Legal Advisor

The Norwegian Refugee Council is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced persons. We advocate for their rights and assist with shelter, education, food distribution, and counselling on repatriation

Background
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) re-established its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) in January 2009 and is mainly developing programme activities in the sectors of shelter, education 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 minimum5 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 commessurate 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: 25th of May 2011