Description of the Program

The Refugee Legal Aid Program provides advice and representation to refugees seeking recognition by UNHCR through refugee status determination procedures in Egypt, and assists refugees to address protection risks they face in Egypt and access durable solutions to safe third countries.

Role

Under the supervision of the Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program, the Protection Program Coordinator is responsible for management and development of the Refugee Legal Aid Program’s protection work. The role involves overall supervision of protection counseling and services, including but not limited to, requests for legal assistance to access documentation, legal counsel and representation for those in conflict with the law, and for physical protection. In consultation with the Director and Deputy Directors of Refugee Legal Aid Program, the Protection Program Coordinator is responsible for determining the strategic direction of the Refugee Legal Aid Program’s protection services and priority areas. The Protection Program Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day management of a minimum of three Senior Legal Officers, five Legal Officers, and several volunteers.

Responsibilities

All duties are carried out under the supervision of the Director of the Refugee Legal Aid Program and in coordination with the Deputy Directors of the Refugee Legal Aid Program. Effective communication with the Director and Deputy Directors of Refugee Legal Aid Program and other StARS program coordinators is essential to the success of this role. The Protection Program Coordinator’s range of duties includes the following:

Legal and Technical

Review and enhance intake mechanisms for potential clients for representation and assistance in protection matters.
Supervise on a periodic basis decisions made by Legal Officers and Senior Legal Officers regarding possible protection services to extend to clients.
Develop systems aimed at ensuring that responses to requests for assistance and legal counsel are provided in a timely manner, particularly for time-sensitive protection requests.
Oversee the preparation and review of referrals for protection matters.
Manage regular protection and legal referrals to UNHCR’s Protection Unit and to manage follow-up communication and inquiries regarding protection cases.
Manage communication with UNHCR and partners on emergency protection referrals.
Ensure close coordination with StARS’ Psychosocial Program regarding StARS responses to protection issues.
Maintain accurate records of client representation, including client files and case dockets.
Adhere to the Nairobi Code of Ethics, the Protection Program’s Policies and Procedures Manual, the StARS Code of Conduct, and the StARS Safety and Security Policy, and ensure compliance by staff and volunteers under the supervision of the Protection Program Coordinator.
To maintain accurate and updated knowledge of developments related to the refugee protection space in Egypt, and to maintain a detailed understanding of procedures and requirements for relevant administrative and legal processes refugees must regularly engage with.
Programmatic

In coordination with the Director and Deputy Directors of Refugee Legal Aid Program, maintain and develop the Refugee Legal Aid Program’s relationship with UNHCR’s Protection Unit.
Oversee and participate in the training of new staff, community groups and partner organizations on protection services offered by the Refugee Legal Aid Program.
Assist as requested in the reporting to senior management, funders, and others.
Regularly attend StARS management meetings for purposes of fostering close coordination with other StARS programs.
Actively participate and contribute to the Refugee Legal Aid Program Coordinators meeting.
Lead periodic meetings with protection staff within the Refugee Legal Aid Program.
Supervisory

In coordination with the Director and Deputy Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program, recruit, train, and supervise the Refugee Legal Aid Program Protection team members. Supervision includes holding regular structured supervision and feedback meetings, performance appraisals and performance management, as required.
Complete tasks for and monitor progress on StARS’ Strategic Plan.
Engage proactively in promoting self-care among staff.
Ensure high-quality legal advice and representation and a refugee rights-based approach.
Finance and Administration

Undergo probation and regular performance appraisals.
Meet regularly with the Director of the Refugee Legal Aid Program regarding the work of the Protection team.
Support revision of the Refugee Legal Aid Program’s strategy and approach in response to changing situations and participate in annual work planning.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements

The ideal candidate will be energetic, articulate, and comfortable interacting with diverse segments of society. They will have demonstrated a firm commitment to human rights and refugee issues.

Technical

English being the official language of StARS and UNHCR Egypt, Protection Program Coordinator of the Refugee Legal Aid Program must be fluent in oral and written English. Fluency in Arabic or a refugee language is an advantage.
LLB, LLM, JD or equivalent legal education and practical experience as a legal advocate.
At least two years of experience in supervising delivery or legal advice and representation, ideally to refugees and asylum seekers or other marginalized groups.
Ability to exercise sound legal judgment, analyze and solve problems, to be well organized, self-motivated, and reliable, and to obtain information necessary to accomplish duties.
Interviewing skills and proven experience dealing with challenging scenarios, particularly in advocating for survivors of violence, trafficking, torture, and SGBV.
Knowledge of or familiarity with UNHCR guidelines and procedures
Ability to express technical concepts in a non-technical environment.
Personal

Ability to lead, motivate, supervise, guide, support, and discipline staff, and cooperate with peers.
Belief in and commitment to rights-based and community-centered service provision.
Belief in and commitment to non-discrimination on the basis or gender, race, disability, religious belief, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Ability to prioritize work, multi-task, and meet deadlines while handling conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment working with limited resources.
A positive attitude and collaborative approach to dealing with clients, staff, and volunteers.

Please send your Cover Letter and CV and brief legal writing sample using the subject line “Protection Program Coordinator”. All applications should provide contact information for two professional/academic reference (referees will only be contacted after interviews).