Associate Legal Officer

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

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to help with their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with assistance and solutions to their plight, and advocating for their rights on a global scale.

Job Overview:
The Associate Legal Officer position is integral to the protection or legal team within UNHCR, either at Headquarters or in a regional bureau or country office. The role involves reporting to senior legal officers or representatives and may include supervisory responsibilities over legal and protection staff. The incumbent is expected to coordinate effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (POC) and ensure their involvement in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their issues. This position requires building and maintaining relationships with communities, authorities, and partners to enhance protection efforts. The Associate Legal Officer must also adhere to UNHCR's regulatory framework and core values, ensuring professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity in all interactions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Associate Legal Officer include monitoring the development of law and doctrine, contributing to advocacy for proper legal interpretations, preparing legal advice, drafting position papers, and guidelines on legal and operational issues. The incumbent must consistently apply international and national law along with UNHCR policies and standards, provide inputs for protection strategies, and liaise with various UNHCR divisions and external actors to promote awareness of protection principles. Participation in meetings, drafting protection documents, and assisting in project proposals and implementation are also key responsibilities. The Associate Legal Officer is expected to identify and manage risks, ensuring that decision-making is informed by these considerations, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent legal research, analytical, and drafting skills. A strong understanding of international and national law, particularly in relation to refugee law and human rights, is essential. Completion of UNHCR learning programs on protection is desirable. The position requires a proactive approach to legal issues and the ability to advocate effectively for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders are also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for the Associate Legal Officer position include an undergraduate degree in law, refugee law, human rights law, international humanitarian law, or a related field. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate in these fields may have reduced experience requirements, with 2 years of relevant experience for a graduate degree and 1 year for a doctorate being acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. For those with a graduate degree, 2 years of experience is required, and for those with a doctorate, at least 1 year of relevant experience is necessary. Experience in the field of refugee protection, particularly within the Canadian context, is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the asylum system and refugee status determination processes.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For National Professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also necessary. Additional languages, particularly Spanish and French, are considered strong assets for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a National Professional Officer role and is a regular assignment with a target start date of June 17, 202

• The closing date for applications is June 17, 2025, at 12 am Geneva Time. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada, which includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those with a valid work permit under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The position is based in Ottawa, Canada, which is a family duty station with good access to housing, healthcare, and education. The work environment is stable, with no significant security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security concerns, and the country has a high standard of living.