Legal Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of approximately 18,000 employees. The organization's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and it aims to provide protection and assistance to those in need, advocating for their rights and helping them rebuild their lives.

Job Overview:
The Legal Associate position is a critical role within the protection team at UNHCR, primarily responsible for providing legal analysis and support to ensure effective protection responses for populations of concern. The incumbent will work closely with a higher-grade Legal Officer and will be involved in various aspects of legal work, including the preparation of legal advice, drafting position papers, and contributing to advocacy efforts. The Legal Associate will also play a vital role in engaging with communities of concern, ensuring their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their rights and access to solutions. This position requires a strong understanding of international and national law, particularly in relation to refugee and human rights law, and the ability to apply this knowledge in practical situations. The Legal Associate will also contribute to capacity-building activities for local authorities and partners, enhancing their ability to protect persons of concern effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Associate will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: monitoring the development of law and doctrine relevant to protection and humanitarian principles; providing input for the analysis of emerging legislation; contributing to advocacy efforts; preparing legal advice and drafting position papers; applying international and national law consistently; liaising with state authorities and partner NGOs; participating in meetings with UNHCR and external counterparts; drafting protection documents and policies; providing guidance on protection strategies; assisting in individual case handling; preparing legal documents in cooperation with supervisors; developing project proposals; and managing risks related to legal issues affecting persons of concern. The Legal Associate will also support the identification and management of risks and opportunities impacting objectives in their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong legal background, with a focus on refugee and human rights law. Essential qualifications include previous relevant legal experience, particularly in asylum cases and working with public institutions. Candidates should also have experience in facilitating training and completion of UNHCR learning programs or equivalent courses. Strong drafting, analytical, and reporting skills are essential, along with the ability to manage sensitive relationships with stakeholders and partners. The ideal candidate should demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively in a diverse environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a law degree obtained in Poland, with a sound general legal background. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of the Polish and EU asylum systems, as well as international refugee and human rights law. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, but a bachelor's degree or higher is preferred, particularly for candidates with relevant work experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant legal experience with a high school diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a bachelor's degree or higher. Experience in handling asylum cases, conducting border and detention monitoring, and liaising with public institutions is highly desirable. Previous experience with UNHCR, UN agencies, Polish public administration, and legal NGOs will be considered a strong asset.

Languages:
Knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station (Polish) is mandatory. For General Service jobs, proficiency in English and/or the UN working language is required. A C1 level proficiency in Polish is required, while a B2 level in English is essential. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 grade level. It is a regular assignment with a target start date of September 1, 202

• The position is open to both internal and external candidates, provided they meet the essential minimum requirements. External candidates must have Polish citizenship or the legal status necessary to work in Poland. The application process requires that the application form is duly filled and that non-Polish candidates submit their residence/work permit. UNHCR offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, with a monthly net salary ranging from PLN 9,429 to PLN 11,514, depending on relevant experience, dependency status, and language proficiency. Comprehensive medical insurance and pension plans are also provided. UNHCR promotes a diverse and inclusive working environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates without discrimination.