• Title: Protection Assistant – Legal

•  Location:  Dollo Ado Somali Region 

• Employment Category:  I2

• Salary Range: As per the organization scale

• Reporting To:  Area Manager

• Posting date: January 09, 2024

• Required Employee: 1 

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. DRC Ethiopia began operations in 2009 and has been responding to the needs of refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and vulnerable host communities ever since.  DRC Ethiopia currently has programs implemented through five area offices (AO) in Gambella, Tigray, Somali (Jijiga & Dollo Ado) and Afar regions, as well as its country office (CO) in Addis Ababa.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

The Protection Assistant-Legal, under the supervision of the Protection Officer, will be responsible for carrying out protection and legal activities in accordance with DRC’s legal aid policy and standards. The assistant will provide legal aid services to IDPs, host communities, and refugees, returnees which includes identifying and targeting beneficiaries, providing legal information, counseling, assistance, and facilitating representation. Additionally, the assistant will perform any other protection activity required by their line manager and supervisor to achieve the project objective.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide one-on-one legal counselling and assistance to refugees and other conflict-affected populations to help them claim their legal rights from responsible authorities.

• Facilitate access to information on legal issues for refugees and other conflict-affected populations, including support with restoring civil documentation, identification documents, and other pertinent paperwork crucial for protecting their rights and achieving lasting solutions.

• Organize and conduct awareness-raising sessions on recent legal developments, addressing the information and legal requirements of refugees and others affected by conflict.

• Assist the protection legal officer in conducting legal and protection assessments using DRC assessment tools.

• Facilitate and monitor incoming and outgoing protection referral cases.

• Provide administrative and paralegal assistance to help IDPs and other conflict-affected populations access government and non-governmental services.

• Support the organization of public events such as meetings, roundtables, and technical working groups, and participate in these events on behalf of DRC.

• Undertake any other duties as assigned by the Protection officer or managers

Reporting and administrative responsibilities

• Develop a weekly work plan in coordination with the Protection Officer.

•  Tracks manage cases and regularly upload them into the information management system.

•  Provide input for the monthly report.

•  Document findings of needs assessments; including reports and other relevant documents.

DRC’s core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Job Requirements

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Excellent Knowledge of federal and regional laws

• Minimum of 1-year experience in humanitarian protection or law enforcement offices

• Technical understanding of core protection concepts, prevention, and response strategies in line with best practices and ethical data collection and data protection protocols.

• Experience in identifying and responding to the needs of particularly vulnerable individuals or people of concern based on protection risks, age, gender, and diversity criteria;

• Integrity, strong work ethic, and ability to consistently meet deadlines under pressure;

• Commitment to learning and implementing organizational policies and procedures;

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel; proficiency in Kobo and other data collection/analysis tools desirable

EDUCATION: (include certificates, licenses, etc.)

• University degree in social work, social science, law or other relevant field from a recognized institution.

LANGUAGE: (indicate fluency level)

• Excellent skills in speaking, reading and writing English, and Somali

Required Skills

• Conflict Resolution

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit an 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 using THIS LINK

Please forward the application and CV, in English through the stated website no later than January 23, 2024.

We strongly encourage female candidates to apply for the position!

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 gendergap.
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.