Hardship Level H (no hardship) Family Type Family Family Type Family Residential location (if applicable) Grade NOB Staff Member / Affiliate Type National Professional Officer Reason Regular > Regular Assignment Target Start Date 2025-06-17 Deadline for Applications June 17, 2025 Standard Job Description Associate Legal Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Associate Legal Officer is a member of the protection or legal team either at Headquarters (within the Division of International Protection or in a Regional Bureau), or in a Country or Sub-Office. He/she may report to the (Senior) Protection or (Senior) Legal Officer, Head of Sub-Office or to the Assistant Representative for Protection. In smaller Offices, the post may report directly to the Representative. The incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for protection or legal staff who may include community services, registration, resettlement and education. The Associate Legal Officer is relied upon by the Office to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern (POC). Another important function of the position is to ensure that POC are involved with the Office in making decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or in identifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, the incumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communities of concern, authorities, protection and assistance partners as well as a broader network of stakeholders who can contribute to enhancing protection. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Monitor the development of law and doctrine. - Contribute to advocacy towards proper interpretation of law and doctrine as well as in the development of standards of protection. - Assist in the preparation of legal advice and drafting of position papers and guidelines on pertinent legal and operational issues. - Consistently apply international and national law and UNHCR policies and standards. - Provide inputs to the formulation of protection strategies. - Liaise with DIP, Division and Bureau work units and external actors to enhance awareness of protection principles. - Participate in meetings within UNHCR and with external counterparts at the relevant level. - Contribute to draft protection documents and policies in cooperation with supervisor. - Assist in the development of project proposals and project implementation. - Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Law; Refugee Law; Human Rights Law; International Humanitarian Law; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Learning Prog; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Excellent legal research, analytical and drafting skills. Desirable Completion of UNHCR learning programmes on protection would be an asset or any other equivalent external courses. Functional Skills CO-Drafting and Documentation LE-Legal Research (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power. As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates. Desired Candidate Profile Contribute to the work of the Protection Unit in line with its work plan and the protection strategy for the Office. Work in collaboration with other UNHCR Canada units, other UNHCR operations, Bureaux and HQ as required. Remain abreast of current domestic legal issues and policies impacting persons of concern. Assist in the preparation of legal advice, position papers, guidance and updates on legal and operational issues relating to refugees and refugee claimants in Canada consistent with UNHCR policies and international standards. Maintain productive working relations with Government authorities, and advocate for asylum policies and measures that accord with international standards. Collaborate closely with stakeholders such as the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on priorities such as refugee status determination, the asylum system, and detention. Liaise with relevant members of civil society, including lawyers, academics, and NGOs to further UNHCR's outreach and partnerships relating to the protection of refugees in Canada. Assist in analysis of data related to the asylum system and refugee status determination. Assess individual cases as required, for possible UNHCR intervention. Perform other duties as required depending on the needs of the team. This could include but is not limited to assisting in capacity building initiatives for the Americas region and strategic litigation. Desirable Qualifications & Competencies: Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another UN language; knowledge of Spanish and/or French are a strong asset. Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience: Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS), with focus on human rights, refugee law and/or international humanitarian law plus minimum at least 3 years of related professional experience. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master’s) plus 2 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 1 year of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted. Excellent legal research, analytical and drafting skills. Excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge and experience in Canadian refugee law are strongly desired. Previous experience working in the field of refugee protection internationally is an asset. Experience working in or knowledge of the current context in refugee status determination and refugee population movements from Latin America are an asset. Required Competencies: Managerial Competencies Judgement and Decision Making Cross-Functional Competencies Analytical Thinking Political Awareness Strong Interpersonal, Teamwork and Negotiation Skills Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada when applying. To be eligible to work in Canada, applicants must have one of the following legal status: Canadian citizen or a (valid) Permanent Resident of Canada or valid work permit in Canada under Immigration & Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Closing date: 17 June 2025 at 12am GENEVA Time. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a written test and competency based interview. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing or any other fees). Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level): , , Desired languages , , Operational context Occupational Safety and Health Considerations: Canada is a G7 country with a stable government and high standard of living. It is a family duty station and has good access to housing, healthcare and education. It does not require vaccines and does not have any travel advisory issues. Nature of Position: Canada is an advocacy operation with an office in the national capital, Ottawa. Our main interlocutor is the federal government with whom we work closely to increase the protection environment and solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers. The Canada operation works closely with the Americas Regional Bureau and Headquarters on key areas of work including strategic litigation and asylum reform initiatives. The Associate Legal Officer is a member of the Protection Unit and reports to the Senior Legal Officer. Under the overall direction of the Protection Unit, and in coordination with other UNHCR staff, government, NGO partners and other stakeholders, the Associate Legal Officer works directly with various levels of government and civil society stakeholders to improve the asylum system in Canada and asylum capacity in the Americas region. The incumbent will promote protection principles and international law as relevant to persons of concern is undertaken. Legal and policy analysis is conducted, and advice and guidance are provided in line with protection standards and with UNHCR’s global, regional and country level priorities. Living and Working Conditions: Ottawa is the capital city of the country and is the main seat of the federal government. Canada does not have any security concerns has an excellent health care system/facilities and public transportation is easily available. Additional Qualifications Skills Legal Procedures, LE-Legal Research, PR-Analysis of laws and practice relevant to the immigration detention and ATD, PR-Data Protection Policy Education Bachelor of Arts: Law Certifications HCR Learning Program - UNHCR Work Experience Legal, Protection Competencies Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Innovation & creativity, Judgement & decision making, Organizational awareness, Policy research & development, Teamwork & collaboration UNHCR Salary Calculator https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales Compendium Additional Information Functional clearance This position doesn't require a functional clearance Important notice: Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing or training). Read about how to avoid scams and fraudulent job offers. Please note that applications are only accepted via the UNHCR online recruitment platform. CVs and/or application requests sent via email will not be answered, reviewed nor considered. For external applicants: We would like to call your attention on the eligibility of International Professional (P) category: According to our Recruitment and Assignments Policy, P staff members will not normally serve in the country of their nationality, and the first regular appointment in the P category must be outside the staff member's country of nationality. In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of. In case of technical difficulties when applying, external applicants (not current UNHCR workforce members) can write to recruitment@case.unhcr.org. For former UNHCR Colleagues: Former UNHCR employees who are on mandatory break-in service or have separated from UNHCR after 1 October 2022 should create an account through this platform. Once you fill in your basic personal information (employee ID, birth date, name, email address), Workday will identify you as prior personnel and merge your employee account with your external applicant account. The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, takes the lead in protecting people forced to flee wars and persecution around the world, providing life-saving aid including shelter, food and water to ensure their basic safety, rights and dignity. With 18,879 women and men working in 137 countries, we work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of 89.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. Our dedicated and professional staff work around the clock in roles including legal protection, community services, public affairs, health and more. Despite the challenges they can face, our staff are proud to work for UNHCR and determined to make a positive impact. Why a career with UNHCR? Our dedicated staff work to protect and assist people fleeing conflict and persecution at a time when global forced displacement is at a record high. Our colleagues bring a wide range of specialized skills, including expertise in legal protection, administration, community services, public affairs, health and other disciplines. Disability inclusion If you are a person with a disability and you expect you may face challenges during the recruitment process, you can indicate it in your application form. There are options to select any health conditions you may have and outline any necessary adjustments related to disabilities during the recruitment phases. Providing this information is optional. It will be treated as strictly confidential and used only for the purpose of finding out how to better assist you during the recruitment process. Adjustments for candidates with disabilities will be provided as best as possible and as needed upon request. All candidates will be assessed based on meeting the requirements for each vacancy in relation to experience, skills, and education.
