Legal Counsellor

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to become a leading organization in the field of migration, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 10,000 employees. IOM's work encompasses a wide range of migration-related issues, including humanitarian assistance, migration health, and the integration of migrants into host communities.

Job Overview:
The Legal Counsellor position is a temporary role aimed at providing legal and protection services within IOM’s Migration Information Centre (MIC) in Slovakia. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the Protection Division National Project Officer and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator (Legal Counselling). The primary responsibility of this role is to support the inclusion of migrants in Slovakia by offering comprehensive legal counselling across various aspects of life and residence, including employment, business, family reunion, citizenship, education, health care, and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The role also involves assisting vulnerable migrant groups, particularly migrant children, and ensuring that they receive the necessary legal assistance. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring legal updates, preparing legal analyses, and developing informational materials to aid migrants in their integration process.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive legal counselling to migrants linked to different areas of life and residence in Slovakia through personal consultations, information helpline, and electronic communication.
• Offer legal assistance with integrated protection components to vulnerable migrant groups, focusing on migrant children.
• Maintain records on individual cases and manage a beneficiaries database.
• Monitor legal updates and assist in updating the MIC website.
• Prepare legal analyses and statements related to relevant laws.
• Collect and update data and legal documents in a database for migrant integration.
• Develop information materials for target groups.
• Prepare visibility materials such as presentations, articles, and short films.
• Organize outreach activities targeting the private sector and educational institutions. 1
• Assist in preparing reports, briefings, and legal analyses as required. 1
• Archive necessary data and documentation for project implementation. 1
• Perform general office maintenance tasks including correspondence and logistics. 1
• Assist in preparing legal documents and reports for donors. 1
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by the Chief of Mission.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Law from an accredited institution with four years of relevant professional experience, or a completed High School degree with at least six years of relevant working experience in similar roles. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of migration law and experience in preparing legal documents, writing articles, and project administration. Experience working with vulnerable groups such as migrants and refugees is highly advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Law from an accredited academic institution is required, or alternatively, a completed High School degree with significant relevant experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in legal principles, particularly those related to migration and human rights.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience in migration law, preparing legal documents, writing and editing articles, and project administration. Experience in working with migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups is considered an advantage, as is experience in developing and implementing project activities related to migration issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Slovak is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. Knowledge of additional languages is desirable and may be beneficial in the recruitment process. Language skills may be tested during the selection process, ensuring that candidates can effectively communicate in the required languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary opening to replace a staff member on parental leave. The duty station can be either Bratislava or Kosice. The recruitment is subject to local regulations, and only candidates with a valid residence and work permit for Slovakia will be considered. The appointment will also depend on the candidate's medical fitness and verification of residency and visa requirements. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.