Legal Assistant

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.   Context

IOM operates Five Accommodation Centers for Unaccompanied Minors (Shelters) providing accommodation and access to services for Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC). Besides accommodation, the following services are provided to the beneficiaries: addressing basic needs, catering, hygiene, legal counselling, and information about life opportunities in Greece, interpretation, psychosocial support, medical support, Greek learning programs, learning support, organization of intercultural activities, work and career guidance. 

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator or his/her designate and the direct supervision of the Shelter Coordinator, the successful candidate will support activities related to the above project in the assigned Shelter.

1. Τhe provision of legal advice in individual and/or group sessions regarding the rights, obligations and procedures regarding the legal status of accommodated minors, taking into account their needs.
2. The organization, following cooperation with the coordinator and the legal guardian, of individual and group information sessions on the rights of minors and on issues related to their legal status, taking into account their needs (e.g. asylum procedures, family reunification, relocation programs, etc.)
3. The provision of legal assistance during the process of examining a request for international protection in the first and second instance, examining a request for family reunification, applying for a residence permit based on the Immigration Code and in any other administrative or judicial procedure legal assistance is provided for under the current legislation.
4. The referral, in cooperation with the legal guardian, to programs of free provision of legal support and information, cases of minors, for which an appearance in an administrative, criminal or civil court is required, or the drafting of indictments and memoranda. 
5. Provide support in all applications for a residence/work permit in Greece and/or any other legal documents for the children’s case i.e. travel documents.
6. Keep records of actions undertaken and meet the deadlines for children’s legal and administrative procedures.
7. Conduct research and provide counselling, inter alia, on legal and contractual issues and ensure that IOM’s activities are implemented in accordance with the IOM Constitution and other relevant provisions.
8. Provide to other staff operating within the Shelters with necessary legal information for the children’s best interests.
9. Maintain close communication and collaboration with the competent government authorities in relation with children’s well-being on a case-by-case basis.
10. Undertake travel, as required, in relation to carrying out relevant legal procedures.
11. Ensure all necessary documentation (forms, databases, trackers, etc.) are updated timely. Provide inputs to internal and external reports.
12. Ensure appropriate information management protocols are followed, particularly in terms of data confidentiality.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. Education
    • University degree in Law from an accredited academic institution with minimum one year of work experience.
    • Master’s degree in Law, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights or a related field would be an advantage Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
      • License to practice and/or Certificate of Registration in the relevant professional association.
      • At least one year of relevant professional experience, preferably in the migrant and refugees context; 
      • Computer knowledge MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Certificate in a related field would be an advantage;
      • Previous experience providing legal counselling to unaccompanied children an advantage;
      • Awareness of Refugee and Immigration Law (National Law, International Conventions and EU Regulations);
      • Knowledge and understanding of the asylum administrative procedures before the National authorities;
      • Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment preferred. Skills
        • Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles;
        • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, personal commitment, efficiency and flexibility;
        • Excellent research, writing and analytical skills;
        • Willingness to work in day/ night shifts, during holidays and weekends;
        • Valid driver’s license with at least five years driving experience an advantage. Languages
          • Fluency in English or French (level B1/B2) and Greek (written and oral) is required.  IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.   Required Competencies   IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.   Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
          • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
        • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
      • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
    • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
14. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
15. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.