Protection Officer (Legal Aid)

Who are we?
The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunities 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. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

DRC Syria
DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods, and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.

About the job
Under the direct/line management of the Protection Team Leader and the technical supervision of the Legal Aid Specialist, the Legal Aid Officer is responsible for providing direct legal assistance, counseling, and information to individuals and communities in need. The Legal Aid Officer will support the implementation of legal aid activities, contribute to legal analysis, ensure the delivery of quality legal services, and uphold protection standards. The Legal Aid Officer will also assist in the development and dissemination of legal information materials, strengthen legal referral pathways, support coordination with partners and authorities, and contribute to legal advocacy efforts with a focus on at-risk groups.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Stay up to date with the legislative, administrative and policy developments in Syria related to legal status and identity, civil documentation, family law, HLP rights, labour law, and other topics relevant to the provision of humanitarian assistance.
• Monitor the legal environment to identify recurring legal protection challenges or violations of rights and report findings to the line manager and Legal Specialist, identifying opportunities for improvement, or interventions.
• Through individual and group sessions provide legal information to crisis-affected people about their rights and responsibilities, including in housing, land, and property rights, based on DRC legal aid guidance and relevant materials.
• Support individuals in understanding legal processes and procedures, particularly for accessing civil documentation, based on a an up to date analysis of the relevant administrative and legal systems.
• Assist clients in obtaining necessary legal documentation (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, identification papers), and provide administrative support or accompaniment based on an understanding of the applicable legal procedures and rights.
• Ensure clients receive fair treatment without discrimination and access justice in compliance with relevant national and international law.
• Analyze potential violations of rights within the legal and administrative processes, advocating for necessary mitigation of barriers to accessing justice where appropriate.
• Advocate for the rights of highly at-risk individuals and groups, particularly those identified to be facing systemic risks of discrimination or denial of rights (e.g., older persons, persons with disabilities).
• Support the training of DRC protection staff, other sector staff, and relevant stakeholders on legal issues, human rights, and protection standards.
• Assist in the development of legal information and awareness materials, ensuring they reflect an accurate analysis of applicable laws and protections and are tailored to the specific needs of affected communities.
• Promote peaceful coexistence through legal mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, applying a legal analytical framework to evaluate the legal implications of disputes and recommend solutions that respect human rights and legal norms.
• Support the implementation of legal aid Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in identifying, referring, and responding to civil, administrative, and legal cases, ensuring procedures align with legal principles and standards.
• Initiate linkages with other legal aid service providers for referrals that require additional legal support, considering the legal complexities of each case.
• Ensure that principles of confidentiality and ethics are upheld throughout program implementation, applying legal standards regarding data protection and client privacy.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 3 years of proven professional experience in Syria providing legal services, ideally specializing in services provided to at-risk clients and refugees.
• Excellent understanding of the national legal, policy and administrative frameworks and their practical application and challenges related to internally displaced persons and refugees, civil status, family law, criminal law, employment law, and Housing Land and Property (HLP) rights.
• Experience with NGO Legal Aid Programming (including in the provision of legal representation, legal counseling, and legal awareness raising).
• Experience interacting with judicial, security, and administrative authorities.
• Good understanding of humanitarian and do no harm principles.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct trainings on legal matters.
• Experience in internal and external representation.
• Demonstrated intercultural sensitivity and motivation.
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to quickly develop good insight and understanding of the conflict, the human rights situation, and the political environment of the program country.
• Experience working in partnership with national/local NGOs and civil society organizations is essential.

Education:

• University degree in Syrian Law.
• Specialization in international human rights law and/or international refugee law (desirable).

Languages:

• English (fluent)
• Arabic (native)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

We offer:
Contract length: to April 2026

Level: Non-Management – H2

Location: Daraa - Syria

Expected Start date: 01 June 2025

Application process:
Interested? Then apply for this position here: Protection Officer (Legal Aid) - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Applications close: 11 May 2025

Need further information?
For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org

Department:

Location: Daraa

Application deadline: 11 May 2025