Legal Advisor

The Norwegian Refugee Council seeks:
Legal Advisor (East Jerusalem)
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) re-established its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in January 2009 and is developing programme activities in the sectors of shelter and the provision of information, counselling and legal assistance (ICLA). The long term objective of the programme is to contribute to improved protection and living conditions for refugees and internally displaced persons in the OPT.

The ICLA programme is concentrating on providing legal assistance, particularly related to housing, land and property issues, for those displaced or facing displacement in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.  In late 2009, the NRC commenced a legal assistance programme in Gaza and established a legal aid center staffed by qualified lawyers who provide free legal assistance.

The ICLA programme now requires a Legal Advisor based in East Jerusalem to focus on research on international human rights and international humanitarian law.

The Legal Advisor shall directly work with international staff in NRC offices outside of Jerusalem and work day to day under the direct supervision of the ICLA Programme Manager.

Functions/Key Results Expected
The Legal Advisor will perform duties and responsibilities in accordance with the objectives and activities mentioned below:
-Undertake detailed research on International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, with emphasis on Housing, Land and Property issues, and contribute to training as required on these issues;
-Contribute to substantive internal discussions on points of law and strategy;
-Undertake field missions and drafting relevant updates on cases as appropriate;
-Assisting with the preparation  of clients cases including obtaining documentation, providing translations and undertaking legal analysis of legislation as necessary;
-Drafting substantive legal documents, including applications, petitions, complaints and reports, and legal opinions as required;
-Contributing towards advocacy initiatives within oPt and internationally;
-Assist in identifying appropriate key legal actors and arranging interviews and meetings as required;
-Attending various meetings representing NRC, and maintaining good relations with all UN Agencies and other National and International Organizations working with the NRC;
-Provide translation and interpretation support as required;
-Any other duties as specified by the Program Manger and appropriate NRC international staff.

Skills and Qualifications Required.

-Qualified Lawyer with minimum 5 years experience practising law in Israel, holding a Israeli Bar Licence;
-Strong understanding of International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law;
-Experience with legal research and writing
-Excellent command of English and knowledge of either Arabic or Hebrew.

Commencement:As soon as possible
Contract period:1 Year
Salary/benefits:According to NRC’s general directions pay is commensurate with experience.
Applications and CV in English are to be submitted by email to [email protected] .  Please ensure that you mark clearly the title of post that you are applying for.

Closing date:05.10.2011

The Norwegian Refugee Council has 2000 committed and competent employees involved in projects on four continents, to give refugees and internally displaced persons a better life and future. In addition we have one of the world’s largest standby forces with 600 professionals, ready to be deployed on 72 hours notice when crisis occur.