Legal Aid Services Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip. UNRWA's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, while ensuring their rights under law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law are upheld. The organization employs thousands of staff across these regions, focusing on education, health care, social services, and emergency assistance, among other areas. UNRWA places a strong emphasis on the protection of Palestine refugees and has developed various programs to support their legal rights and access to justice.

Job Overview:
The Legal Aid Services Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the legal clinic's operations by conducting initial client interviews to gather pertinent information regarding legal issues and protection concerns. The intern will assess clients' eligibility for legal aid services in collaboration with the associate legal protection officer. This position is designed for fresh graduates who are eager to gain practical experience in legal aid service delivery within a humanitarian context. The intern will assist in case documentation, maintain accurate case files, and support the legal team in various administrative tasks. Additionally, the intern will help organize legal awareness sessions for refugees and contribute to the development of legal information materials. This role provides an opportunity to enhance skills in legal interviewing, case documentation, and understanding refugee legal needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's responsibilities include conducting client case intake and interviews to gather information on legal issues and protection concerns. They will assess eligibility for legal aid services and maintain detailed case files in compliance with confidentiality standards. The intern will assist the protection legal team by preparing case forms, archiving documentation, scheduling appointments, and updating case trackers. They will also contribute to organizing legal awareness sessions and developing legal information materials. Reporting duties include contributing to the design and implementation of surveys, research, and assessments. The intern will participate in meetings, take minutes, and assist in drafting progress reports, ensuring the efficiency of legal aid services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be fresh graduates with a degree in Law, Human Rights, or a related field from a reputable university. Strong skills in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are essential, along with familiarity with legal research methods and case documentation. The intern should demonstrate adherence to protection principles and standards, ensuring confidentiality and data protection. The ability to analyze information and gather evidence through client interviews is also required.

Educational Background:
A degree in Law, Human Rights, or a related field from an accredited university is mandatory for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding legal frameworks and the specific needs of refugees.

Experience:
While prior experience is not mandatory, any volunteer work or internships in legal aid or humanitarian services will be considered an asset. The position is primarily aimed at fresh graduates looking to gain experience in the field.

Languages:
Excellent command of written and spoken Arabic and English is required. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with clients and for drafting legal documents.

Additional Notes:
The internship is expected to last more than three months and is unpaid. Interns are responsible for their own travel, visa, accommodation, and living expenses. The internship does not guarantee employment with UNRWA, and interns are considered complementary personnel with non-staff status. UNRWA is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment and upholding the highest standards of integrity, neutrality, and impartiality. Applications are encouraged from all genders, and UNRWA is an equal-opportunity employer.