At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide legal advice and support for refugee protection issues.
- Company: Join UNHCR, a global leader in refugee assistance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and engage with authorities on critical issues.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.
- Qualifications: Experience in legal matters and strong communication skills required.
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 Counsel, Refugee Protection employer: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHCR is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment dedicated to protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training programs and the chance to engage with diverse stakeholders, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect for diversity. Located in a pivotal area for humanitarian efforts, UNHCR provides its staff with meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of vulnerable populations, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
Contact Details:
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel, Refugee Protection
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who have experience with refugee protection. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on current legal issues related to refugees. We recommend creating a list of potential questions and practising your responses. This will help you feel confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! During interviews, share specific examples of your past work that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and your passion for refugee protection.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel, Refugee Protection
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Legal Counsel role. Highlight your experience in legal advice, drafting position papers, and working with authorities, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with refugee law and your ability to liaise with various stakeholders. We want to see how you've contributed to advocacy and legal counselling in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of standing out to us.
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 related to refugee protection. Be ready to discuss specific legal frameworks and how they apply to the role. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of how you've contributed to advocacy efforts in your previous roles. Whether it's drafting position papers or liaising with authorities, be ready to share your experiences that highlight your ability to influence and interpret legal standards.
✨Cultural Sensitivity is Key
Since this role involves working in a multicultural environment, think about instances where you've successfully navigated cultural differences. Highlight your experience in dealing with diverse groups and how you’ve built relationships with various stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to refugee law and protection. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios, as it will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and legal acumen.
