Legal Assistant (Maternity cover) | IOM Cyprus

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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), UN Volunteers with at least twelve (12) months of continuous service in IOM, 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.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and in cooperation with the Project Assistant (Protection) and in the framework of the Operation of Semi-Independent living units for Unaccompanied and Separated Children, the Legal Assistant will have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Explain rights and legal obligations to beneficiaries i.e. unaccompanied migrant children living in the Semi-Independent Living Units.

2. Visit Semi-independent living Units and provide basic legal counselling sessions to beneficiaries as needed.

3. Assist and update beneficiaries on the progress of their application for international protection and respond to requests for mobility options including relocation, family reunification and voluntary return.

4. Prepare case reports and recommendations and submits to relevant IOM teams.

5. Assist in the preparation and review of local cooperation agreements with various third parties relating to project’s implementation.

6. Assist in drafting replies to complaints and vulnerability requests in coordination with IOM MPA, Legal and ECO Departments as necessary. 

7. Ensure the confidentiality of personal information of the beneficiaries.

8. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor degree in Law or related field from an accredited academic institution, with two years of relevant professional experience, or

• Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with four years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience and Skills

• At least 2 years; of previous working experience.

• Background working with refugees or migrants will be a distinct advantage;

• Previous working experience with children or semi-independent living units is an advantage.

• Previous working experience with children or semi-independent living units is an advantage.

• Previous experience and/or knowledge on child protection is an advantage.

• Valid driver’s license.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM’s official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English and Greek (written and oral) is required.

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 five 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.

• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.

• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (applicable only if with direct reports)

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.

• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.

• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies