Protection Officer-Legal

Start of Contract & Duration: March 31, 2023

Posting date: October 31, 2022

Required Employee: 1

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), in partnership with Mercy Corps, is planning to implement a 44-month action entitled Strengthened Socio-Economic Development and Better Employment Opportunities for Refugees and Host Communities in the Jigjiga Area. In line with the Government of Ethiopia’s commitments to the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), the action will aim to improve employment and livelihood opportunities for up to 54,000 members of the refugee and host community in the Fafan zone of the Somali region. As part of the action, DRC will seek to support decent jobs and the rights of refugees engaged in formal employment. Furthermore, DRC will collaborate with Jigjiga University to extend the provision of legal aid services to both refugees and host community members. DRC, therefore, is seeking a highly qualified, enthusiastic and action-oriented individual for the position of Legal Protection Officer to support with the implementation of the action’s legal components. Applicants are expected to have a demonstrated legal background combined with experience in project implementation. DRC highly encourages female applicants.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Responsibilities

• Support EUTF manager and the Legal Protection Specialist in collaboration and coordination with Jigjiga University’s legal aid clinic to provide services to refugee and host communities. This entails regular field work in refugee and host communities.
• Provide beneficiaries who require more detailed information on legal matters and related issues with counselling services and technical assistance as well as facilitate referrals and possible legal advice;
• Ensure case management tool implemented and project documents and databases are properly kept and updated;
• Assist Jigjiga University to extend basic legal advice to small and medium businesses.
• Train local authorities and selected refugee and host community groups to provide information on and make referrals to legal aid services.
• Contribute to enhancing customary dispute resolution techniques for and between refugee and host communities, including conflict management, mediation, negotiation and reconciliation.
• Ensure all components of the action adhere to protection standards and principles as well DRC guidelines and accountability standards.

Implementation

• Lead the daily implementation of legal components of the action. This entails ensuring weekly and monthly work, financial and procurement plans are in place and closely followed.
• Work closely with the action’s MEAL team to monitor project achievements. When activities are identified as behind schedule or are facing technical or logistical challenges, work with the Legal Protection specialist to identify and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to regular reviews of achievements and spending for the action and contribute to all project reporting related to legal activities.

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master

DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values

Job Requirements

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• 2 to 3 years of work experience within the field of law.
• Experience working with an international NGO or UN agency is preferred, but not required.
• Technical understanding of protection concepts, prevention and response strategies.
• Proven record of designing and facilitating training and workshops on legal topics.
• Hands-on experience working with communities and governmental authorities.
• Proven record of designing and facilitating trainings and workshops on protection-related topics.
• Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to consistently meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures.
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• Bachelor’s degree in law, other social science with strong experience in legal aid related service

LANGUAGE: (Indicate fluency level)

• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English.
• Verbal and written proficiency Somali language.

How to Apply

TO APPLY

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit an updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post. 

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationForm/SinglePageApplicationForm.aspx?cid=1036&departmentId=19012&ProjectId=166159 under Vacancies.  

Please forward the application and CV, in English through the stated website no later than November 14, 2022. 

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult 

www.drc.ngo

Gender Equality:

DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities:

DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nationals to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.