REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
- Excellent legal research, analytical and drafting skill.
- Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic is desirable.
- Empowering and Building Trust
- Managing Performance
- Judgement and Decision Making
- Analytical Thinking
- Policy Development and Research Political Awareness
CONTEXT AND DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to provide protection (including assistance) and seek durable solutions for refugees. UNHCR has also been involved in various IDP operations at the request of the country concerned or the UNGA/ SG. Since 2005, with the humanitarian reform exercise, it also is the Global Lead for the Protection, Shelter/NFIs and Camp Coordination and Camp Management in cases of forced displacement in complex emergencies. As a result, in most countries with a Humanitarian Coordinator and a complex IDP situation, UNHCR is leading the Protection Cluster. In addition, it has a specific mandate for the prevention and addressing situations of statelessness
The Legal Officer is a member of the protection team within the overall protection unit and is reporting to the Deputy Rep. (Protection). The incumbent will assist in the capacity building activities in the context of developing the national asylum system. The incumbent will contribute to the development of legal positions and protection policies for the operation.
The Legal Officer will support the Office to plan, and coordinate quality, timely and effective legal responses, expert opinions and training materials to the needs of the office and the national counterparts. This includes ensuring that legal and advocacy responses in doctrinal matters are shaped in a protection optic.
THE INCUMBENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNED DUTIES:
- Monitor the development of law and doctrine.
- Advocate for proper interpretation of law and doctrine as well as in the development of standards of protection.
- Provide support to the office on issues related asylum system including on minimum stadards and share experiences from other countries, as applicable.
- Provide legal advice on these issues and drafting of position papers and guidelines on pertinent legal and operational issues.
- Provide guidance and support in the formulation of protection strategies.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Education: Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Law, preferably with focus on Human Rights, Refugee Law and/or International Humanitarian Law. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master’s) or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD).
- Job experience:
o Minimum 6 years of previous work experience relevant to the function (Undergraduate)
o Minimum 5 years of work experience (Graduate on Master’s degree)
o Minimum 4 years of work experience (Doctorate degree)
- Fluency in English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.
§ Interested candidates are to complete, sign and submit the new Personal History Form (Nov 2017 version) which includes a Letter of Interest for the specific position prior to the closing date of the vacancy notice through UNHCR Egypt’s recruitment portal: https://www.unhcr.org/eg-jobs/
§ Shortlisted applicants might be required to sit for a written examination and will have to undergo an oral interview. Only short–listed applicants will be contacted.
§ UNHCR follows a strict non-smoking environment policy.
§ UNHCR is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees)
More Information
- Job City Cairo