Legal Aid Officer

Duty Station [Hodeida -Yemen]

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been providing relief and development services in the Horn of Africa since 1997. Using a protection of human rights framework, DRC has mainly focused on Somalis who are displaced by conflict. Programmers include protection, livelihood, food and NFI distribution, water and sanitation, and advocacy amongst others. DRC Yemen has been providing relief and development services in Yemen since 2008. DRC has mainly focused on refugees and migrants displaced by conflict and natural disasters.
DRC, through its specialized business unit, Danish Demining Group (DDG) aims to recreate a safe environment where people can live without the threat of landmines, unexploded ordinances and small arms and light weapons”. These goals can be effectively advanced through cooperation and joint action with other organizations as well as with the integration of operations and programs with its sister organization, DRC.

About the job

Under the direct supervision of the Protection Team Leader (TL), Legal Aid Officer will ensure the effective implementation of DRC’s legal aid intervention. The Legal Aid Officer will be responsible for the delivery of timely, high-quality, and effective legal services, including legal information and awareness sessions, and facilitate access to legal documentation in Hodeida Governorate. The Legal Aid Officer will be responsible for legal aid interventions in the assigned areas of operation, as well as maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders including community members, local partners, and CRA..  

Duties and Responsibilities:

Legal Services:

• Provide protection legal services in compliance with DRC SOPs and international guidelines and standards, under the technical supervision of DRC Legal Aid Team Leader ;
• Be responsible for conducting awareness sessions, legal counseling, and facilitating access to civil documentation, with a specific focus on reaching women and girls as per the established work plan;
• Disseminate accurate and impartial information to the beneficiaries through group awareness sessions in DRC's operation areas, selecting the legal topics in full consultation with the Team Leader, Protection Specialist, and Protection Manager;
• Undertake individual sessions providing legal information and legal counseling as per the established work plan;
• Provide legal documentation services through the Civil Registration Authority (CRA), including supporting access to  IDs and birth certificates;
• Conduct field visits to identify local NGOs, charity associations, social centers, and local institutions providing support to the local population to establish a mapping of existing legal services;
• Conduct field visits to assess the legal protection needs and concerns of the target population, with attention to people with specific needs;
• Identify individuals at risk and persons with specific needs and refer them to the necessary services after receiving informed consent and according to DRC criteria;
• All times safeguard the safety and respect of the individual, in addition to the confidentiality of his/her information and his/her right to access services without any discrimination.
• Remain up-to-date on legal procedure, Yemen Law and policy developments, and Support to update legal guidelines & SOPs' documents as needed.  

Monitoring and Reporting 

• Ensure tracking and reporting of activity data and target achievements to supervisor (Team Leader);
• Submit to the Protection TL weekly and monthly reports on all Legal activities, and developments in the law external context in Yemen;
• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly work plans in a timely manner and support the Team Leader in submitting internal reports as per schedule;
• Attend weekly supervisory meetings with the legal team and Protection TL to address any issues and set team plans:
• Maintain the legal database updated and consistent, and support the data analysis of legal case data in a safe and ethical manner;
• Support the implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools and report on problems in the implementation of the program;
• Keep case files up-to-date to ensure quality and accuracy of information, following DRC Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring beneficiary’s data are protected;.
• Ensure that all legal documents/forms are archived in the SP folders and in the locked cabinets, following DRC protocols for archiving documents.

Coordination and representation

• Coordinate and maintain constructive and effective relationships with municipalities, other local government institutions, local NGO partners, other international organizations, and any other relevant stakeholders and service providers, in coordination with the other team members;
• Collaborate with DRC’s partner and other DRC sectors and NGOs to ensure a coordinated and collaborative response to the provision of services and assistance for those benefiting from Legal services;
• Maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders including partner agencies, community leaders, CBP, CRA, and service providers;
• Ensure up-to-date understandings of service providers operating in the area based on available service mappings and coordination with stakeholders;
• Maintain an up-to-date service mapping of the legal service providers operating in the area.

Other

• Maintain positive work relationship within the team, and promote team-building efforts in coordination with the Protection Team Leader;
• Must adhere to DRC’s mission, values, code of conduct including respect for the principles of neutrality, do no harm, non-discrimination and confidentiality;
• Ensure transparency and DRC’s positive regard and reputation with communities and participate in community outreach.
• Must treat all partners and beneficiaries with dignity and respect.
• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as directed by the Protection Team Leader.

About you
To be successful in this role you must have:
Education (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• University degree in Law
• At least 3 years of experience in the legal sector and providing legal services in the humanitarian sector;
• Familiarity/prior experience with DRC and its persons of concern (including internally displaced persons, returnees, refugees) is a distinct advantage; 
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of local communities, customary rules and Yemeni Law;
• Familiarity with international protection and human rights legal standards is a distinct advantage;
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and respect for people with specific needs and other vulnerabilities;
• Excellent organizational and planning skills as well as communication and inter-personal skills;
• Punctuality and respect for applicable rules and guidelines;
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, work independently and prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility;
• Willing to collaborate with and support people from different ethnic groups and different religions;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and safety of beneficiaries at all times; 
• Computer/IT literacy (OS Windows, MS (Word, Excel in particular), etc

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.

Languages:

• Arabic - Fluent
• English - Desirable

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• Protection Staff Members
• DRC Partner 
• Community members
• I/NGOs and government services 
• Civil Registration Authority

We offer

DRC will offer the successful applicant a contract till August. 31, 2025, renewable dependent on both funding and performance.
Workplace Sana’a 

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment. This position will be placed at Band (NMH).