At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in legal advice, drafting guidelines, and providing legal counselling to persons of concern.
- Company: Join UNHCR, a global leader in refugee protection and advocacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and engage with authorities on critical legal issues.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.
- Qualifications: 4 years experience with High School Diploma or 2 years with Bachelor’s degree.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross‑functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of legal advice and drafting of position papers and guidelines on pertinent legal and operational issues.
- Stay abreast of the domestic legal issues and pertinent laws regarding persons of concern and advise the office accordingly.
- Contribute to advocacy towards proper interpretation of law and doctrine as well as in the development of standards of protection.
- Liaise with the Legal Affairs Service on issues related to immunities of UNHCR personnel and provide corresponding guidance and support locally to concerned staff.
- Liaise and intervene with national, regional or local authorities in relation to the above areas of responsibility, as required.
- Assist in the organization of training sessions for legal professionals and asylum case workers and judges in the field of asylum.
- Consistently apply international and national law and UNHCR policies and standards.
- Assist the office in providing legal counselling to persons of concern.
- Assist in the collection and analysis of relevant legal and protection information.
- Provide assistance in UNHCR’s legal publications, in dissemination of legal information on refugee law, in UNHCR’s legal website and other legal advice as needed.
- Support translation of legal and policy documents and act as interpreter at high level meetings with the authorities when needed.
- Provide advice and support the office reviewing their contracts.
- Provide support on a wide range of corporate and institutional issues, including on the interpretation and application of UNHCR regulations, rules, policies and procedures within the local legislation context.
- Assist the office in providing legal counselling to personnel on various types of contractual arrangements.
- In close cooperation with the Protection team, assist UNHCR’s drafting of law commentaries to draft national legislation related to refugee law, in compliance with UNHCR’s positions and Guidelines.
- Support the Protection team in maintaining and strengthening relations with governmental, as well as non‑governmental, actors in order to strengthen a network for assisting refugees and asylum seekers and also in strategically approach both national and local political figures.
- Prepare drafts for office correspondence concerning protection issues.
- Monitor/make briefing on legislative/judicial developments for the purpose of preparing office responses and/or to feed into briefing kits for external visitors.
- Support the implementation of activities with various institutions and civil society partners.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility.
- Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work.
- Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
- For G7 – 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.
Certificates and/or Licenses
- Human Rights
- International Humanitarian Law
- Law
- Political Science
- UNHCR Protection Learning Programme
Essential
- Experience in dealing with authorities as well as within a multicultural environment.
Functional Skills
- CO‑Drafting and Documentation
- IT‑Computer Literacy
- LE‑Legal Research
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
Senior Legal Associate employer: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about humanitarian law and refugee protection. Located in a dynamic and multicultural environment, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, collaborative teamwork, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable populations. With a commitment to employee growth and a supportive atmosphere, UNHCR stands out as a rewarding place to advance your legal career while contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Contact Details:
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with UNHCR or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of international and national laws relevant to refugee protection. We want you to be able to discuss how your expertise aligns with UNHCR’s mission and values confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s designed to streamline your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Legal Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in legal advice, drafting, and liaising with authorities, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your skills in legal research and documentation. Mention any experience you have with international and national law, especially in relation to refugee law, as this will make you stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your qualifications without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
✨Know Your Legal Stuff
Make sure you brush up on international and national laws relevant to refugee protection. Be prepared to discuss recent legal developments and how they might impact UNHCR's work. This shows you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Legal Associate, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Practice articulating complex legal concepts in simple terms. You might even want to prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated legal advice in the past.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Sensitivity
Given the multicultural environment at UNHCR, it's crucial to show that you respect diversity. Think of instances where you've worked with diverse teams or communities and be ready to share how you navigated any challenges.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the office's current legal challenges or ongoing projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
