Protection Officer – Legal

Sa’ada

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC has been operating in the Middle East (ME) region for over a decade, running a combination of emergency, livelihood, protection and advocacy programmes through Country Offices (COs) in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey with a Regional Office (RO) in Amman.

DRC Yemen’s response

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been operating in Yemen since 2008 using a protection of human rights framework. DRC initially worked in Yemen with mixed migrants coming from the Horn of Africa who are displaced by conflict and drought. Since then, DRC expanded its sectors of intervention and is now providing humanitarian assistance in nineteen governorates throughout the country. Current programme sectors include protection, food security & livelihoods, WASH, Shelter, humanitarian mine action and CCCM.

About the job

The Protection Officer – Legal is responsible for the provision of legal aid services – including legal information and awareness, counseling, and legal documentation (issuing IDs and birth certificates) in DRC’s area of concern.

Geographic scope: Country (Yemen)

This role has an area focus and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within Saada Base. The role contributes to the development of area strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to base operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Disseminate accurate and impartial information to the beneficiaries through group awareness sessions in DRC’s operation areas.
• Undertake individual sessions providing legal information and legal counseling as per the established work plan.
• Conduct legal protection discussions with varied target groups – using an age, gender, and diversity perspective.
• Provide legal documentation services through Civil Registration Authority (CRA), including issuing IDs and birth certificates.
• Coordinate and maintain a good relationship with the Civil Registration Authority.
• Conduct field visits to assess the legal protection needs and concerns of the target population, with attention to people with specific needs.
• Identify and refer Extremely Vulnerable Individuals and People with Specific Protection Needs for assistance according to DRC pre-defined criteria.
• Conduct field visits to identify local NGOs, charity associations, social centers, and local institutions providing support to the local population to establish a mapping of existing services.
• Keep case files up-to-date to ensure quality and accuracy of the information, following DRC Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring beneficiary’s data are protected.
• Coordinate and maintain constructive relationships with municipalities, other local government institutions, local NGO partners, and other international organizations, in coordination with the other team members.
• Remain up-to-date on legal procedure and policy developments, update guideline documents as needed.
• Maintain the legal database updated and consistent, and support the data analysis of legal case data in a safe and ethical manner.
• Conduct duties in strict accordance with the DRC Code of Conduct and the principle of confidentiality.
• Ensure transparency and DRC’s positive regard and reputation with communities.
• Participate in community outreach.
• Must treat all partners and beneficiaries with dignity and respect.
• Any other duties as may be assigned by the Line Manager.

Required competencies

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

About you

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Relevant professional experience of three (3) years in the legal sector
• Previous experience providing legal services in the humanitarian sector
• Previous experience in international organizations and humanitarian settings
• Ability to provide technical support, training, and supervision to legal assistants
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Effective in representation and liaison with external parties and stakeholders
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, work independently, and under pressure coordinating multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity, and flexibility
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Works, email, excel)
• Demonstrate interest in humanitarian work and supporting people affected by conflict
• Must be willing to perform tasks as required by DRC and other partner agencies if relevant.

Education:

• University degree in Law

Languages:

• Arabic – Fluent
• English – Desirable

We offer

Contract length: DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract until 31 December 2023, renewable dependent on both funding and performance.

Work place: Sa’ada, Yemen

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National. This position will be placed at level (NMH2).