Legal Consultant / Lawyer - Baalback El Hermel

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.

Lawyer

Main Purpose

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

Is also in charge of planning and conducting awareness raising sessions on issues related to the law.

Reporting to:

Hierarchical: Protection Officer

Functional: Legal Officer      

Tasks

• Conduct intake interviews with clients in order to assess legal needs and provide legal counseling and/or representation with regards to the main issues identified
• Provide legal assistance (e.g. to obtaining civil or legal documentation) to beneficiaries with legal or urgent protection needs, also by accompanying them to the relevant offices
• Undertake home visits to clients in specific cases, e.g. where the client’s mobility is reduced
• Ensure the proper filing and archiving of individual legal files, maintaining data confidentiality
• Train INTERSOS staff and external stakeholders on legal issues and local legislation pertaining to civilians’ protection
• Prepare weekly, monthly and ad-hoc reports on legal activities and statistics
• Meet regularly with the Legal Officer to discuss ongoing issues.
• Inform of the individual progressive legal cases conditions on a weekly basis
• Carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles including but not limited to: PSEA, do no harm, non-discrimination, confidentiality and accountability and need-to-know principles.

Requirements

Education

• Advanced University Degree in Law

Professional Experience

• Minimum three years of relevant professional experience as lawyer
• Legal authorization to practice as a lawyer, registered at local bar association (practicing civil and family law)

Professional Requirements

• Excellent knowledge of the local legal system and legal procedures
• Previous working experience with IDPs, refugees and returnees
• Strong knowledge of international protection and human rights legal standards
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Personal Requirements

• Respect and a non-discriminatory attitude
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong report writing skills
• Empathetic
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ethical and transparent decision-making
• Punctual and respectful for applicable rules and procedures
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles

Languages

• Local language essential