Protection Assistant (Legal)

Deadline Date ‎2022-‎06-‎02Protection Assistant- Legal
Diyala - Sinsil
Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is
currently looking for a highly qualified 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.
Overall purpose of the role :
* Provision of legal aid services including legal information dissemination, counselling, assistance, and representation to beneficiaries in Diyala.
* The Protection Assistant (legal) will also be responsible for maintaining their case data within relevant legal trackers and databases, following up on referrals, and contributing report inputs.
* Assist the Protection Officer/Team Leader -Legal in ensuring quality of the planning, implementation and follow up on legal services provided
Geographic scope: DIYALA (Iraq)
This role has a focus on DIYALA and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and
guidelines within DRC Iraq and the DIYALA area office.
The role contributes to the implementation of protection strategies for
DIYALA, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks.
Main responsibilities
Provision of legal aid:
* Provide legal services, in line with DRC Iraq guidance and standard operating procedure (SOP) to community members of different ages (youth, adults and older persons), sex (men and women) and abilities (including people with disabilities).
* At all times, respect information management principles and guiding protection principles to ensure the confidentiality and quality of services provided.
* Disseminate accurate and impartial information to the beneficiaries through individual counselling, collective/group sessions, advisories, and leaflets.
* Identification of people in need of individual legal aid (legal counseling or legal representation) and ensure timely response, through static and mobile activities (as relevant).
* Identification of vulnerable people in need of individual protection support (case management and/or individual protection assistance), ensure timely referral and coordinate on multidisciplinary response.
* Report urgent and high-risk cases to Protection Officer (legal)/Protection Team Leader (legal)
* Undertake individual sessions providing legal information and legal counseling as per the established work plan.
* Provide legal representative services to qualifying individuals, including for civil documentation and housing, land, and property issues. Where appropriate and agreed with the Team Leader, support local advocacy and mediation for the mutual resolution of legal cases (e.g. eviction threats, property disputes).
* Assess whether selected beneficiaries qualify for financial assistance under the legal aid program fund to cover costs related to resolving legal issues.
* Update and maintain legal case files on individual developments, ensuring the timely entry of accurate data, following DRC Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring clients’ data and confidentiality are protected.
* Conduct regular visits to targeted field location and provide inputs for an up-to-date service mapping of the service providers operating in the area.
* Participate in internal and external trainings, as requested by the Protection Officer (legal aid) and Protection Team Leader.
* Support capacity building activities of community groups, civil society organizations and local NGOs.
* Assist Protection Team Leader and Officer in maintaining constructive relationships with relevant legal entities (CAD, courts, etc.), local government institutions, and other local service providers, in coordination with the other team members; report any changes to these relationships/policies to Team Leaders.
* Remain up-to-date on legal procedure and policy developments, providing Legal officer with situation reports as needed.
Administrative
* Ensure all legal aid activities are recorded and documented accurately and in a timely fashion on DRC Iraq’s IM system.
* Maintain legal aid case files up to date and ensure information management principles are respected at all times.
* Provide inputs to internal/external reports at the request of the Protection Team Leader and Project Manager – Protection, or to support evidence-based advocacy initiatives.
* Support MEAL team with implementation of evaluations and surveys.
* Produce activity reports as required by Protection Officer/Team Leader (legal aid).
* Support Protection Officer (legal aid) with administrative tasks including purchase requests to supply chain.
Other
* Ensure compliance with DRC guidelines and policies on HR, admin, finance, and supply.
* Ensure adherence to DRC national staff policy guidelines and Code of Conduct.
* Ensure compliance with DRC AGD policy and AGD programmatic minimum standards.
* Ensuring compliance with the zero-tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse policy.
* Perform any other relevant tasks as requested by the Protection Officer (legal) and Protection Team Leader.Required experience and competencies :
* Minimum ‎1 year of relevant work experience in the legal sector, with experience in Companies law, Labor law & workers' rights. Internship/work experience accrued during legal studies is also accepted.
* Experience in facilitation of legal awareness session and the delivery of legal counseling to vulnerable groups is preferred.
* Understanding of protection principles, protection minimum standards
* Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint)
* Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and always prioritize the safety and dignity of beneficiaries.
* Ability to work flexible hours.
* Fluency in Arabic; Ability to communicate and write in English.
* Candidates with contextual understanding and legal experience will be given preference over English language requirements.
All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:
* Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
* Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
* Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
* Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
* Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.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. A pplications sent by email will not be
considered.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Closing date for applications: ‎2 June ‎2022
Please note: that given the urgency of vacancy the position may be filled
before the due date.
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our
website drc.ngo.