Senior Legal Associate

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 and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. 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. In Turkey, UNHCR collaborates closely with the government and various stakeholders to provide support and protection to refugees and asylum seekers, particularly in light of the significant influx of displaced persons due to regional conflicts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Associate will play a crucial role in assisting the Protection Unit of UNHCR in Turkey. This position is designed for an individual who is committed to upholding international protection standards and operational procedures. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the protection delivery aligns with international standards and will support the implementation of activities in collaboration with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations in the legal aid sector. The Senior Legal Associate will also be tasked with preparing legal advice, drafting position papers, and developing guidelines on relevant legal and operational issues. This role requires constant monitoring of legal developments and providing recommendations to enhance advocacy efforts aimed at expanding protection responses and ensuring refugees' access to their rights. The incumbent will conduct research on legislative and judicial developments at both national and regional levels, contributing to briefing kits and internal papers. Additionally, the Senior Legal Associate will assist in preparing legal materials for national counterparts and will engage in compiling good practices and comparative charts on various topics. The position also involves supporting capacity-building activities for relevant actors, including NGOs and lawyers, and representing the office externally on protection doctrine and policy as needed.

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

• Assisting the Protection Unit in ensuring compliance with international protection standards and operational procedures.
• Collaborating with the Union of Turkish Bar Associations to enhance legal aid services for refugees.
• Preparing legal advice and drafting position papers and guidelines on pertinent legal issues.
• Monitoring relevant legal developments and providing recommendations for advocacy and intervention strategies.
• Conducting research on legislative and judicial developments and preparing briefing materials for internal use.
• Supporting the preparation of legal materials for dissemination to national counterparts.
• Compiling good practices and comparative charts on various legal topics.
• Assisting in the development and dissemination of UNHCR's legal publications and information on refugee law.
• Engaging in capacity-building activities for NGOs and lawyers, including the preparation of training materials and presentations. 1
• Representing the office externally on protection doctrine and policy matters as directed by the Head of the Unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. The following skills are mandatory:

• Strong research and analytical thinking abilities.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Effective stakeholder management capabilities.
• Proficiency in data collection, compilation, and reporting.
• Strong drafting skills with a focus on clarity and precision.
• A commitment to accountability and results orientation.
• A dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 1
• Organizational awareness and stakeholder management expertise. 1
• Proficiency in Turkish and fluency in English are essential, while knowledge of additional UN languages is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or higher in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of international protection, refugee law, and human rights issues.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in protection, asylum, migration management, or related areas is required. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to navigate legal frameworks and engage effectively with stakeholders in the field of refugee protection.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include Turkish as a mother tongue and an excellent command of English. Knowledge of any other UN language is considered an asset and is desirable for this role.

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

• The contract duration is subject to operational needs, satisfactory service, and availability of funds, with no expectation of renewal beyond the expiry date. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and the possibility of weekend and holiday work. Leave entitlements include annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month and sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical coverage is provided through Cigna Health Insurance, with options available for eligible dependents. Remuneration will be based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale. Individual Contractors must comply with local legislation regarding taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and applications from non-Turkish candidates are subject to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) clearance. It is important for applicants to ensure timely submission of applications and to provide valid residence permits if applicable.