Legal Manager

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.theIRC.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 25 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and life saving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.  The IRC has been working in Lebanon since 2012 to provide support to refugees and vulnerable host community members in the areas of women’s protection, children’s protection and cash assistance. The IRC is implementing protection programming during 2015, which incorporates a legal services component in Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon and North Bekaa.  The legal services component seeks to promote a protective environment for adults and children, through provision of legal awareness sessions and legal counseling and assistance on topics including housing, land and property (HLP), civil status and residency, employment law, and other security related concerns.  Job Overview/Summary: The Legal Manager will be responsible for provision of technical guidance and oversight of the legal services component of IRC’s protection programming across multiple locations.  This will include leadership of internal and external legal capacity building activities, and the identification and analysis of legal trends and issues of concern.  The Legal Manager will undertake coordination with other legal actors at the national level, as well as supporting local-level coordination with legal actors, as needed.      Major Responsibilities: Major responsibilities of the Legal Manager (not exhaustive) are listed below: Programme Management Oversee implementation of the legal services component of protection programming across multiple locations, including: timely recruitment; development of program work plans; reporting in accordance with IRC and donor regulations. Develops effective training materials in line with IRC technical best practice and standards. In cooperation with the Protection Coordinator, devises broader legal services programming strategy. Conducts field visits to other program sites for the purposes of capacity building and technical guidance. Leads the development of legal information training materials for Refugee Outreach Volunteers, and provides follow up support and guidance to ROVs engaged with IRC on protection activities. Staff Management & Technical Guidance Directly supervise the two Legal Team Leaders (Mount Lebanon and North Bekaa) and support them, as well as the Protection Manager (South Lebanon), in managing the Legal Officers that report to them. Provide technical guidance to legal staff within IRC’s protection department, to ensure adherence to best practice in the approach and response to legal protection issues. Maintain up-to-date familiarity with all relevant provisions of Lebanese laws and regulations. Provide continuous support to the capacity building team, ensuring the submission of weekly workplans, weekly meetings and professional development opportunities in-line with performance monitoring and evaluation plans. Discuss job expectations, set objectives and provide appropriate and timely feedback regarding performance, including timely implementation of the annual staff performance management system. Clearly define the training needs of direct reports and ensure they are able to access training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs. Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions including staff development plans. Provide leadership support for the successful implementation of and adherence to the IRC Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures. Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability to the “IRC Way” –  Global Standards for Professional Conduct. Representation, coordination and advocacy Forge connections with counterparts including INGO, Local NGO, governmental and other non-governmental stakeholders. Collaborate with the Protection Coordinator and Protection Advocacy Manager to identify and coordinate advocacy plans and initiatives on legal issues of importance and concern. Collaborate closely with other program departments in order to ensure that linkages between programs are made and programs gain from training best practice.   All other duties as assigned. Key Working Relationships: Position Reports to:  Protection Coordinator Position directly supervises:  Legal Team Leader (Mount Lebanon), Legal Team Leader (North Bekaa) Indirect Reporting:  NA Other Internal and/or external contacts: Internal: Protection Manager (North Bekaa), Protection Manager (Mount Lebanon), Protection Manager (South Lebanon), Security Focal Point (Bekaa), Security Focal Point (Beirut) External: UNHCR Chair of National Legal Partners Coordination Group Job Requirements: Work Experience: At least three years of prior professional experience as a practicing lawyer or in a position where legal advice, counseling and assistance was frequently provided to vulnerable clients.  Experience working for an international organization is preferred.  Experience providing legal counseling and assistance on issues including HLP, employment law, civil status and criminal issues. Experience interacting with judicial, security and administrative authorities. Good protection background and knowledge of refugee context, as well as demonstrated ability to identify and refer vulnerable cases, is desirable. Strong experience managing a diverse team. Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: Strong management and organizational skills. Stong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently. Proactive, flexible, team spirited and willing to learn. Good computer skills including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Excellent ability to interpret, analyze and synthesize information in a fast-paced environment. Excellent knowledge of the Lebanese legal system, its stakeholders and processes is strongly preferred. Excellent organizational skills, timeliness, ability to determine priorities and great attention to detail. Language Skills:  Excellent drafting and oral communication skills in both English and Arabic. Working Environment:  Located in Beirut, the position will involve travel to South Lebanon and Bekaa.