Protection Assistant – Legal Aid

Job Description

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Protection Manager, the Legal Aid Assistant  is responsible for the delivery of timely, high-quality, and effective legal aid  services, including legal information and awareness sessions,  and support to access legal documentation, in DRC’s Community Centers and in mobile team in Lahj governorate.

Responsibilities:
 
Legal Services 

• Provide legal aid services in compliance with DRC SOPs and international guidelines and standards under the supervision of DRC Protection Manager:
• Conduct legal awareness sessions for IDPs, returnees and host community members on civil documentation and other topics as agreed with the Legal Aid Team Leader in DRC community center and in IDP sites;
• Undertake with the Legal Aid Officer individual sessions providing legal information and legal counseling as per the established work plan by the Protection Manager;
• Provide legal documentation services, including supporting access to IDs and birth certificates in coordination with CRA office in Aden;
• Ensure clear communication with beneficiaries to inform them of potential courses of action and empowering them to pursue their chosen options;
• Conduct field visits to assess the legal protection needs and concerns of the target population, with attention to people with specific needs;
• Conduct field visits to identify local NGOs, charity associations, social centers, local institutions providing support to the local population to establish a mapping of existing services with the Legal Aid Officer); 
• Fill legal forms and legal tracking sheet, ensuring confidentiality, accuracy and timeliness under the supervision of Protection Manager
• Remain up-to-date on legal procedure and policy developments, update guideline documents as needed;
• Identify individuals at risk and persons with specific needs and refer them to the necessary services after receiving informed consent and according to DRC criteria; At all times safeguard the safety and respect of the individual, in addition to the confidentiality of his/her information and his/her right to access services without any discrimination.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Attend weekly meetings and send weekly updates to Protection Manager to ensure adherence to standards of care and quality legal services;
• Produce and submit weekly reports and updated databases/tracking sheets to the Protection Manager by ensuing adherence to data protection protocols;
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential case files to document client interactions and interventions using DRC tools, ensuring adherence to data protection protocols;
• Ensure that all the legal docs/forms are archived in the SP folders and in the locked cabinets, following DRC protocols for archiving documents;
• Support the data analysis of legal case data in a safe and ethical manner.

Coordination and representation

• Coordinate and maintain constructive relationships with municipalities, other local government institutions, local NGO partners, other international organizations, in coordination with the other team members;
• Collaborate with other DRC sectors and NGOs to ensure a coordinated and collaborative response to the provision of services and assistance for those benefiting from legal services;
• Maintain effective working relationship with relevant stakeholders including partner agencies, community leaders, CBPNs, CRA, and service providers;
• Ensure up-to-date understandings of service providers operating in the area based on available service mappings and coordination with stakeholders.

Other

• Uphold DRC’s mission, values, and principles of neutrality, do no harm, and non-discrimination; 
• Treat all partners and beneficiaries with dignity and respect;
• Maintain positive work relationship within the team;
• Sign and strictly abide to DRC Code of Conduct, PSEAH and Safeguarding policies, program requirements and operational policies at all times and report any concerns through the appropriate mechanism;
• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as directed by the Protection Manager.

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies:

• Relevant professional experience of two (2) years in the legal sector in protection related work;
• Previous experience providing legal services is a very strong advantage;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination, and safety of clients at all times;
• Strong understanding of basic counseling and Protection core concepts; previous training in these areas is strongly preferred;
• Ability to discuss sensitive issues with respect and empathy;
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity, and flexibility;
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, work independently, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail;
• Flexibility in working overtime when needed;
• Willing to collaborate with and support people from different ethnic groups and different religions;
• Demonstrated interest in humanitarian work and supporting people affected by conflict;
• Previous experience in international organizations is a strong advantage.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.   
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.   
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.   
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required qualifications: 

Education:

Essential qualification

• University degree in Law.

Languages:

• Arabic – Fluent, reading and writing
• English – Highly desirable