Senior Legal Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to provide assistance and protection to those in need, particularly in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Associate position is crucial for the implementation of a project aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of voluntary return procedures for refugees in Turkey. This role involves providing specialized legal expertise to ensure that the return processes are conducted in a safe, dignified, and rights-respecting manner, in accordance with international standards. The incumbent will work closely with the Protection Response and Policy Development Unit and will report to the Assistant Legal Officer, under the supervision of the Senior Protection Officer. The Senior Legal Associate will be responsible for supporting the timely implementation of project activities, engaging with partners and stakeholders, and ensuring that legal safeguards are in place for voluntary returns. This position requires a proactive approach to legal analysis, advocacy, and collaboration with various units within UNHCR and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the effective and timely implementation of project activities by providing legal expertise and delivering training.
• Preparing materials, monitoring, and reporting on activities while analyzing their impact.
• Assisting in the drafting of position papers, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and guidelines on legal and operational issues related to voluntary return.
• Contributing to advocacy efforts to ensure the correct interpretation and application of domestic and law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, UNHCR doctrine, and protection standards.
• Supporting the translation of legal and policy documents as needed.
• Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of voluntary return procedures in the field.
• Engaging in advocacy efforts and individual case interventions.
• Keeping abreast of relevant legislative and judicial developments and contributing to informed operational and policy responses.
• Collaborating with relevant units within UNHCR and with beneficiaries to implement project activities effectively. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in political sciences and law. For those applying under the IC7 level, a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. The position demands strong research and analytical thinking skills, planning and organizing abilities, stakeholder management capabilities, and resource management skills. Excellent knowledge of Turkish and fluency in English are mandatory, while knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or higher in political sciences and law. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international protection, refugee law, and the legal frameworks governing voluntary returns.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically 4 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma or 2 years for those with a Bachelor's degree or higher. This experience should ideally be in legal analysis, refugee law, or related fields, demonstrating the ability to apply legal principles effectively in practice.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Turkish and English. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and documentation. Additionally, knowledge of other UN languages is desirable and can enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Local Senior Level Support role, with a target start date of January 1, 202

• The contract is subject to successful reference checks and integrity clearance. It is important to note that UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Candidates must be legally present in Turkey at the time of application, recruitment, and hire. Non-Turkish citizens are required to upload their residence permits or relevant documents during the application process. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or oral interview, and only short-listed candidates will be notified.