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, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those in need. 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 Legal Services Project in Iran aims to provide legal assistance to refugees, particularly Afghan and Iraqi refugees, through various mechanisms including Dispute Settlement Committees (DSCs) and the engagement of Hired Lawyers (UHLs).
Job Overview:
The UNHCR Hired Lawyer (UHL) position is crucial for providing legal assistance to Afghan and Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers residing in Iran. The UHL will work in their office or at UNHCR offices, offering legal advice and assistance to beneficiaries. This role involves representing beneficiaries in legal proceedings, reporting on their situations, and engaging with local authorities to uphold their rights. The UHL will also participate in community-based projects and legal awareness sessions, ensuring that refugees are informed about their rights and the legal services available to them. The UHL is expected to maintain a strong relationship with the refugee community, UNHCR, and local legal entities, while adhering to the UNHCR Code of Conduct and ensuring that all services provided are free of charge.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The UHL will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing legal advice and assistance to beneficiaries; representing them in courts and other legal forums; reporting on the legal situation of refugees in designated provinces; participating in Dispute Settlement Committee sessions; engaging in community projects to provide legal services; intervening in cases of deportation; conducting legal awareness sessions; and maintaining good relationships with local legal experts and authorities. The UHL must also ensure compliance with UNHCR policies, report any cases of fraud or abuse, and provide monthly and annual reports of their activities. The role requires active participation in meetings and training sessions organized by UNHCR, as well as collaboration with other legal professionals to address the needs of refugees effectively.
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 work experience is required, demonstrating a strong understanding of legal practices and refugee rights. The UHL must have a working knowledge of English to communicate effectively with UNHCR and other stakeholders. Key competencies include the ability to navigate complex legal issues, strong communication skills, and a commitment to upholding human rights and the principles of the United Nations.
Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's Degree in Law from an accredited institution. Candidates must also be admitted to practice law in Iran as an attorney-in-law, which is essential for representing clients in legal matters and ensuring compliance with local legal standards.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience as a certified member of the Iranian Bar Association. This experience should include direct involvement in legal representation, advocacy for refugee rights, and familiarity with the legal landscape affecting refugees and asylum seekers in Iran. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of handling legal cases and providing effective legal counsel.
Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication with UNHCR and other international stakeholders. While not required, proficiency in additional languages, particularly those spoken by the refugee populations in Iran, would be considered an asset and beneficial for the role.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is January 1, 2026, and the deadline for applications 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, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those in need. 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 Legal Services Project in Iran aims to provide legal assistance to refugees, particularly Afghan and Iraqi refugees, through various mechanisms including Dispute Settlement Committees (DSCs) and the engagement of Hired Lawyers (UHLs).
Job Overview:
The UNHCR Hired Lawyer (UHL) position is crucial for providing legal assistance to Afghan and Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers residing in Iran. The UHL will work in their office or at UNHCR offices, offering legal advice and assistance to beneficiaries. This role involves representing beneficiaries in legal proceedings, reporting on their situations, and engaging with local authorities to uphold their rights. The UHL will also participate in community-based projects and legal awareness sessions, ensuring that refugees are informed about their rights and the legal services available to them. The UHL is expected to maintain a strong relationship with the refugee community, UNHCR, and local legal entities, while adhering to the UNHCR Code of Conduct and ensuring that all services provided are free of charge.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The UHL will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing legal advice and assistance to beneficiaries; representing them in courts and other legal forums; reporting on the legal situation of refugees in designated provinces; participating in Dispute Settlement Committee sessions; engaging in community projects to provide legal services; intervening in cases of deportation; conducting legal awareness sessions; and maintaining good relationships with local legal experts and authorities. The UHL must also ensure compliance with UNHCR policies, report any cases of fraud or abuse, and provide monthly and annual reports of their activities. The role requires active participation in meetings and training sessions organized by UNHCR, as well as collaboration with other legal professionals to address the needs of refugees effectively.
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 work experience is required, demonstrating a strong understanding of legal practices and refugee rights. The UHL must have a working knowledge of English to communicate effectively with UNHCR and other stakeholders. Key competencies include the ability to navigate complex legal issues, strong communication skills, and a commitment to upholding human rights and the principles of the United Nations.
Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's Degree in Law from an accredited institution. Candidates must also be admitted to practice law in Iran as an attorney-in-law, which is essential for representing clients in legal matters and ensuring compliance with local legal standards.
Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience as a certified member of the Iranian Bar Association. This experience should include direct involvement in legal representation, advocacy for refugee rights, and familiarity with the legal landscape affecting refugees and asylum seekers in Iran. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of handling legal cases and providing effective legal counsel.
Languages:
A working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication with UNHCR and other international stakeholders. While not required, proficiency in additional languages, particularly those spoken by the refugee populations in Iran, would be considered an asset and beneficial for the role.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category and is not remote. The target start date for the role is January 1, 2026, and the deadline for applications is January 11, 202
- The position is full-time and involves working closely with UNHCR and local legal entities to provide essential legal services to refugees. Candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process, which may include tests and interviews. It is important to note that 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.