Lawyer / Part Time

Working  Environment 

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a faith based International NGO that has been working in Iraq for the past eight years. Our mission is to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. JRS Iraq belongs to JRS Middle East and North Africa Regional Office coordinating the work in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. In 2022, twelve people work in the CO and JRS Iraq runs programmes mostly in Qaraqosh, Sharya and Sinuni for an approximate total of 150 staff members.

Purpose of the Position

The lawyer provides legal assistance to IDPs and returnees, mainly on civil documentation and HLP issues, to enable them to access their rights.

Main Responsibilities 

Legal Consultation

a) Meet and interview referred cases or self-referrals to provide the necessary advice and services on civil documentation and HLP issues

b) Advise IDPs and returnees on the requirements and/or legal issues relating to their case

c) Draft documents and letters to support IDPs and returnees with their needs

d) Research and analyse available personal and supporting documents or evidence to verify the necessary data

e) Prepare papers for court and relevant directorates or offices

f) Check all documentation prior to signing or submitting

g) Follow up the progress of requests for obtaining or renewing documentation

h) Ensure the completion of all requests for obtaining or renewing civil documentation

i) Follow up on HLP cases

j) Keep accurate records—digital and hard copies—of every case served, with disaggregated data

k) Report accurately, regularly, and punctually to the Project Director and to Country Office staff

l) Plan and seek authorisations for all movements with adequate advance notice

m) Arrange further meetings with clients where necessary to progress with the case and finalise documentation

n) Carry out administrative duties, e.g., detailed record keeping, collecting all receipts, and organising and submitting all supporting documents for reimbursing court, official, or transportation expenses according to JRS guidelines.

o) Complete and submit accurate time sheets

p) Keep up to date with changes and developments in the law by reading law reports, GoI and KRG decrees, and relevant journals or publications.

Representation

Act on behalf of returnees and represent them in court, or in other directorates or offices of the GoI in Ninewa (Mosul and Sinjar district) as well as of the KRG in Duhok (Duhok, Domiz, Sumeel), if necessary.

Other

1. Identify gaps in legal services for IDPs in the locations served by the project and report any such to the Protection & Education Director immediately.
2. Attend meetings, working groups, and/or training opportunities as requested by Project Director
3. Respond flexibly to other duties as requested by the Project Director and Country Director or as required by circumstances and within the ambit of this position.

Availability

Undertakes any other duties as assigned by the Project Director that are within the ambit of the position.

Qualifications, skills and attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in law
• Warrant to practice in GoI and KRG courts (Ninewa and Duhok)
• High degree of compassion for vulnerable internally displaced persons and a strong desire to help others
• Integrity, reliability, objectivity, and confidentiality
• Previous experience necessary
• Outstanding communication, teamwork, interpersonal, and reporting skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Fluent Kurdish (Kurmanji dialect might be an asset) and Arabic, and proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Clean driver’s licence and own car.

Suitably qualified candidates are to submit their CV accompanied by a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for this position and how they can contribute to the mission of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in this position. Both the CV and the cover letter should be in English.

Applications are to be sent by email to the Human Resources Officer [email protected]  marked Lawyer Snuni in the subject line.

CVs not accompanied by a motivation letter or without the title of the position in the subject line will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.