IRAP Lebanon Staff Attorney

International Refugee Assistance Project

Responsibilities

• Directly represent refugees and displaced people in the process of resettlement and relocation by drafting referrals and other legal submissions as appropriate to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other relevant agencies.
• Directly represent asylum seekers in the process of refugee status determination with UNHCR.
• Possibly directly represent clients in the process of family reunification to France.
• Provide advice and counseling to refugees and displaced people in their resettlement and relocation interviews, as well as representation before other agencies and Embassies as needed.
• Review intake and screening reports completed by IRAP volunteers, interns and staff as part of IRAP s refugee case screening process, and conduct intake interviews.
• Conduct trainings for NGO partners and information sessions for refugees on refugee law.
• Regularly attend working group meetings with colleagues from other organizations engaged in refugee protection, legal aid, and durable solutions.
• Train and supervise summer intern(s)
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• BA in Law required.
• Master's in law from a university in France preferred.

Experience

• Prior nonprofit/NGO experience is a plus.
• A minimum of one year, up to three years of demonstrated experience providing legal assistance to refugees and/or asylum-seekers with UNHCR or resettlement countries is preferable.
• Preferably has demonstrated experience providing legal assistance to refugees and/or asylum-seekers in France, particularly in family reunification or humanitarian visa procedures.
• Prior experience interviewing and counseling clients in a legal setting.

Values, Competencies, and Skills

• Preferably has sound knowledge of the French (and possibly European) legislative framework and jurisprudence regarding refugees and/or human rights.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work comfortably with attorneys and partner organizations with diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
• Must be highly organized and motivated, able to multitask, manage a high-volume workload, and have excellent time management skills.
• Ability to be flexible in a fast-paced and high-pressure work environment.
• Sensitivity to client empowerment and to working with clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTI clients, survivors of trauma, and other vulnerable populations.
• Fluency with the Microsoft Suite and Google Suite.
• Interest in refugee/humanitarian issues.
• Excellent written and spoken English required.
• Excellent spoken Arabic required.
• Excellent spoken and written French preferred.