UNHCR Hired Lawyer
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's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those in need. 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 UNHCR 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 be responsible for offering legal advice and representation in various legal matters, ensuring that the rights of the beneficiaries are upheld. This role involves working closely with the UNHCR and local authorities to monitor and report on the legal situation of refugees, as well as participating in community-based projects aimed at enhancing legal awareness among refugees. The UHL will also engage in alternative dispute resolution through the DSCs, facilitating amicable solutions to legal issues faced by refugees. The position requires a proactive approach to legal advocacy and a commitment to the principles of human rights and refugee protection.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The UHL will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing legal advice and assistance to Afghan and Iraqi refugees; representing beneficiaries in courts and tribunals as instructed by UNHCR; reporting on the situation of beneficiaries in designated provinces; participating in DSC sessions and community-based projects; intervening in cases of deportation; conducting legal awareness sessions; maintaining good relationships with legal experts and authorities; and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's Code of Conduct. The UHL is expected to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, ensuring that they receive free legal services and that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
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 law. The UHL must also have a basic working knowledge of English to effectively communicate with UNHCR and other stakeholders.
Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's Degree in Law, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for practicing law and understanding the legal rights of refugees and asylum seekers. This degree should be complemented by practical experience in legal settings, particularly in relation to refugee law and human rights.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of experience as a practicing lawyer, specifically as a certified member of the Iranian Bar Association. This experience should include direct involvement in legal representation, advocacy, and working with vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and asylum seekers.
Languages:
A basic working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it facilitates 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.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category and is expected to start on October 1, 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's mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those in need. 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 UNHCR 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 be responsible for offering legal advice and representation in various legal matters, ensuring that the rights of the beneficiaries are upheld. This role involves working closely with the UNHCR and local authorities to monitor and report on the legal situation of refugees, as well as participating in community-based projects aimed at enhancing legal awareness among refugees. The UHL will also engage in alternative dispute resolution through the DSCs, facilitating amicable solutions to legal issues faced by refugees. The position requires a proactive approach to legal advocacy and a commitment to the principles of human rights and refugee protection.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The UHL will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: providing legal advice and assistance to Afghan and Iraqi refugees; representing beneficiaries in courts and tribunals as instructed by UNHCR; reporting on the situation of beneficiaries in designated provinces; participating in DSC sessions and community-based projects; intervening in cases of deportation; conducting legal awareness sessions; maintaining good relationships with legal experts and authorities; and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's Code of Conduct. The UHL is expected to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, ensuring that they receive free legal services and that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
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 law. The UHL must also have a basic working knowledge of English to effectively communicate with UNHCR and other stakeholders.
Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor's Degree in Law, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for practicing law and understanding the legal rights of refugees and asylum seekers. This degree should be complemented by practical experience in legal settings, particularly in relation to refugee law and human rights.
Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of experience as a practicing lawyer, specifically as a certified member of the Iranian Bar Association. This experience should include direct involvement in legal representation, advocacy, and working with vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and asylum seekers.
Languages:
A basic working knowledge of English is mandatory for this position, as it facilitates 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.
Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category and is expected to start on October 1, 202
- The role is not remote and requires the UHL to be based in Mashhad, Iran. The position is full-time and involves direct engagement with the refugee community, necessitating a commitment to ethical legal practices and the protection of human rights. Candidates should be prepared for a rigorous selection process, which may include tests and interviews, and must submit their applications before the deadline of September 7, 2026.
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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.