Lawyer – Baghdad

Under the direct supervision of the Legal Team Leader / Protection and Rule of Law Manager, the Lawyer will conduct daily field visits to identify legal needs, provide legal counselling and case management, deliver legal information and awareness sessions, identify clients and take on legal cases according to his/her caseload and legal specialty on detention cases and cases related to refugees and asylum seekers.

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Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily field visits to identify legal needs for the refugees and asylum seekers in Baghdad.
• Provide individual legal counselling, advice, casework services and representation before courts and residency directorates/administrative bodies in areas of detention cases.
• Carry out all legal services in line with Iraqi law, Humanitarian Principles, and internal ethical and best practice procedures including all Standard Operating Procedures related to the legal program, as well as the IRC Way Policy.

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• Advocate on behalf of clients and make direct interventions with local authorities (e.g. phone calls, letters or meetings) or other organizations (NGOs) or international organizations (UN), were appropriate.

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• Provide legal awareness sessions based on previously identified needs, to the refugees and asylum seekers in Baghdad communities, mainly on detention and avoid risk of detention/ deportation.
• Ensure all case files are complete with court documents, receipts, signed Legal Service Agreements and case closure forms. Archive all legal cases in secure storage within the IRC office, in individual casefiles, ensuring respect of client confidentiality.
• Maintain correct and updated and accurate documentation of all legal activities on the CommCare data management system.
• Keep appropriate records of participants in legal awareness sessions and collect information of individuals benefited from legal counselling.
• Treat clients with respect and dignity and ensure to clearly communicate their legal rights and options. Ensure client’s confidentiality is respected and take special measures to ensure a sensitive approach is taken in legal service delivery towards highly vulnerable clients.
• Make appropriate and safe referrals both internally and externally for beneficiaries needing non-legal assistance and follow-up using the correct referral forms.
• Prepare and send daily/weekly field reports to the Legal Team Leader/Protection and Rule of Law Manager and raise any protection concern or rights violation observed in the area, according to best practices in term of confidentiality and safety of beneficiaries.
• Provide weekly work plan to supervisor outlining caseload and movements.
• Perform other duties, as required by the supervisor.

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Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:  :  CSC Team Leader/ Legal Manager/PROL Manager

Position technically supervised by: Legal Manager/PROL Manager
Position directly supervises:  N/A

Indirect Reporting: Protection and Rule of Law Coordinator

 

Other Internal and/or external contacts: describe the nature of departments or groups the position influences or requires support from to accomplish objectives.

Internal: IRC staff

External:  Local community and partners