Protection Officer (Legal Aid)

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is an international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works to strengthen their opportunities for a brighter future. The organization operates in conflict-affected areas, along displacement routes, and in host countries, collaborating with local communities to find responsible and sustainable solutions. DRC aims for successful integration and, whenever possible, supports the wish of individuals to return home. As of now, DRC employs over 7,000 staff and has around 8,000 volunteers, making it a significant player in the humanitarian sector. DRC has been active in Syria since 2008, focusing on supporting refugees and has expanded its efforts to assist internally displaced persons (IDPs) and vulnerable populations across the country since receiving authorization from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June 201
• DRC's activities in Syria include distributions of non-food items (NFI), shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), protection, education, livelihoods, and mine risk education across six governorates: Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs. Protection and community service activities are provided through community centers, ensuring a comprehensive approach to humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer (Legal Aid) is a critical role within the Danish Refugee Council, primarily responsible for providing direct legal assistance, counseling, and information to individuals and communities in need. This position operates under the direct management of the Protection Team Leader and receives technical supervision from the Legal Aid Specialist. The Legal Aid Officer is tasked with supporting the implementation of legal aid activities, contributing to legal analysis, ensuring the delivery of quality legal services, and upholding protection standards. The role also involves assisting in the development and dissemination of legal information materials, strengthening legal referral pathways, coordinating with partners and authorities, and contributing to legal advocacy efforts, particularly focusing on at-risk groups. The Legal Aid Officer must stay informed about legislative, administrative, and policy developments in Syria that pertain to legal status, identity, civil documentation, family law, housing, land and property rights, labor law, and other relevant topics. This position is vital in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the legal support they need to navigate complex legal systems and access their rights effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Protection Officer (Legal Aid) include staying updated on legislative, administrative, and policy developments in Syria related to legal status and identity, civil documentation, family law, housing, land and property rights, labor law, and other relevant topics. The officer is responsible for monitoring the legal environment to identify recurring legal protection challenges or violations of rights, reporting findings to the line manager and Legal Specialist, and identifying opportunities for improvement or intervention. The officer will provide legal information to crisis-affected individuals and groups about their rights and responsibilities, particularly in housing, land, and property rights, through individual and group sessions. They will assist clients in understanding legal processes and procedures, especially for accessing civil documentation, and help clients obtain necessary legal documentation such as birth certificates and identification papers. The officer must ensure that clients receive fair treatment without discrimination and access justice in compliance with relevant national and international law. They will analyze potential violations of rights within legal and administrative processes and advocate for necessary mitigation of barriers to accessing justice. The officer will also support the training of DRC protection staff and relevant stakeholders on legal issues and protection standards, assist in developing legal information materials, promote peaceful coexistence through legal mediation, and uphold principles of confidentiality and ethics throughout program implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of proven professional experience in Syria providing legal services, ideally with a focus on at-risk clients and refugees. Candidates should have an excellent understanding of the national legal, policy, and administrative frameworks, particularly as they relate to internally displaced persons and refugees, civil status, family law, criminal law, employment law, and housing, land, and property rights. Experience with NGO legal aid programming, including legal representation, counseling, and awareness-raising, is essential. The candidate should have experience interacting with judicial, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and administrative authorities, a good understanding of humanitarian principles, and the ability to conduct trainings on legal matters. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work in partnership with national/local NGOs and civil society organizations are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Syrian Law. A specialization in international human rights law and/or international refugee law is desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to navigate complex legal issues faced by refugees and internally displaced persons.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in providing legal services in Syria, with a focus on at-risk clients and refugees. This experience should include a strong understanding of the national legal frameworks and practical challenges faced by these populations, as well as experience in NGO legal aid programming.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while Arabic is required as a native language. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is 6 months, and it is classified as a non-management role at level H

• The expected start date for the position is January 1, 202
• Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note, as CV-only applications will not be considered. The application process closes on December 22, 202
• For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, applicants are encouraged to visit the organization's website.