Legal Counselor

Job Summary:

• To provide free legal advice and assistance to returnees and internally displaced people in the formal and informal legal systems;
• To work under the direction of the Team Leader in carrying out other project-related activities such as legal awareness training;
• To advise other members of the legal team as required;
• To perform other duties when designated by the Team Leader or the Project Coordinator.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• The counsellor shall provide free legal advice and representation to returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) consistent with applicable laws and procedures and NRC’s standard operating procedures and instructions;
• The counsellor shall remain updated on legislation and legal developments in Afghanistan;
• The counsellor shall maintain and update hard copy files of documents and pleadings in individual cases;
• The counsellor shall participate in mobile teams, when scheduled;
• The counsellor shall participate in preparation of monthly reports, thematic reports, and correspondence with government officials and international organizations;
• The counsellor shall participate in NRC staff seminars and training, when scheduled;
• The counsellor shall coordinate legal strategy and approach with other NRC offices and personnel, including distribution of new laws and decisions important to the work of other offices;
• The counsellor shall represent NRC in national and international meetings, when requested and promote exchange of information with relevant external actors;
• The counsellor shall at all time respect the anonymity of clients approaching NRC and the confidentiality of information received from any clients;
• The counsellor shall work closely with the information section. The counsellor should be aware of the information section’s activities and assist them with meetings and case follow up as required;
• Any other reasonable task as instructed by immediate superior.

Job Requirement:

• University degree from Faculty of Law or Sharia, and a thorough knowledge of Afghan law;
• License/registration to practice as defence attorney in Afghan courts;
• 2 to 3 years previous work experience in the field of law (e.g. courts, attorney or legal aid agencies), with an emphasis on working with clients. Preferably with UN or NGOs;
• Fluency in written and oral Pashto.
• Proven initiative, flexibility and pro activity;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Ability to travel to field for extended periods;

Preferred:

• Work experience from national or international organizations, experience with returnees/IDPs issues is an asset;
• Familiarity with NRC work in the region;
• Fluency in oral and written English and Dari;
• Computer literate (Microsoft Office).

Job Location: