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, providing assistance and support to millions of people worldwide. The organization works closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to ensure that refugees are treated with dignity and respect, and that their rights are upheld. In Turkey, UNHCR has been collaborating with the government since 2013, following the adoption of the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, to enhance the protection and support for refugees and asylum seekers. The UNHCR Representation in Turkey is based in Ankara and has several sub-offices and field units across the country, including in Gaziantep, Istanbul, and Izmir, focusing on various aspects of refugee protection and assistance.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Associate will play a crucial role in the Protection Unit of UNHCR, ensuring that the organization's protection standards and operational procedures align with international norms. This position involves providing legal guidance to both internal teams and external partners, such as the Union of Turkish Bar Associations. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing activities in collaboration with these partners, under the supervision of the Senior Protection Officer. Key responsibilities include drafting legal advice, position papers, and guidelines on relevant legal and operational issues, as well as monitoring legal developments at national and regional levels. The Senior Legal Associate will also conduct research, prepare briefing materials, and assist in the dissemination of legal information related to refugee law. Additionally, the role involves supporting capacity-building initiatives for national actors, including NGOs and legal professionals, to enhance their understanding and application of protection principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Legal Associate will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Assisting the Protection Unit in aligning protection delivery with international standards.
• Providing legal guidance and support to UNHCR partners and stakeholders.
• Drafting legal documents, position papers, and guidelines on pertinent issues.
• Monitoring and analyzing legal developments relevant to refugee protection.
• Conducting research on legislative and judicial changes and preparing briefing materials.
• Compiling good practices and comparative analyses on various legal topics.
• Supporting the preparation of legal materials for national counterparts.
• Engaging in capacity-building activities for NGOs and legal practitioners.
• Representing UNHCR externally on protection policies and doctrines as needed. 1
• Collaborating with the Senior Protection Officer and Assistant Protection Officer to ensure effective implementation of protection strategies.

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

• Strong research and analytical thinking abilities.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in stakeholder management.
• Competence in data collection, compilation, and reporting.
• Strong drafting and writing skills.
• A commitment to accountability and results orientation.
• A dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills. 1
• Organizational awareness and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field is mandatory for this position. Advanced degrees or specialized training in relevant areas will be considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in protection, asylum, migration management, or related fields is required. Candidates with experience in legal research, advocacy, or working with refugee populations will be particularly well-suited for this role. Prior exposure to UNHCR operations or similar humanitarian contexts is also advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Turkish is mandatory, as it is the mother tongue of the candidate. Excellent command of English is also required. Knowledge of additional UN languages is desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile, particularly for roles involving international collaboration.

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 and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal beyond the initial term. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and work on weekends or official holidays as required. 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. The remuneration will be based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale. Candidates must comply with local legal requirements, including taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security obligations. Non-Turkish candidates will require clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) before an offer can be made, and they must provide valid residence permits during the application process.