Legal Consultant

INTERSOS is a non-profit humanitarian aid organization 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 Consultant

Reports to : protection officer for legal assistance

Duty Station : Bekaa, Baalbeck and Hermel

Position Type : consultancy

Job Purpose:
The Legal Consultant is responsible for providing legal information, counseling, assistance and representation to vulnerable persons in accordance with INTERSOS’ mandate, priorities and donor agreements.
Is in charge of planning and conducting awareness raising sessions on issues related to the law.

Main Duties:

• Conduct intake interviews with beneficiaries in order to assess legal needs and provide legal counselling 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.
• Provide legal information and legal advice to beneficiaries on main legal issues encountered.
• 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.
• Support Legal Assistants in planning, organizing and facilitating awareness legal sessions in the area of operation according to identified needs.
• Meet regularly with Legal Officer or legal focal point to discuss about ongoing issues and strategy for the team. Inform of the individual progressive legal cases conditions on a weekly basis.
• Provide services including legal representation in court.
• Perform any other relevant task not listed here but necessary to the project and activities.
• Available to work extra hours and available at the weekend for emergency cases.
• Attend meetings, trainings, & workshops as requested by the management.
• 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.

Education:
Advanced University degree in law. Preferably with specialization in Family Law or Humanitarian Law; Registration at the Lebanese law association
Competencies: (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

Professional Competencies:

• 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)
• 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)
• Prior experience in working with governmental authorities is a plus.
• Knowledge on how to communicate with vulnerable population groups, such as women, children, youth, elderly, disabled and refugees
• Strong report writing skills
• Driving License.

Behavioural competencies:

• Empathetic
• Planning and organizing and ability to work under pressure
• Ethical and transparent decision-making
• Respect and a non-discriminatory attitude
• Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills
• Teamwork
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability
• Initiative
• Cultural Awareness; Strong knowledge and understanding of local communities and customary rules
• Ethical and transparent decision-making
• Independence, i.e. conducting tasks with minimal supervision, and stress resilience
• Humanitarian motivation and commitment to INTERSOS values
• Respect of Intersos policies and procedures

Languages:
-Fluency in Arabic (written and spoken)
-Proficiency in English (written and spoken)