organisations to provide humanitarian assistance in the country, and now operates in 11 governorates, including Anbar, Baghdad, Babel, Diyala, Duhok, Erbil,Sulaimanyah, Karbala, Kirkuk, Najaf, Ninewa and Salah-al-Din. rbala, Kirkuk, Najaf, Ninewa and Salah-al-Din.  

 

 

The Legal Assistant is responsible for assisting the legal officer in provision of legal aid services - including legal information dissemination and counselling to beneficiaries in the communities where DRC works, in accordance with DRC’s organizational mandate, priorities, and donor agreement. The Legal Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining relevant legal trackers and databases, following up on referrals, and drafting preliminary reports. 

 

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:  

• Support the Legal Officer in disseminating accurate and impartial information to the beneficiaries through collective/group events, advisories, and leaflets; 

• Draft activity reports following collective/group events and counselling sessions, including accurate beneficiary counts, attendance sheets, pre/post test databases (where relevant), and updated indicator trackers; 

• Support Legal Officer with legal representative services to beneficiaries, where appropriate, including providing initial feedback on suitability of case to receive financial assistance and updating relevant databases and case files;  

• Conduct legal protection discussions with varied target groups – using an age, gender, and diversity perspective – under supervision of Legal Officer as needed; 

• Conduct field visits to assess the legal protection needs and concerns of the target population, with attention to people with specific needs – and submit observation reports to Legal Officer; 

• Identify and refer Extremely Vulnerable Individuals and People with Specific Protection Needs for assistance according to DRC pre-defined criteria, update relevant database, and perform follow up on referrals; 

• Contribute to capacity building of local organizations and community groups on legal matters relevant for beneficiaries; 

• Update case files on individual developments, following DRC Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring beneficiary’s data are protected; 

• Assist Legal Officer in establishing and maintaining constructive relationships with municipalities, other local government institutions, local NGO partners, other international organizations, in coordination with the other team members; 

• Monitor legal and policy developments in Iraq, providing Legal Officer with written situation reports as needed; 

• Liaise with the mobile protection team on referrals of identified individuals in need of legal assistance, provide preliminary legal counselling and flag cases in need of additional support to Legal Officer;  

• Maintain legal trackers and databases, updating with new cases and achievements on a daily basis and sharing with Legal Officer for review on a weekly basis; 

• With support from the Legal Officer, prepare weekly reports on progress against indicators and activities completed; 

• Promptly inform the Legal Officer 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 program Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); 

• Conduct duties in strict accordance with DRC Code of Conduct and the principle of confidentiality. 

• Ensure transparency and DRC’s positive regard and reputation within communities. 

• This position requires travel between base/sub-offices/community centers/mobile centers, and will also require participation in community outreach. 

 

Reporting to: Team Leader - Protection. 

• Relevant professional experience of one (1) year in the legal sector: 

• Prior experience or familiarity with DRC and/or persons of concern (including internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees. 

• Previous experience in international organizations and humanitarian settings 

• Previous experience providing legal services 

 

 

• University degree in Law 

• Report writing skills 

 

Languages:  

 

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  

Level: Band I 

Designation of Duty Station: Qayara. 

Start date: 1st of April 2019. 

Contract Duration : till December 2019. 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Closing date for applications: 31-March-2019  

 

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 website drc.ngo