Protection officer (Legal)

Protection officer (Legal)

Tikrit

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.

DRC has been operating in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for over a decade, running a combination of emergency, livelihood, protection and advocacy programmes through Country Offices (COs) in Algeria, Libya/Tunisia, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey with a Regional Office (RO) in Amman. DRC has 17 offices and approximately one thousand staff members across the MENA region. Following an internal HQ restructuring, from 1st January 2018 the region is focusing on the Middle East, hence Algeria, Tunisia and Libya will transition to a new region during the course of 2018, while Yemen will join the Middle East region.

About the job

Overall purpose of the role:

The Protection Officer (Legal) is responsible for the provision of legal aid services - including legal information, counselling, assistance, and representation to beneficiaries in the communities where DRC works, in accordance with DRC’s organizational mandate, and priorities.

Responsibilities:                                                                                                                                                            

Service Provision:

• 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 counseling as per the established work plan.
• Conduct legal representative services to qualifying individuals, including for civil documentation and housing, land, and property issues. Assess whether selected beneficiaries qualify for financial assistance under the legal aid program fund to cover costs related to resolving legal issues.
• Conduct legal protection discussions with varied target groups – using an age, gender, and diversity perspective.
• Conduct field visits to assess the legal protection needs and concerns of the target population, with attention to people with specific needs.
• 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.
• Contribute to capacity building of local organizations and community groups on legal matters relevant for beneficiaries.
• Review and update case files on individual developments prepared by legal assistant to ensure quality and accuracy of Information, 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.
• Representation of DRC and active participation in the local working groups and any other meetings as requested.
• Remain up-to-date on legal procedure and policy developments, update guideline documents as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of clients, make direct interventions with other actors or other organizations, where appropriate.

Grant implementation and reporting

• Produce monthly reports and support the Team Leader / Protection Manager in submitting internal reports as per schedule.
• Bi-weekly monitoring of protection Legal database with adherence to data protection protocols.
• Bi-weekly review of open cases using tools and case planning.
• Support the data analysis of legal case data in a safe and ethical manner.

Other

• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Line Manager.
• Conduct duties in strict accordance with DRC Code of Conduct and the principle of confidentiality.
• Be available to travel between base/sub-offices/community centers/mobile centers. Participate in community outreach.

About you

Required:

Experience and technical competencies:

• Relevant professional experience of three (3) years in the legal sector, including at least (2) years working with compensation cases (HLP).
• Prior experience of one year NGOs and/or persons of concern (internally displaced persons, returnees and refugees)

Others:

Desirable

• Fluency in Arabic.
• Ability to communicate and write clearly in English.

Education:

University degree in Law.

Key stakeholders:

• Protection team
• Protection- legal Team leader
• Finance
• Local government institutions

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: 7 months

Level: H

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates/ Nationals; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies.

Application process

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: 18/ April/2020

Please note: that given the urgency of vacancy the position may be filled before the due date ’’Shortlisting will be on rolling bases’’.

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.