Legal Assistant

Introduction

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

In the framework of the situation regarding the migrants, asylum seekers and refugees across Greece, IOM Greece is establishing a pool of candidates interested to join the organization as soon as possible. The action under which the candidates will be selected shall contribute to the provision of targeted care interventions to the unaccompanied children (UMC) residing in Greece. Therefore, IOM will capitalize on its extensive experience on the areas of child protection so as to provide tailored support and interventions to the UMC by offering accommodation and care services.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator/Field Office Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Child Protection Assistant, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing daily care to UMC in the assigned accommodation facility.

• Provide legal counseling on an individual and group level on the rights, obligations, and procedures concerning the legal status of UMC, considering their needs.
• Organize, in cooperation with the facility coordinator and the guardian, of individual and group information sessions on the rights of UMC and on issues related to their legal status, considering their needs (e.g. asylum procedures, family reunification procedures, relocation schemes, etc.).
• Provide support during the process of examining an application for international protection at first and second instance, examining a family reunification application, applying for a residence permit under the Immigration Code and any other administrative or judicial procedure.
• Refer, in cooperation with the guardian, to programs for the provision of free legal support and representation of cases of minors, for which representation in an administrative, criminal or civil court is required or the pension pleadings and pleadings.
• Maintain filling of reports with actions undertaken for UMCs and ensure deadlines are met for their legal and administrative procedures.
• Maintain close communication and collaboration with authorities in relation to UMCs’ wellbeing.
• Undertake official travel as required to support legal procedures for UMCs.

Perform such other duties that may be assigned.

Education

• University degree in Law from an accredited academic institution;
• One year of relevant work experience would be an advantage;
• Professional license and/or certificate of registration to the concerned professional association.

Experience

• ​​Previous experience in a similar role preferred;
• ​Previous experience at an IOM Emergency Accommodation Facility will be considered an asset;
• ​Familiar with direct assistance to migrants and/or refugees preferred;
• ​Experience in working in a multi-cultural environment an advantage.​

Skills

• Computer literacy in standard software applications (MS Office, etc) will be considered an asset;
• Willingness to work in day/night shifts, during holidays and weekends;
• Valid driver’s license with at least five years driving experience an advantage;
• Flexibility and capacity in conflict resolution;
• Good communication skills, personal commitment and efficiency.

Languages

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

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

Notes

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.

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