Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeNOA
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeNational Professional Officer
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-09-15
Job Posting End DateJune 29, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionAssistant Legal Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Assistant Legal Officer is a member of the protection or legal team in a Country or Sub-Office. He/she may report to the (Senior) Protection or (Senior) Legal Officer, Head of Sub-Office or to the Assistant Representative for Protection. In smaller Offices, the post may report directly to the Representative. The Assistant Legal Officer assists the Office in providing quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (POC). S/he is also required to assist the office in ensuring that POC are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern and authorities as well as protection and assistance partners. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Assist in the preparation of legal advice and drafting of position papers and guidelines on pertinent legal and operational issues. - Stay abreast of the domestic legal issues and pertinent laws regarding POC and advise the Office accordingly. - Contribute to advocacy towards proper interpretation of law and doctrine as well as in the development of standards of protection. - Consistently apply international and national law and UNHCR policies and standards. - Assist the Office in providing legal counselling to persons of concern. - Liaise and intervene with local authorities on the legal issues pertaining to POC. - May act as interpreter during meetings with authorities, if required. - Participate in meetings within UNHCR and with external counterparts at the relevant level. - Assist in the development of project proposals and project implementation. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P1/NOA - 1 year relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or no experience with Graduate degree; or no experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Law; Human Rights Law; Refugee Law; International Humanitarian Law; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Protection Learning Prg; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified. Desirable Completion of UNHCR learning programmes on protection would be an asset or any other equivalent external courses. Functional Skills LE-Legal Research LE-Draft legal settlement agreements UN-UN System - Legal Status and Structure (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile To fulfil his/her role, it is essential for the incumbent to have an excellent knowledge of the international, EU, Council of Europe and German legislative and institutional frameworks in the area of asylum. Successful completion of the 1st German state law examination is required, 2nd German state law examination desired.
In addition, experience in refugee and aliensโ law is desired, ideally in a practical function; as well as diplomatic skills in communicating with authorities and interpersonal skills required for establishing networks in a complex environment.
Lastly, experience in developing and delivering training and professional development activities to officials, judiciary and NGOs is desired.
**Please note that as this is a National Officer position, only German nationals are considered eligible.**
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): German
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
Germany continues to be one of the most important receiving countries for persons in need of international protection in the EU. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is located in Nuremberg and ranges among the biggest asylum authorities in the world. Concepts and practices used by the BAMF constitute influential examples with the potential for replication in many other countries in the EU and beyond. Its tasks are not limited to asylum procedures but cover also resettlement and humanitarian admission procedures, as well as certain aspects of integration and international cooperation.
UNHCR monitors the organisation and implementation of asylum procedures by the responsible asylum authorities and advocates for improving the quality of asylum procedures. Based in Nuremberg at the premises of the BAMF, and under the overall supervision of the Senior Legal Officer in Berlin, the incumbent follows developments in the BAMFโs practice of asylum procedures, in particular, on the basis of legal and organisational analysis of the BAMFโs concepts of decision making and quality of asylum procedures as well as their implementation. On the basis of this, the incumbent keeps the representation in Berlin abreast of developments and advises on responses required and on setting priorities for Germany with a view to the asylum authorities.
The incumbent will establish a network and contacts with government officials at the BAMF and with civil society representatives. The tasks involved require political awareness and circumspection when exercising UNHCR's supervisory responsibility and promoting its protection positions in exchanges with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
Living and Working Conditions:
Nuremberg is a family duty station offering high standard living conditions.
Identifying accommodation will be a priority before arriving at the duty station.
Medical care is up to international standards.
There are several international schools in or close to Nuremberg.
Germany is in general a safe place with little violent crime.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationMasters of Arts (MA): Law
CertificationsHCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR
Work ExperienceLegal
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Organizational awareness, Policy research & development, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
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Compendium
Additional InformationShortlisted candidates will be required to pass a written test and attend an online interview.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance