Senior Legal Officer (Tripoli)

General Description   International Relief and Development, Inc. (IRD) is an international charitable, non-for-profit, non-governmental organization that collaborates with local and international partners to design and implement humanitarian relief and development aid programs. IRD’s mission is to reduce the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable groups and provide tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency. IRD was founded in 1998 and has grown over the past decade into an organization that is operating in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.   IRD has been present in Lebanon since 2006, and the first activities included assistance to poor rural households in southern Lebanon adversely affected by the July War. Today, IRD implements projects funded by BPRM and UNHCR bringing benefits to Syrian and Iraqi refugees, as well as Lebanese host communities. IRD has three offices in Lebanon: Beirut, Tripoli and Akkar.   In March 2013, IRD joined the UNHCR’s pool of Implementing Partners in Lebanon providing legal assistance and protection to Syrian refugees, as well as community support projects benefiting both Syrian refugees and Lebanese host communities. In 2015, IRD will continue to assist Syrian refugees by providing legal services and campaigning to raise awareness on legal issues and other common problems refugees face in North Lebanon within the Legal Assistance to Syrian Refugees in North Lebanon - LASYR project. In addition to the legal assistance, IRD also plans to conduct the activities within the Social Cohesion sector in Tripoli area as per the UNHCR’s further guidelines in the later stage of project implementation. In terms of geographic region, the project will focus on Tripoli or “T5” areas and Akkar areas.   Main Responsibilities:   Under the supervision of the Program manager and in coordination with the Country director, the Senior Legal officer will be responsible for the Project’s legal frame work. The incumbent will ensure that all the activities pertaining to the legal aspect of the project are conducted in a timely and accurate fashion, in compliance with the relevant IRD policies and procedures, donor’s requirements and the Project’s objectives and guidelines. The specific duties include:     Develop and update detailed procedures for the work, including procedures for receiving the client’s files, assuring that all papers are in compliance with GSO and the regulations and a schedule of submission. Supervise the daily activities of the legal team in all legal centers. Supervise closely the staff in the two legal centers in Akkar & Tripoli and coordinate all the lawyers and the field coordinators work in the field. Have the ability to present the files to the concerned GSO and assure the tracking of the refugees’ legal issues. Close coordination with UNHCR concerning legal cases of Syrians detainees or illegal. Update team members on file cases, and provide solutions in case of new developments. Coordinate files, interviews with clients and representation actions. Identify and implement actions required on special cases referred to IRD by UNHCR. Provide adequate and well-informed counseling and advice to clients on their files and answer all questions regarding their legalization & their legal rights in the country. Provide weekly periodic reporting and assessment to UNHCR and to IRD management. Maintain appropriate records and hard and soft copy files of all client cases with all required authorizations, briefs signed by the client, client notes and records of communications, and notes on referrals. Develop and update a database of monitored information. Develop material for the training & awareness sessions on the refugee’s rights. Ensure that updated information on the Syrians Refugees’ situation is always accessible. Provide updates on legal issues, relevant policies and recent developments in the law concerning refugees. Provide legal representations when needed based on UNHCR request and approval. Attend all protection related meeting with UNHCR in Tripoli and Akkar, all staff meetings, and individual supervision sessions. Other duties as assigned by Program manager.   Qualifications   1.     University degree Law, preferably with a master’s degree. 2.     Good computer skills. 3.     Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic language skills. 4.     At least 3 years of prior professional experience in a similar post, preferably with an international organization. 5.     Knowledge of UNHCR, USAID, and other development agencies programs and regulations is an asset. 6.     Belief in human rights including gender equality. 7.     Strong communication skills including ability to gain trust and build relationships with new communities.  8.     Strong understanding of International Human Rights, Refugee Law and Lebanese law with special focus on Family Law; 9.     Familiarity with the Lebanese legal community and the Lebanese judiciary system; 10.  Excellent interpersonal skills, including patience, willingness to listen to others and respect the opinions and ideas of colleagues. 11.  The ability to work independently and as a member of a team. 12.  Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, stressful environment.  13.  Must be flexible, willing to work long hours and travel often.