UNHCR Hired Lawyer (UHL)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Mashhad
Iran
April 10, 2026
Full-timeApril 10, 2026
UNHCR Hired Lawyer (UHL)
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of refugees worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights of refugees and to ensure their access to essential services, legal protection, and opportunities for self-reliance. With a workforce of thousands of employees and volunteers, UNHCR collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by refugees and to advocate for their rights.
Job Overview:
The UNHCR Hired Lawyer (UHL) position is a critical role within the UNHCR's Legal Services Project in Iran, aimed at providing legal assistance to Afghan and Iraqi refugees. The UHL will be responsible for offering legal advice and representation to refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring their rights are upheld in various legal contexts. This position requires a proactive approach to legal advocacy, including participation in Dispute Settlement Committees (DSCs) and collaboration with local authorities and community organizations. The UHL will also be tasked with monitoring and reporting on the legal situation of refugees, facilitating access to justice, and raising legal awareness within the refugee community. The role demands a strong commitment to human rights and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks to support vulnerable populations effectively.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The UHL will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Law and be a certified member of the Iranian Bar Association. Additionally, a minimum of three years of relevant legal experience is required, demonstrating a strong understanding of the legal landscape in Iran and the rights of refugees. The UHL must also have a working knowledge of English to effectively communicate and report on legal matters.
Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's Degree in Law from an accredited institution. This degree should provide a solid foundation in legal principles, human rights law, and the specific legal frameworks relevant to refugees and asylum seekers in Iran.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of professional experience as a practicing lawyer, specifically as a certified member of the Iranian Bar Association. This experience should include direct involvement in legal advocacy, representation in court, and familiarity with the legal challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for reporting and communication with UNHCR and other stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken by the refugee populations, would be considered an asset but is not required.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category, indicating a level of seniority and responsibility. The target start date for this role is January 1, 2026, and the application deadline is January 11, 202
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of refugees worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights of refugees and to ensure their access to essential services, legal protection, and opportunities for self-reliance. With a workforce of thousands of employees and volunteers, UNHCR collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address the challenges faced by refugees and to advocate for their rights.
Job Overview:
The UNHCR Hired Lawyer (UHL) position is a critical role within the UNHCR's Legal Services Project in Iran, aimed at providing legal assistance to Afghan and Iraqi refugees. The UHL will be responsible for offering legal advice and representation to refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring their rights are upheld in various legal contexts. This position requires a proactive approach to legal advocacy, including participation in Dispute Settlement Committees (DSCs) and collaboration with local authorities and community organizations. The UHL will also be tasked with monitoring and reporting on the legal situation of refugees, facilitating access to justice, and raising legal awareness within the refugee community. The role demands a strong commitment to human rights and the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks to support vulnerable populations effectively.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The UHL will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:
- Providing legal advice and assistance to Afghan and Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers in both office settings and UNHCR locations.
- Acting on behalf of beneficiaries in legal proceedings, including courts and tribunals, as directed by UNHCR.
- Reporting on the legal status and challenges faced by beneficiaries, in collaboration with the Afghan Refugee Focal Point.
- Representing UNHCR in DSC sessions and documenting the outcomes of these meetings.
- Engaging in community-based legal projects to enhance access to legal services for refugees.
- Responding to urgent legal situations, such as deportation orders, in coordination with UNHCR.
- Conducting legal awareness sessions for refugees to inform them of their rights and available legal resources.
- Maintaining a network with other legal professionals and sharing relevant information with UNHCR.
- Submitting monthly and annual reports detailing activities and any incidents of fraud or abuse. 1
- Upholding the UNHCR Code of Conduct and ensuring a safe working environment free from exploitation and abuse.
Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Law and be a certified member of the Iranian Bar Association. Additionally, a minimum of three years of relevant legal experience is required, demonstrating a strong understanding of the legal landscape in Iran and the rights of refugees. The UHL must also have a working knowledge of English to effectively communicate and report on legal matters.
Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's Degree in Law from an accredited institution. This degree should provide a solid foundation in legal principles, human rights law, and the specific legal frameworks relevant to refugees and asylum seekers in Iran.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of professional experience as a practicing lawyer, specifically as a certified member of the Iranian Bar Association. This experience should include direct involvement in legal advocacy, representation in court, and familiarity with the legal challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers.
Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for reporting and communication with UNHCR and other stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken by the refugee populations, would be considered an asset but is not required.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category, indicating a level of seniority and responsibility. The target start date for this role is January 1, 2026, and the application deadline is January 11, 202
- The position is not remote and requires the candidate to be based in Mashhad, Iran. Candidates should be prepared for potential testing and interviews as part of the selection process, and late applications will not be accepted.
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We are not liable for any decisions or actions taken by applicants in response to this job listing. By applying, you agree that all application processes, interviews, and potential job offers are managed exclusively by the listed employer or organization.
Beware of fraudulent job offers. Do not provide sensitive personal information or make any payments to secure a job.
