ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Assistant Legal Officer is a member of the protection team in the country office. He/she will report to the Protection Officer (IDPs).  The Assistant Legal Officer is relied upon by the office to support UNHCR’s work on domestic law and policy in relation to IDPs in Ethiopia among other IDP-related tasks.  He/she will: 1) Arrange meetings, workshops and trainings with government authorities and other stakeholders 2) Undertake legal analysis and research, particularly into domestic law 3) Provide technical support and capacity development to authorities to implement the 2009 Kampala Convention.  The incumbent also acts as an advisor to management on Ethiopian law and represents the organization to authorities, UN sister agencies, partners and other stakeholders on protection doctrine, law and policy. 

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Coordinate meetings and capacity development activities with government actors in support of UNHCR’s advocacy for the implementation the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa – also referred to as the 2009 Kampala Convention in Ethiopia.
• Conduct trainings with federal and regional government officials and civil society organizations on legal frameworks related to internal displacement to support the implementation of the 2009 Kampala Convention in Ethiopia.
• Advocate with the relevant stakeholders such as government officials at both federal and regional levels to further legislative reform in respect of the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
• Research domestic law to support the drafting of national IDP legislation, as well as to draft legal opinions and comparative analysis in relation to internal displacement.
• Analyse current laws and policies in Ethiopia and verify the degree to which it is in accordance with international legal standards for prevention of internal displacement, protection of internally displaced persons and solutions to internal displacement (also known as a legal audit), with the aim of highlighting any gaps and/or obstacles to the full enjoyment of the rights of IDPs.
• Engage with external partners and stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, international organizations, etc, on issues related to legal protection principles, related domestic law and related international law.
• Monitor the development of law and doctrine in Ethiopia for IDPs.
• Advocate for proper interpretation of law and doctrine.
• Represent UNHCR at the Protection Cluster and its Sub-Working Groups, including HLP WG.
• Organize consultations with internally displaced persons on the 1998 Guiding Principles.
• Other duties as assigned, if and when necessary.

Authority

• Prepare legal documents and reports in cooperation with manager

Type of Appointment

• Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)

Contract Duration

• Six (6) months

Grade

• LICA - 8

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

1. Analytical Thinking
2. Communication
3. Technological Awareness
4. Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
5.  Planning and Organizing
6.  Policy Development and Research
7.  Political Awareness
8.  Stakeholder Management
9. Managing Relationships
10. Teamwork & Collaboration

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• University degree in Law, preferably with focus on human rights and/or international humanitarian law.
•  Minimum three years of previous job experience relevant to the function (two year in case of advanced university degree).
• Previous experience in coordination and information exchange between national and regional government counterparts.
•  Excellent legal research, analytical and drafting skill.
•  Excellent knowledge of English and Amharic. Fluency in other local languages is a distinct advantage.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Completion of UNHCR learning programmes on protection would be an asset or any other equivalent external courses.