Legal Officer
The Norwegian Refugee Council seeks:
Legal Officer -Gaza
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent, international humanitarian non-governmental organisation provides assistance, protection and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) worldwide. NRC established its presence in Palestine in January 2009 and has developed programme activities in the sectors of shelter, education, WASH and the provision of information, counselling and legal assistance (ICLA).
The ICLA programme is providing legal assistance on housing, land and property issues, for displaced persons or at risk of displacement in the West Bank (Area C and East Jerusalem) and in Gaza. In late 2009, the NRC commenced a legal assistance programme in Gaza and established a legal aid Centre staffed by qualified lawyers who provide free legal assistance services.
The Norwegian Refugee Council seeks two Legal Officers to work with the Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) Project in Gaza.
Job purpose
The Legal Officer is responsible for the implementation of legal assistance services and capacity building activities of the ICLA Project in the Gaza Strip. The Legal Officer will keep up to date with legal developments and current ICLA cases, needs and trends, identify potential new cases, conduct training and outreach, provide legal counseling and information sessions, conduct legal analysis, implement legal strategies, represent NRC in external forums, draft documents and work closely with local NGOs, other partners and private lawyers on relevant legal issues. The Officer will be based in the Gaza and be required to participate in fieldwork throughout Gaza.
Key Responsibilities
-Maintain relevant legal knowledge and keep up to date with developments in international, and domestic law in relation to housing, land and property (HLP) and civil documentation in the Gaza Strip;
-Provide legal information and counselling and representation services to ICLA beneficiaries;
-Provide legal trainings to shelter organizations, legal practitioners, fieldworkers, donors and other stakeholders;
-Provide sound written and oral legal advice (including legal counselling as required) and analysis on the Israeli/Palestinian legal system and in particular, provide advice on rights to housing, land, property legal matters related to civil documentation in the Gaza Strip;
-Participate in planning, developing and implementing ICLA legal strategies;
-Identify areas where NRC can assist in increasing access to justice and legal accountability, in particular for internally displaced persons and refugees and other vulnerable groups such as women and children;
-Maintain good relationships with NRC’s implementing partners, NGOs, INGOs, UN agencies;
-As requested by supervisor, represent organisation in external fora and coordination mechanisms, including the Protection Cluster, the Legal Taskforce.
-Development of monthly work action plans based on team plan and undertake monthly reporting.
-Carry out other relevant duties as requested by supervisor.
Qualifications and Competences
Academic and Professional Qualifications
-University degree in the field of Law, International Human Rights Law, or other relevant field.
-Qualified lawyer, Palestinian Bar qualification preferred
Relevant Experience
-Minimum of 3 years of relevant legal work experience
-Legal understanding and knowledge of housing, land and property issues in laws applicable in Gaza and international human rights and humanitarian law preferred
-Experience working with Human Rights organisations or NGOs/ INGOs preferred.
-Experience of working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees an advantage;
Knowledge, Skills & Personal Attributes
-Good communication and interpersonal skills
-Excellent organizational skills and ability to work effectively in teams
-Good cultural awareness and sensitivity
-Highly approachable, trustworthy and confidential
-Very good command of English and Arabic, both written and spoken
-Ability to always be punctual and meet deadlines
-Demonstrate openness to change and ability to manage complexities
-Good computer skills
-Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision.
-Excellent drafting and research skills
-Excellent legal analysis skills
-Ability to facilitate trainings.
Commencement: ASAP
Duty station: Gaza
Contract Period: four months with possible extension depending on fund.
Reporting to: ICLA Deputy Project Manager
Salary: According to NRC’s salary scale and Terms of Employment
Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview
To apply please
Closing date: 24//11/2014
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