Protection Assistant - Legal (Baashiqa and Wanna)

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.  

About the job 

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

Your main duties and responsibilities will be: 

Service Provision:

• Disseminate accurate and impartial information to the beneficiaries through individual counselling, group events/awareness raising, advisories, and leaflets;
• Undertake individual counselling sessions providing quality legal information as per the established work plan;
• Provide legal representation services to qualifying individuals, including for civil documentation and housing, land, and property issues. Assess, based on vulnerability, whether selected beneficiaries qualify for financial assistance under the legal assistance program fund to cover costs related to resolving legal issues;
• Assist connect individuals with Social Safety Net including MoLSA where possible;
• Accept and act upon in a timely manner referrals from Cash Working Group and Cash Consortium Initiative partners;
• 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 targeted population, with attention to people with specific needs; and with particular attention to working with vulnerable females, particularly female headed households
• Identify and refer Individuals with Specific Protection Needs for case management assistance according to DRC pre-defined criteria;
• Conduct field visits to identify local and international NGOs, charity associations, social centres, 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;
• Maintain, review and update legal beneficiary case files ensuring quality and accuracy of information, following DRC Legal Standard Operating Procedures, using DRC Legal Forms 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;
• Train and supervise the work of legal assistants, ensuring accuracy, quality, and timeliness;
• Advocate on behalf of clients, make direct interventions with other actors or other organizations, where appropriate;

Grant implementation and reporting

• Produce weekly and/or monthly reports and support the Legal Specialist in submitting internal reports as per schedule
• Input beneficiary details into Legal database with adherence to data protection protocols and focus on ensuring accuracy of data
• Support the data analysis of legal case data in a safe and ethical manner

Coordination and representation

• Develop and maintain effective working relationship with relevant stakeholders including partner agencies, community leaders and service providers
• Advocate for the needs of vulnerable individuals both internally and through coordination mechanisms through evidence-based advocacy
• Maintain an up-to-date service mapping of the legal service providers operating in the area

Other

• 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 with communities
• Be available to travel between base/sub-offices/community centers/mobile centers
• Participate in community outreach.

Reporting Line: 

Reporting to: Team Leader -Protection .

About you  

• Relevant professional experience of two (2) years in the legal sector.
• Prior experience or familiarity with DRC and/or persons of concern (including internally displaced persons, returnees and female heads of households).

Education: 

Essential qualification

• University degree in Law

Desirable qualifications:

• Previous experience in international organizations and humanitarian settings.
• Previous experience providing legal services

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: Baasheqa , Wanna . 

Start date: As soon as possible . 

Contract Duration : 6 months. 

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: 19-Sep-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