Legal Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Syria since 2012, focusing on providing essential services such as protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development programs. The organization has a significant presence in various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, and is expanding its reach into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of over 700 employees, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, which are crucial for effective service delivery. The organization plays a pivotal role in Syria's NGO landscape, actively participating in donor and coordination forums, and adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the population. As of December 2024, the IRC has initiated operations in Damascus to engage with newly accessible areas across Syria, including parts of Northeast Syria (NES), Northwest Syria (NWS), and other previously unreachable locations in South and Central Syria.

Job Overview:
The Legal Assistant position is primarily based in Al-Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, focusing on the implementation of Protection Rule of Law (PRoL) programs in Northeast Syria. The IRC is expanding its PRoL portfolio in the region, which includes the introduction of legal assistance activities. The Legal Assistant will be instrumental in supporting and enhancing the legal aspects of IRC's protection programming. This role involves direct engagement with vulnerable populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and members of host communities, to help them access their legal rights. The Legal Assistant will conduct awareness sessions, provide individual counseling, and offer legal assistance. Additionally, the role includes contributing to protection monitoring activities and facilitating referrals to specialized services as necessary. The Legal Assistant will report directly to the IP Prevention Officer, ensuring that the legal needs of the community are met effectively and compassionately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Assistant will be responsible for implementing legal support in IRC operational areas, which includes: providing mobile legal assistance and counseling to vulnerable beneficiaries who cannot independently access their rights, particularly those associated with Women and Girls Safe Spaces, Child Protection, and Health programs; conducting mobile field visits within communities and camps as per monthly work plans; executing protection monitoring activities through household-level assessments, key informant interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and direct observation to identify protection risks, trends, and needs; facilitating referrals to specialized services based on identified needs, ensuring safe, timely, and confidential referral pathways; inputting and updating beneficiary data into legal case management tools, and periodically analyzing data gathered during legal assistance and protection monitoring activities; mapping existing legal services and administrative bodies in the area and regularly updating this mapping to support referrals and service provision; researching and updating regulations, laws, and legal articles to assist with the preparation of reports, case files, and legal advice, particularly concerning civil documentation and Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) laws; maintaining regular communication with clients to keep them informed of case progress and ensuring follow-up on legal and protection-related issues; developing and maintaining effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders including other NGOs, civil society groups, authorities, and UN agencies; and continuously updating a service mapping system detailing available services and assistance in IRC areas of operation. The Legal Assistant may also be assigned other relevant duties by the supervisor to support program implementation, adhering to The IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and IRC country employment policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an educational background in Law, holding either a bachelor's or master's degree. Additionally, applicants should be qualified lawyers with a minimum of two years of experience in a similar field. A solid understanding of international human rights and local laws is essential. Personal qualities sought include being a team player, flexibility, the ability to build networks, and the capacity to handle pressure effectively. Fluency in Arabic is required, while proficiency in English is preferred.

Educational Background:
The position requires an educational background in Law, with candidates expected to hold either a bachelor's or master's degree in this field. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the legal frameworks and principles that will be applied in the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least two years of relevant experience in a legal capacity, particularly within the context of humanitarian work or NGOs. This experience should encompass direct engagement with legal issues faced by vulnerable populations, as well as familiarity with protection and human rights frameworks.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Proficiency in English is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with international partners and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working in challenging environments. The IRC is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with IRC policies and local standards, reflecting the responsibilities and challenges associated with the role.