Legal Advisor for Unaccompanied Minors

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Position Title: Legal Advisor for Unaccompanied Minors
Location: Patra
Country: Greece
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries, making it a key player in the global migration landscape. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they join. IOM operates various programs that address the challenges of migration, including humanitarian assistance, migration management, and the protection of vulnerable populations, such as unaccompanied minors.

Job Overview:
The Legal Advisor for Unaccompanied Minors will play a crucial role in supporting the legal needs of unaccompanied migrant children residing in IOM's accommodation centers. This position involves providing legal advice and assistance to minors regarding their rights and legal status, including asylum procedures, family reunification, and residence permits. The advisor will work closely with the Shelter Coordinator and legal guardians to organize information sessions and ensure that the minors receive the necessary legal support. The role requires maintaining accurate records of legal actions taken, conducting research on legal issues, and ensuring compliance with IOM's policies and relevant legislation. The advisor will also liaise with government authorities to advocate for the best interests of the children and may be required to travel for legal procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to unaccompanied minors in individual and group sessions regarding their rights and legal status.
• Organize information sessions on legal rights and procedures for minors, in collaboration with coordinators and legal guardians.
• Assist in the legal processes for international protection requests, family reunification, and residence permits.
• Refer cases requiring legal representation in court to appropriate legal support programs.
• Maintain records of legal actions and ensure deadlines for legal procedures are met.
• Conduct research and provide counseling on legal and contractual issues.
• Ensure compliance with IOM's Constitution and relevant legal provisions.
• Provide legal information to other staff members to support the best interests of the children.
• Collaborate with government authorities regarding the well-being of minors on a case-by-case basis. 1
• Undertake travel as necessary for legal procedures. 1
• Update documentation and maintain confidentiality of data. 1
• Contribute to internal and external reports as required. 1
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in Law from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of one year of relevant work experience, preferably in the context of migrants and refugees.
• License to practice law or Certificate of Registration in a relevant professional association.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Previous experience providing legal counseling to unaccompanied children is an advantage.
• Awareness of Refugee and Immigration Law, including National Law, International Conventions, and EU Regulations.
• Knowledge of asylum administrative procedures before national authorities.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Law from an accredited academic institution. A Master's degree in Law, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, or a related field is considered an advantage. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
At least one year of relevant professional experience is required, ideally in the context of migration and refugee support. Candidates should have a license to practice law or a certificate of registration in a relevant professional association. Experience in providing legal counseling to unaccompanied minors is highly desirable, as is familiarity with Refugee and Immigration Law and asylum procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in English or French (level B1/B2) and Greek (both written and oral) is required for this position. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Greece will be considered. The appointment is contingent upon medical fitness certification and verification of residency, visa, and government authorizations. Vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for IOM personnel. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system. Candidates can track their application status through this system.