Legal Assistant

INTERSOS is an International NGO that works to bring assistance to people in danger, victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Established in 1992 with support from the Italian Federation of Trade Unions, its actions are based on the values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities for all people and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable and the unprotected.

INTERSOS identifies with the core values of CONCORD, the European Confederation of NGOs; it adheres to international codes of conduct for humanitarian organizations and the values and principles expressed within those codes. INTERSOS is recognized by the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and the principal UN agencies; it is privileged to hold an advisory status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

INTERSOS is an independent association which, through its own humanitarian operators, intervenes to effectively answer the needs of people in serious crises situations, mainly in the world's poorest regions, who are suffering, deprived of rights, dignity and essentials goods. It maintains a flexible operating structure. The head office in Italy coordinates, supports and monitors the planned activities in the countries of intervention carried out by decentralized offices.

This is a tentative vacancy

Job Title: Legal Assistant

Reporting to: Project Manager

Duty Station: Beirut Mount Lebanon with regular field visits

Position Type: Full Time

Main Purpose

Is responsible for supporting lawyers in providing legal information, counseling, assistance and representation to vulnerable persons in accordance with INTERSOS’ mandate, priorities and donor agreements. 

Assist lawyers in planning and conducting awareness raising sessions on legal issues and legislation pertaining to civilians’ protection.

Tasks

• Support lawyers, as needed, in conducting intake interviews with beneficiaries in order to assess legal needs and provide legal counselling on the main issues identified
• Prepare cash requests and other related documentation for financial assistance of legal services, including payment of cash. Ensure that invoices and supporting documents are handed over to the designated department (e.g. admin and finance)
• Develop quality material for dissemination of legal information through outreach activities
• Provide legal information to clients on the main legal issues identified
• Bring to immediate attention any case of special/emergency needs to the Lawyer
• Carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to: do no harm, non-discrimination, confidentiality, accountability and need-to-know principles
• Document cases under his/her responsibility on the internal legal platform/database and ensure that any progress on action plan and any significant change in client’s overall situation is timely and duly recorded
• Ensure proper and safe filing and archiving of legal cases files maintaining data confidentiality
• Prepare regularly reports on legal services provided and submit it to the Lawyer for revision and approval
• Plan, organize and facilitate awareness legal sessions in the area of operation according to identified needs

Requirements

Education

• University Degree in Law.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Previous working experience with IDPs, refugees and returnees

Professional Requirements

• Good knowledge of the local legal system and legal procedures

• Strong knowledge of international protection and human rights legal standards
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Valid Driving License issued since more than 2 years

Personal Requirements

• Respect and a non-discriminatory attitude 
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Report writing skills
• Empathetic
• Ability to work under pressure 
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles

Languages

• Fluency in (written and spoken) Arabic and English;