Hardship LevelH (no hardship)
Family TypeFamily
Family TypeFamily
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS7
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-02-01
Job Posting End DateMarch 15, 2024
Standard Job Description
Senior Legal AssociateOrganizational Setting and Work RelationshipsThe Senior Legal Associate is a member of the protection /legal team and normally reports to a higher grade professional staff.The Senior Legal Associate assists an office in providing quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern. He is also required to assist an office in ensuring that persons of concern are involved with the office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern and authorities as well as protection and assistance partners.The incumbent may supervise interns, volunteers and interpreters, and may also supervise some support staff. S/he assists the protection team, in making sure that protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery are in line with the international standards, and provides functional protection support and advice to other protection colleagues and other units.S/he contributes to implementing, and adjusting when necessary, the office's comprehensive protection strategy including the role of UNHCR in the context of further strengthening the national capacity of relevant actors, both governmental e.g. Ministry of Justice, and non-governmental, e.g. NGOs and lawyers. In this regard, s/he represents the office externally on protection doctrine and policy as needed and under the guidance by the supervisor.S/he also works independently in constantly monitoring relevant legal and political developments, in both asylum and statelessness issues, and provides recommendations to the protection team on appropriate advocacy and interventions for the office to make.The incumbent will be conducting researches and following the judicial developments at the national and regional level. S/he will be supporting the preparation of legal materials that are shared with the national counterparts as recommendations. S/he will be engaged in preparing compilation of good practices and comparative charts on a broad spectrum of topics and reporting of the developments. The incumbent will also support organizing capacity-building activities through preparation of materials and presenting the topics.All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.Duties- Assist in the preparation of legal advice and drafting of position papers and guidelines on pertinent legal and operational issues.- Stay abreast of the domestic legal issues and pertinent laws regarding persons of concern and advise the office accordingly.- Contribute to advocacy towards proper interpretation of law and doctrine as well as in the development of standards of protection.- Liaise with the Legal Affairs Service on issues related to immunities of UNHCR personnel and provide corresponding guidance and support locally to concerned staff.- Liaise and intervene with national, regional or local authorities in relation to the above areas of responsibility, as required.- Assist in the organization of training sessions for legal professionals and asylum case workers and judges in the field of asylum.- Consistently apply international and national law and UNHCR policies and standards.- Assist the office in providing legal counselling to persons of concern.- Assist in the collection and analysis of relevant legal and protection information.- Provide assistance in UNHCR's legal publications, in dissemination of legal information on refugee law, in UNHCR's legal website and other legal advice as needed.- Support translation of legal and policy documents and act as interpreter at high level meetings with the authorities when needed.- Provide advice and support the office reviewing their contracts.- Provide support on a wide range of corporate and institutional issues, including on the interpretation and application of UNHCR regulations, rules, policies and procedures within the local legislation context.- Assist the office in providing legal counselling to personnel on various types of contractual arrangements.- In close cooperation with the Protection team, assist UNHCR's drafting of law commentaries to draft national legislation related to refugee law, in compliance with UNHCR's positions and Guidelines.- Support the Protection team in maintaining and strengthening relations with governmental, as well as non-governmental, actors in order to strengthen a network for assisting refugees and asylum seekers and also in strategically approach both national and local political figures.- Prepare drafts for office correspondence concerning protection issues.- Monitor/make briefing on legislative/judicial developments for the purpose of preparing office responses and/or to feed into briefing kits for external visitors.- Support the implementation of activities with various institutions and civil society partners.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.Minimum QualificationsYears of Experience / Degree LevelFor G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higherField(s) of EducationNot applicable.Certificates and/or LicensesHuman RightsInternational Humanitarian Law LawPolitical Science UNHCR Protection Learning Programme(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)Relevant Job ExperienceEssentialExperience in dealing with authorities as well as within a multicultural environment.DesirableGood knowledge of UNHCR's protection mandate. Work experience in human rights issues and/or refugee law is an asset.Functional SkillsCO-Drafting and DocumentationIT-Computer LiteracyLE-Legal Research(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)Language RequirementsFor International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile Operational ContextThe war in Ukraine triggered the displacement of more than 570,000 refugees to the Czech Republic who applied and received temporary protection in the country. Today, over 370,000 continue to seek refuge in Czechia. While the Czech Republic is not a frontline state, it is amongst the top three countries of asylum for Ukrainians fleeing the war due in part to a large pre-existing Ukrainian diaspora and a strong job market, amongst other factors.UNHCR Czechia is creating a Senior Legal Associate position to support the protection/legal activities of the office. The Senior Legal Associate will assist in border/protection monitoring activities, follow-up of individual cases, monitoring of project implementation by UNHCR’s legal partners, facilitate and support training and other capacity-development activities of relevant authorities and other stakeholders, cooperation with national institutions and joint projects with the academic community, contribute to and provide inputs on protection reports and other documents. S/he will also be responsible to review and update the content of UNHCR Czechia help website (https://help.unhcr.org/czech/where-to-seek-help/legal-aid/). The position is based in Prague. The Senior Legal Associate is a member of the Protection Unit and reports to the Assistant Legal Officer. The candidate will closely work with colleagues in other units. S/he will also work in coordination with partner organizations, authorities, and other relevant stakeholders. Finally, given the incumbent’s fluent Czech language skills, s/he will be expected to represent UNHCR in meetings, workshops and other events organised by national and local government authorities, partners and other stakeholders in order to keep abreast of developments.UNHCR's workplace is international and multicultural and therefore inclusive and diverse. It offers opportunities that contribute to professional growth and development, and it requires cultural awareness and sensitivity and adaptation to different communication styles and behaviours. Prior experience in the field of migration and asylum is a strong value added. UNHCR National Office in the Czech Republic operates under the Representation for Central Europe (MCO Hungary), which covers 4 countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia).Language RequirementsKnowledge of English as the UN working language of the duty station and Czech language is required.Desirable Candidate Profile• Experience in the field of migration and asylum, preferably on legal issues, including on training/capacity development. • Good analytical skills and a high level of precision and attention to detail • Good drafting skills• Good planning and organizational skills• Ability to develop recommendations based on identified needs• Strong communication, interpersonal and coordination skills• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively as part of a team in multicultural settings• Proactive, positive, open-minded, and willing to learnLanguage requirement:Fluent knowledge of English and Czech language is a requirementAdditional information:Candidates must be legally present in the Czech Republic at the time of application, recruitment and hire.Remuneration:In case of appointment, a competitive compensation and benefits package is offered.G-7 monthly salary range: NET CZK 55,946 - CZK 68,886Benefits:Annual leave: UNHCR staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will accrue annual leave at the rate of 2.5 working days for each full calendar months of service (i.e. 30 working days per year).Pension system: Staff members holding a fixed-term appointment will become participants in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF).Health insurance plan: locally recruited staff members in the Czech Republic will be enrolled in the National Health System of Czech Republic.Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): English    📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐  
  ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖! 

,Czech
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Living and Working Conditions:
 
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Drafting and Documentation, IT-Computer Literacy, LE-Legal Research
Education
CertificationsHCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, Human Rights - Other, International Law - Other, Law - Other, Political Science - Other
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
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Compendium 
Additional Information
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance 






    📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗜𝗢𝗠, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀!  🌐   





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    📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐