Protection Specialist (Legal Aid Specialist)

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 opportunities 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 Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods, and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.

About the job

Under the direct/line supervision of the Head of Program and the technical supervision of the Protection Coordinator, the Legal Aid Specialist is responsible to oversee and provide technical guidance to DRC legal aid teams and its partners. The Legal Aid Specialist will support on legal analysis, harmonization and roll-out of legal aid tools and guidelines, quality assurance and reporting systems, strengthen legal referral pathways, and advance legal advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 Program Development

• Using the Legal Aid Analytical Framework, and in coordination with the Country Protection Coordinator and Regional Protection Coordinator lead on developing a legal analysis in the context of Syria in line with DRC’s mandate.
• Develop and review existing information materials regarding legal aid services, civil documentation, Housing, Land and Property (HLP), and other relevant legal issues to DRC’s legal aid program.
• Under the technical supervision of the Country Protection Coordinator, produce, roll out and adapt technical products based on identified needs, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and technical guidance notes.
• In collaboration with the Country Protection Coordinator, make recommendations for the strategic direction and design of DRC’s legal aid program and drive innovative approaches to legal aid programming in Syria.
• Based on identified gaps, develop tools and approaches to strengthen access to legal identity and HLP rights for diverse population groups, including women and marginalized groups.
• Feed into the Protection Strategy and proposal development by providing legal context analysis, prioritization of legal needs, and identifying appropriate interventions in line with community consultations.
• Ensure harmonization of approaches, tools, and standards of legal aid activities (awareness, counselling, and assistance) amongst all field locations.
• Regularly and pro-actively monitor and analyze ongoing trends in Syria and the region as related to legal aid programming and provide regular updates and analysis on how it affects legal programming, including the monitoring of laws relevant to DRC’s protection program.
• Produce analytical reports to inform legal aid programming and document lessons learned from program implementation to feed into program adaptation and advocacy efforts.
• Explore opportunities to strengthen programme integration with other sectors, including economic recovery/livelihoods sectors (e.g., labour law).
• Support in the development of MEAL tools relevant to legal aid programming.

Coordination and Representation

• Represent DRC in relevant inter-agency coordination groups and technical committees, including the Legal Aid and HLP Working Groups.
• Strengthen referral pathways within the Protection/legal aid program, with other DRC sectors, and external service providers to also ensure that legal assistance is mainstreamed across different areas of programming within DRC.
• Support identification and development of strategic partnerships on legal aid programming, in collaboration with the Partnership Coordinator, including the development of technical capacity-building plans.
• Support Country Protection Coordinator and Advocacy Coordinator in the development of position papers and other information products to inform response and advocacy.

Other

• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as directed by the line manager.
• Maintain positive work relationship within the team and promote team-building efforts in coordination with the line manager.
• Must adhere to DRC’s mission, values, code of conduct including respect for the principles of neutrality, do no harm and non-discrimination.
• Must treat all partners and beneficiaries with dignity and respect.

Experience and technical competencies:

•  Minimum 3 years of proven professional legal experience in Syria, , ideally specializing in services provided to at-risk clients; experience providing legal services to displaced persons and refugees is preferred.
• Excellent understanding of the national legal framework related to internal displacement and to refugees, and national legal framework and policies related to civil status, family law, criminal law, employment law, and Housing Land and Property (HLP) law.
• Significant technical experience in Legal Aid Programming (including in the provision of legal representation, legal counseling, and legal awareness raising).
• Experience interacting with judicial, security, and administrative authorities.
• Experience working in an international organization.
• Good understanding of humanitarian and do no harm principles.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct trainings on legal matters.
• Experience in coordination across agencies and sectors.
• Experience in internal and external representation.
• Demonstrated intercultural sensitivity and motivation.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to quickly develop good insight and understanding of the conflict, the human rights situation, and the political environment of the program country.
• Experience working in partnership with national/local NGOs and civil society organizations is essential.
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and undertake a proactive approach.
• Willingness to travel to field locations regularly as needed.

Education:

•  University degree in Law (Master’s degree in Law preferred).

Languages:

•  English (fluent)
• Arabic (native)

 In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:  

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:

Contract length: Until March 2026

Level: Non-Management – G2

Location: Damascus - Syria

Expected Start date: 25 May 2025

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position here:  Protection Specialist (Legal Aid Specialist) - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Applications close: 30 April 2025

Need further information?

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org