Lawyer – Shirqat / Salaheddin – (SAD/012)

INTERSOS is an international, non-profit, humanitarian organization on the front line of emergencies, bringing assistance to victims of armed conflicts, natural disasters, and extreme exclusion with particular attention to the protection of the most vulnerable people. Since 1992 our humanitarian workers have been helping people affected by humanitarian crises: we provide first aid, food, shelter, medical assistance, and basic goods. We ensure that basic needs, such as education, access to clean water, and health assistance, are met.

All INTERSOS employees are expected to perform their roles and responsibilities according to the INTERSOS charter of values, code of ethics, PSEA and Child Protection policies. The job description is mandatory for all positions within INTERSOS and shall be signed by the employee within the first week of employment.

Purpose/objective of the position:

The Lawyer is responsible for providing legal information, counseling, representation and assistance to vulnerable persons in order to obtain civil documentation or retrieve lost documents. In addition, the Lawyer is in charge of planning and conducting awareness raising sessions on issues related to the law.

Main legal issues to be covered include:

• Family law;
• Gender-based violence and child protection;
• Legal identity including obtaining civil documentation necessary to access rights and services (birth registration, marriage registration, etc.)
• Citizenship and statelessness issues related to displacement.

Generic Duties:

• Conduct basic intake interviews with beneficiaries to assess legal needs and provide legal counseling on main issues encountered;
• When applicable provide legal assistance to beneficiaries with legal or urgent protection needs;
• Provide timely feedback to INTERSOS Case Management staff or to other agencies for cases who were referred for legal assistance;
• Participate in case meetings for complex cases with a legal issue, if requested by the the Legal Team Leader and Protection Program Manager
• Ensure the proper filing and archiving of individual legal files to maintain data confidentiality;
• Undertake home visits to clients in very specific cases, where the client’s mobility is reduced;
• Develop quality material for dissemination of legal information through outreach activities;
• Support in planning and conducting of reverse CAD missions, and collaborate with the Civil Affairs Directorate (CAD) for the issuance of identity and civil documents.
• Conduct legal awareness sessions in the area of operation according to identified needs;
• Design and facilitate trainings on legal issues to other staff members;
• Build the capacity of local actors and key community members on main legal protection issues, concerns and trends;
• 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;
• Update the legal and referral databases for each case;
• Contribute to the drafting of internal/external reports according to INTERSOS and donor requirements ensuring quality and timely submission;
• Participate in legal coordination meetings or workshops/trainings as requested by the Legal Team Leader and Protection Program Manager.
• Provide legal representation for cases that need to possess necessary civil documentation/lawsuits;
• Deliver all required invoices that relate to legal fees to Legal Team leader
• Other duties as assigned by the Legal Team Leader

Person Specification:

Education and professional experience:

• Bachelor degree in Law and member of Iraq Lawyers Syndicate;

• Hold a valid bar association ID B or C;

• Minimum three years of relevant professional experience as a lawyer;

• Previous working experience with IDPs, refugees and returnees;

• Excellent knowledge of the Iraqi legal system and legal procedures;

• Strong knowledge of international protection and human rights legal standards;

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Computer literacy (Word, Excel)
• Respect and a non-discriminatory attitude
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Good reporting skills
• Ability to show empathy
• Ability to work under pressure

Languages : 

• Fluency in Arabic/Kurdish (written and spoken)
• Working knowledge of English (written and spoken)