Introduction
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity 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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a nonprofitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.
Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.
Background
The Danish Refugee Council initiated its activities in the island of Lesvos in November 2015 due to the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers.
Following new political developments and displacement dynamics in early 2016, DRC expanded its activities to the mainland to support the people living in several sites across the country. With offices in Athens, Larissa and Thessaloniki, it currently implements a wide range of activities, including Site Management Support, legal assistance, identification of individual needs and protection of highly vulnerable persons, access to services within and outside the hosting sites through cultural mediation, and non-formal education.
DRC works closely with the refugee communities, the Greek authorities, and other humanitarian actors to ensure a protective environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Greece.
Purpose
DRC Greece is looking to recruit a qualified, flexible and enthusiastic professional to work for its office in Attica as a Legal Aid Officer. Under the line management of the Legal Aid Team Leader, the Legal Aid Officer will provide individual counselling and case management to vulnerable individuals and families and assist with supporting PoC in accessing their rights as third country nationals, in close coordination with the DRC team.
Furthermore, the Legal Aid Officer will develop and maintain good relations with the persons of concern, relevant stakeholders and other humanitarian actors, to support high quality implementation and coordination of DRC’s Protection and Integration activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Legal Aid Officer responsibilities will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
- Work within the scope of DRC’s protection and integration activities and in close cooperation with the respective teams in Attica; continuously monitor and document the needs of the Persons of Concern (PoC).
- Provide individual legal counselling and undertake case management of vulnerable third country nationals in procedures related to international protection and family re-unification.
- Provide legal assistance and liaise with competent authorities to ensure the issuance of personal and other relevant documents to persons of concern (birth certificates, tax numbers, work permits etc.).
- Identify protection and other support needs and refer them to respective colleagues or/and other service providers when/where appropriate.
- Deliver legal info sessions on the asylum procedures, civil and social rights and other integration related issues in Greece.
- In coordination with other team colleagues, assist in overall case management and provision of support to vulnerable third country nationals
- Liaise with other legal aid service providers and maintain effective communication/collaboration.
- Monitor and analyze the legal procedures, closely follow legal updates and practices for advocacy purposes.
- Provide legal aid statistics
- Document case studies, best practices and lessons learned from each of the activities implemented.
- Keep accurate records and report in a timely manner, following respective deadlines and procedures.
- Any other duties as may be assigned, relevant to the achievement of protection objectives.
Required Qualifications
- Law Degree and license to practice law in Greece
- At least three years working experience as lawyer in a related field; previous working experience with local or international NGOs will be considered as a strong advantage.
- Excellent knowledge of international refugee law, EU asylum and migration law.
- Excellent verbal and written English and Greek skills.
- Working knowledge of French -Mandatory for at least one position
- Working knowledge of Arabic, Farsi or Kurdish will be considered as an asset.
- Strong knowledge of protection issues related to vulnerable third country nationals.
- Strong computer skills.
Required Skills & Qualities
- Core Competencies of DRC:
◦ Striving for excellence
◦ Collaboration
◦ Taking the lead
◦ Communication
◦ Demonstrating Integrity
- Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment
- Proactivity, with a sound commitment to teamwork and with a spirit of genuine collaboration
- Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics
- Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness, are needed
- Ability to cope with high workload and stress and identify priority activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required
- Multi-tasking and organizational skills are must, and a good sense of humor
- Capable of managing a high workload and juggling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
- Strong initiative and self-motivated, with a strong commitment to teamwork and humanitarian principle and high sense of ethics.
- An understanding of and commitment to DRC Cores and Values.
- Flexible, enthusiastic and willing to learn from others.
- Excellent communication skills as well as good report writing skills.
Terms and Conditions
- The contract will be under the Greek Labor Law (this is a national position)
- All allowances will be provided to the employees (Christmas, Easter, Vacation bonus)
- DRC provides training opportunities to develop and strengthen the quality of its services as well as its staff members’ professional and personal development.
- The position will be based in Attica and national terms and conditions apply
- The vacancy is for multiple positions
Application Process
Are you interested? Then apply for this position online: www.drc.dk/about-drc/vacancies/currentvacancies
All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.
DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process. However, applicants must be aware that DRC cannot systemically sponsor non-EU citizen or non-Greek resident for all the steps of legal process to get a work permit and/or a residency permit in Greece.
Applications close on the 29th of January 2021. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Due to the urgency of the position DRC reserves the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.
