Legal Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals fleeing persecution and conflict can access their rights and find durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Legal Associate position is integral to the protection team within UNHCR, primarily focusing on providing legal analysis and support to ensure effective protection responses for populations of concern. The incumbent will report to a higher-grade Legal Officer and will be responsible for assisting in the preparation of legal analyses that are timely and of high quality. This role involves engaging with persons of concern to ensure their involvement in decisions that affect their rights and solutions to their issues. The Legal Associate will also contribute to capacity-building activities for local and central authorities regarding the protection of these individuals. The position requires a proactive approach to legal matters, ensuring that the office's corporate legal work is managed effectively, particularly concerning law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Labour Law as it pertains to refugees. The Legal Associate will also be involved in advocacy efforts and the development of legal documents and policies, ensuring compliance with international and national laws and UNHCR standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Legal Associate include monitoring the development of relevant laws and doctrines, providing input for legal analyses, contributing to advocacy efforts, drafting legal advice and position papers, and applying international and national law consistently. The incumbent will liaise with state authorities, partner NGOs, and other stakeholders, participate in meetings, and assist in drafting protection documents and policies. They will handle individual cases that raise complex legal questions and prepare protection documents in collaboration with their supervisor. The Legal Associate will also assist in project proposals and implementation, provide legal advice on cases referred from various UNHCR units, and support risk management in decision-making processes. Additional responsibilities include performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include previous legal-related work experience, particularly in refugee law and human rights. Desirable qualifications include experience in facilitating training and completion of UNHCR learning programs on protection or equivalent external courses. Functional skills required for this position include drafting and documentation, legal research, and training capabilities, both virtual and face-to-face.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. While specific fields of education are not applicable, certificates in Law, Human Rights, or Political Science are essential for this role. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of legal principles and frameworks relevant to the protection of refugees and asylum seekers.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Legal Associate position includes a minimum of three years of relevant legal experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Previous experience in legal roles, particularly related to refugee law, is essential. Experience in training facilitation and knowledge of the asylum system in Italy are considered assets that enhance a candidate's suitability for this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include proficiency in English and the UN working language of the duty station, which is Italian. Candidates are expected to have at least a B2 level of proficiency in both languages. Knowledge of additional languages is considered desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a General Service role at the GS6 level and is temporary, with a target start date of September 1, 2026, and an end date of August 31, 202

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy, and only applications completed in English will be considered. The recruitment process may include interviews and written tests for short-listed candidates. UNHCR is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of their background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates will undergo mandatory clearance checks prior to receiving an offer. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.