Title: Legal Protection Officer

Location: Jigjiga, Ethiopia

Employment Category: H2

Reporting To: Resilience and Durable Solution Manager

Start of Contract & Duration: One Year

Posting date: September 14, 2021

INTRODUCTION

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), an international non-governmental organization (NGO), has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. DRC promotes and supports solutions to the problems faced by refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and migrants. The organization has offices across the region, and has been operational in Ethiopia since 2009. With funding from bilateral and multilateral donors, DRC is currently implementing a range of activities across Ethiopia and Djibouti, including WASH and shelter provision, child and youth protection, Gender based violence response, awareness-raising of migration risks, protection monitoring of migration routes, and livelihoods support for returning migrants or those at-risk of migration. 

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: 

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), in partnership with Mercy Corps, is planning to implement a 44-month action entitled Strengthened Socio-Economic Development and Better Employment Opportunities for Refugees and Host Communities in the Jigjiga Area. In line with the Government of Ethiopia’s commitments to the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), the action will aim to improve employment and livelihood opportunities for up to 54,000 members of the refugee and host community in the Fafan zone of the Somali region. As part of the action, DRC will seek to support decent jobs and the rights of refugees engaged in formal employment. Furthermore, DRC will collaborate with Jigjiga University to extend the provision of legal aid services to both refugees and host community members. DRC, therefore, is seeking a highly qualified, enthusiastic and action-oriented individual for the position of Legal Protection Officer to support with the implementation of the action’s legal components. Applicants are expected to have a demonstrated legal background combined with experience in project implementation. DRC highly encourages female applicants.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Responsibilities

• Support the Legal Protection Specialist in collaboration and coordination with Jigjiga University’s legal aid clinic to provide services to refugee and host communities. This entails regular field work in refugee and host communities.
• Provide beneficiaries who require more detailed information on legal matters and related issues with counselling services and technical assistance as well as facilitate referrals and possible legal advice;
• Ensure case management tool implemented and project documents and databases are properly kept and updated;
• Assist Jigjiga University to extend basic legal advice to small and medium businesses.
• Train local authorities and selected refugee and host community groups to provide information on and make referrals to legal aid services.
• Contribute to enhancing customary dispute resolution techniques for and between refugee and host communities, including conflict management, mediation, negotiation and reconciliation.
• Ensure all components of the action adhere to protection standards and principles as well DRC guidelines and accountability standards.

Implementation

• Lead the daily implementation of legal components of the action. This entails ensuring weekly and monthly work, financial and procurement plans are in place and closely followed.
• Work closely with the action’s MEAL team to monitor project achievements. When activities are identified as behind schedule or are facing technical or logistical challenges, work with the Legal Protection specialist to identify and implement corrective actions.
•  Contribute to regular reviews of achievements and spending for the action and contribute to all project reporting related to legal activities. 

Job Requirements

Experience and Technical Competencies: (include years of experience)

•  2 to 3 years of work experience within the field of law.
• Experience working with an international NGO or UN agency preferred, but not required.
• Technical understanding of protection concepts, prevention and response strategies.
• Proven record of designing and facilitating trainings and workshops on legal topics.
• Hands-on experience working with communities and governmental authorities.
• Proven record of designing and facilitating trainings and workshops on protection-related topics.
• Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to consistently meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures.
• Full proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.

Education (include certificates, licenses etc.):

• Bachelor’s degree in law.

Languages: (indicate fluency level)

• Excellent verbal and written proficiency in English.
• Somali language skills will be an added advantage

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s 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: Acting in line with DRC's vision and values

How to Apply

TO APPLY

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. 

Please forward the application and CV, in English through the stated website no later than September 21, 2021.

For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult www.drc.ngo

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics

We encourage only qualified Ethiopian Nationals to apply. DRC considers all applicants based on merit.