Legal Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to a population of over 5 million Palestine refugees. The agency's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, while also providing them with essential services such as education, health care, and social services. UNRWA operates in five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank, and Gaza, employing thousands of staff members across these regions to fulfill its mission and support the refugee population.

Job Overview:
The Legal Consultant position is crucial for providing legal support and guidance to UNRWA's operations in Syria. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Field Legal Office Lead (FLOL) and will be responsible for conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and providing advice on Syrian laws and regulations that impact UNRWA's activities. The role requires a deep understanding of local legal frameworks and the ability to navigate complex legal issues that may arise in the context of UNRWA's work. The consultant will also be expected to monitor legislative developments and assess their implications for the agency, ensuring that UNRWA's rights and privileges are safeguarded in all legal matters. This position is vital for maintaining the agency's operational integrity and ensuring compliance with local laws while advocating for the rights of Palestine refugees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Legal Consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: providing legal research and analysis on Syrian laws relevant to UNRWA operations; preparing drafts of legal opinions, contracts, and other legal instruments; following up on court cases involving UNRWA; assisting in asserting UNRWA's privileges before Syrian authorities; providing local-law support on claims and disputes; calculating compensation entitlements in injury or death cases; preparing supporting materials for administrative matters; maintaining accurate records of legal proceedings; preparing status reports; and ensuring confidentiality and professional integrity in all legal matters. The consultant will also be required to attend meetings and provide legal presentations as necessary, demonstrating a proactive approach to legal challenges faced by the agency.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Law from an accredited institution and must be currently registered and in good standing with the Syrian Bar Association, allowing them to practice law in Syria. The position requires strong legal research, analysis, and drafting skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines effectively. Candidates should demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, along with effective communication and client-service skills. The ability to work independently while coordinating closely with the FLOL is essential, as is the discretion to handle confidential information appropriately.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Law from an accredited educational institution is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary legal knowledge and skills to provide effective legal support to UNRWA's operations in Syria.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, with a preference for candidates who have experience in civil/commercial, contract, employment, or administrative law, as well as litigation and legal drafting. Experience advising international organizations or public bodies is considered an asset, as is demonstrated knowledge of Syrian law and court procedures relevant to institutional operations. Working experience within the United Nations or other international organizations is desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the unique legal challenges faced by such entities.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of written and spoken Arabic, as this is essential for effective communication and legal drafting in the local context. A working command of English is also desirable, as it may be necessary for communication with international stakeholders and for understanding legal documents in English.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position based in Damascus, with the expected duration of the contract being three months, renewable based on operational needs, budget availability, and satisfactory performance. The consultant will be required to attend courts and governmental entities as necessary and participate in relevant committees. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.