Legal Officer

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

The Norwegian Refugee Council seeks:
 

 
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) re-established its presence in the occupied Palestinian territory in January 2009 and is 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 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.
 
NRC requires a Legal Officer to support the work of the Legal Advisers at the Legal Aid Centre as well as in their field activities. The Legal Officer will initially report to the ICLA Project Manager. This is a new position and the terms of reference may change during the course of the contract period, including the reporting lines. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES
 
-Understand legal concepts and law regarding the Palestinian legal system and in particular, regarding rights to housing, land and legal identity.
-Assist in providing legal advice and analysis on the Palestinian legal system and, in particular, advice on rights to housing, land and legal identity.
-Support the Legal Advisers in all their activities, including the provision of legal information to grassroot communities; the provision of individual legal counselling and the provision of legal trainings for legal practitioners.
-Maintain good working relations with implementing partners, INGOs, NGOs and UN agencies;
-Monitor the application of housing, land and property rights in Gaza including through ensuring a regular presence in the field;
-Conduct legal research as required;
-Write activity reports which include legal analysis as required;
-Provide interpretation and translation support of legal meetings and documents as required;
-Carry out other relevant duties as requested by supervisor.
 
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
 
-Qualified Lawyer with a minimum of 2 years of legal work experience;
-Experience of keeping and updating case information comprehensively;
-Experience in working with clients seeking legal assistance;
-Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision;
-Ability to integrate well in a team and to be a team player;
-Strong organisational and logistical skills;
-Excellent command of English and Arabic both written and orally;
-Ability to always be punctual and meet deadlines;
-Experience of working with refugees or displaced persons is an advantage;
-Experience of working with non-governmental organisations is an advantage.
 
All employees of the Norwegian Refugee Council should be able to adhere to our Codes of Conduct and the four organisational values: Dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountable.
 
Commencement:As soon as possible
Contract period:12 months (with 3 months probation period)
Salary/benefits:According to NRC’s general directions pay commessurate with experience and benefits provided.
 
 
Cover letter and curriculum vitae in English are to be submitted by email to [email protected]. Please ensure that you state the title of the post that you are applying for as subject of your email. 
 
Closing date:  21st March 2012
 
 
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.