General Protection Legal Counsellor (Female)

Number Of positions: 1

Duration: 1 year

Location:  Duhok Governate, and Zakho independent administration

Publishing date: 16th March 2025

Deadline of submission: 31st March 2025

Job Summary:

The General Protection Legal Counsellor plays a key role in case management, service mapping, and legal referrals by assessing beneficiaries' legal needs, providing direct legal support, and facilitating referrals to external service providers. The role involves ensuring access to legal aid, community awareness on legal aspects, protection services, particularly for vulnerable individuals, including women, children and survivors of gender-based violence.

The service mapping process is integral to this role, ensuring individuals receive the most appropriate legal assistance, whether through The Lotus Flower or external partners. The Legal Counsellor will update legal service pathways, track referrals, and follow up on case resolutions to maintain high-quality legal aid support. The Legal Counsellor will work under the direct supervision of the General Protection Project manager.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Legal Case Management & Service Mapping

  • Conduct legal needs assessments to determine whether cases can be handled internally or require external referrals.

  • Provide legal advice and counseling on civil documentation, family law, GBV-related legal protection, and other protection-related matters.

  • Update and maintain the legal service mapping database, ensuring all referral pathways remain accurate and accessible.

  • Work closely with caseworkers to facilitate referrals to legal aid organizations, government services, and other protection agencies, following inter-agency referral guidelines.

  • Conduct regular follow-ups with referred cases and service providers to assess the quality, timeliness, and impact of support.

 

2. Legal Support

  • Provide counselling and needed guidance for cases in obtaining legal documents such as birth certificates, national IDs, marriage certificates, and residency permits.

  • Provide help and needed guidance for cases to access legal representation or referrals to free legal aid lawyers and legal aid agencies for complex cases.

  • Support survivors of GBV, forced marriage, or other protection violations in accessing justice mechanisms.

  • Coordinate with relevant legal institutions, law enforcement, and protection agencies to advocate for cases’ rights.

3. Awareness-Raising & Capacity Building

  • Organize legal awareness sessions for community members, particularly women and vulnerable groups, on human rights, legal protection, and civil documentation.

  • Train caseworkers and other project staff on legal referral pathways, service mapping, and case management best practices.

  • Develop and distribute legal information materials to ensure beneficiaries are aware of their rights and available legal services.

4. Coordination & Reporting

  • Maintain accurate and confidential case records for all legal support and referral cases.

  • Participate in case management meetings and legal aid coordination networks to strengthen service referral mechanisms.

  • Contribute to MEAL assessments by gathering beneficiary feedback on legal services, ensuring continuous improvement.

  • Prepare regular reports on legal support activities, case trends, and challenges faced by beneficiaries.

Qualifications & Experience:

1.      Education and skills

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Law, Human Rights, International Law, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

  • Experience: Minimum 4  years of experience in legal aid, human rights law, , or humanitarian protection work.

  • Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of international human rights law, humanitarian law, and national legal frameworks related to protection.

  • Languages: Fluency in Kurdish and Arabic. English is also required.

  • Technical Skills: Familiarity with case management systems, legal research tools, and protection monitoring frameworks.

2.      Key Competencies:

  • Empathy & Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive cases with professionalism and discretion.

  • Strong Communication Skills: Ability to explain legal concepts in a simple and accessible manner.

  • Advocacy & Negotiation: Experience in representing cases and advocating for their rights.

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding of cultural norms and gender dynamics affecting women and girls.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze legal issues and provide practical solutions.

3.      Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience working in humanitarian aid, NGOs, or international organizations.

  • Knowledge of GBV protection principles and survivor-centered approaches.

  • Previous experience with legal aid programs for displaced persons or stateless individuals.

4.      Work Environment & Conditions:

  • Field-based role .

  • Adherence to ethical guidelines, confidentiality policies, and safeguarding principles.

  • Female candidates are encouraged to apply due to the sensitive nature of the role in supporting women and girls.

HOW TO APPLY:

  • Please send your updated CV and cover letter to careers@thelotusflower.org  while mentioning “General Protection Legal Counsellor “as the subject of your email.

  • CVs and cover letters that are in the form of pictures, and screenshots will not be accepted.

  • CVs that do not include the subject line will not be considered.

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

  • Applications past the expiration date of the advertisement will not be considered.