Protection Officer (legal)

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote durable solutions for displacement affected populations.

DRC has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, currently DRC employs over 400 staff in Ukraine and will continue significant scale-up in 2023 to implement emergency response in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (humanitarian mine action) sectors, using direct interventions, support to duty bearers and civil society organizations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue and adapt its durable solutions portfolio to the evolving context.

DRC is currently looking for a Legal Protection Officer for its activities in Sumy.

This position will be managed by the Protection Team Leader.

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the management of the Protection Team Leader, Legal Protection Officer will deal with displacement advocacy, child protection initiatives, vulnerability-based individual protection assistance, legal aid, land and property rights, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, registration services for internally displaced and conflict-affected people, rights monitoring and rights awareness, and facilitating return and repatriation processes. He/she will be based in the DRC office in the city of Sumy, with trips to the city of Sumy and the Sumy region.

Main responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Protection Team Leader, the Legal Protection Officer will:

• Provide high-quality individual legal advice, legal assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other conflict-affected persons on their legal rights, interests and remedies in the context of conflict and displacement.
• Assist IDPs and other persons affected by the conflict in obtaining information about asylum (place of residence), about the latest changes in legislation related to informational and legal needs, restoration of civil documents, identity documents, and other documents that are related to the protection of their rights, interests and long-term solution of the respective problem.
• Organization and facilitation of awareness-raising sessions on recent legislative changes aimed at meeting the informational and legal needs of IDPs and other conflict-affected persons.
• Providing representation in court, if necessary.
• Ensure efficient and effective implementation of the program, adhering to the budget and work plan.
• Lead the team in monitoring and evaluation.
• Participate in the preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual summaries/reports and proposals for donors.
• Participation in the analysis of legal issues for the preparation of informational materials, advocacy letters, reports.
• Participation in training and capacity development of implementing partners.
• Support for conducting internal evaluation procedures of DRC partners.
• Contribute to contextual and needs analysis and recommendations/feedback on the development of new programmatic pathways and innovative approaches.
• Facilitating cooperation with implementing partners during project implementation, maintaining a database, monthly reporting on project activities.
• Assist in conducting legal assessments as part of DRC office staff.
• Participation in training and capacity development of implementing partners.
• Initiating and tracking incoming and outgoing redirects from the protection team.
• Provide administrative and other legal assistance to enable IDPs and other conflict-affected persons to access social benefits, livelihood opportunities, and governmental and non-governmental benefits and privileges.
• Support the organization of public events such as meetings, round tables, technical working groups and participation in such events on behalf of DRC.
• Any other functions assigned by the Legal Group Leader.
• Comply with all relevant DRC policies and procedures. Adhere to the Code of Conduct of the DRC.
• Drawing up work plans in agreement with the Head of the Legal Department group.
• Case tracking and management.
• Providing data for the monthly report.
• Documentation of needs assessment results; including preparation of reports and other relevant documents.
• Assistance in maintaining the archiving system in an up-to-date state (both in paper and electronic form).
• Participation in developing the necessary forms, questionnaires and other templates.
• Advance planning and coordination of logistics and movement of personnel to and from various operational areas.
• Initiating purchases and ensuring their fulfillment.
• Ensuring the preparation and timely delivery of distribution plans to logistics.
• Facilitating the development of legal referral mechanisms.
• Establishing good relations with beneficiaries, including understanding the needs of beneficiaries through regular visits and frequent contacts with actual and potential beneficiaries.
• Assistance in providing information and cooperation with community representatives and relevant authorities.
• Attending and participating in coordination meetings delegated by the manager.
• Collaboration with relevant internal and external technical experts on industry issues.
• Ensuring integration with other sectors of the DRC.

Required experience and competencies

• Excellent knowledge of Ukrainian law;
• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience, including experience in legal counseling;(I)NGO experience is preferred;
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups and communities;
• Strong analytical, legal writing and research skills;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Ability to provide a high quality, targeted and accessible legal advice;
• Advanced English proficiency
• Fluency in local language
• Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

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.

We offer:

• Contract length: 3-month probation period with possible extension
• Level: H
• Designation of Duty Station: Sumy. Full time in Sumy required.
• Start date: As soon as possible.

The application is open for Ukrainian citizens or those with the existing right to work in Ukraine. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national staff.

Application process: All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages in English).

Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 29 October 2023.

We reserve the right to conduct further interviews before the deadline for submission of applications.

DRC as an employer By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of around 8000 employees in 40 countries. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise.
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do.
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution.
• Culture, values & strong leadership.
• Fair compensation & continuous development

DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/about-us/job-and-career/support-for-job-seekers.

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment based on mutual respect for all employees. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. At DRC we celebrate diversity and appreciate our employees for the people they are and their unique skills, backgrounds, and perspectives. We encourage all interested candidates to apply!