Theirc
Legal Consultant - Bekaa at Theirc in Bekaa, Lebanon
Job Description
Legal Consultant - Bekaa
Location: Bekaa, Lebanon · In Person
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Under the supervision of the Protection Manager, the Legal Consultant will contribute to reducing and preventing protection risks and promoting legal protection for individuals with a focus on cases under case management. This will be achieved through the identification of legal needs in the field and the provision of legal services, including legal awareness sessions, legal counseling, legal assistance, and legal representation.
The Legal Consultant will also receive and manage referrals from the IRC's and its partners' Child Protection (CP), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Protection Case Management teams, as well as from protection centers and other internal and external referral pathways, to ensure timely and appropriate legal support for eligible clients.
The legal consultant will be responsible for:
- Keep abreast of and share all relevant information related to the legal framework in Lebanon, including new laws, decrees, regulations, and judicial or administrative decisions that may impact program implementation or clients' rights.
- Establish and maintain effective communication and coordination with the IRC's implementing partners in the targeted locations.
- Conduct regular field visits, including providing in-person legal services at IRC protection centers and other designated locations.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting of activities at both the quantitative and qualitative levels, and promptly communicate operational challenges, emerging issues, and support needs to the Protection Manager.
- Provide legal assistance and representation to individuals at risk, with a particular focus on cases referred through CP, GBV, and Protection Case Management programs.
- Ensure that all legal services are delivered in accordance with the Do No Harm principle and a survivor-centered approach, while maintaining confidentiality, safety, and respect for clients.
- Collaborate closely with Protection Case Management teams and case workers to ensure that legal interventions are coordinated, appropriate, and responsive to clients' protection needs and case plans.
- Prioritize cases based on vulnerability, urgency, and the level of protection risk to ensure timely service provision.
- Provide technical advice and support on legal matters relevant to the Protection Program, as requested by the Protection Manager.
Deliverables:
Legal Representation:
- Represent eligible clients before competent courts, public administrations, security agencies, municipalities, and other relevant authorities, in accordance with Lebanese laws and IRC eligibility criteria and program guidelines.
- Prepare and submit legal petitions, applications, complaints, memoranda, and other legal documents required for representation.
- Attend court hearings, administrative appointments, mediation sessions, and official meetings on behalf of clients where authorized.
- Advocate for clients' legal rights while maintaining professional ethics and impartiality.
- Follow up on court decisions, administrative rulings, and legal procedures until case closure or referral, as appropriate.
- Maintain regular communication with clients regarding case progress, legal developments, and next steps.
Legal Assistance:
- Assess clients' eligibility for legal assistance in accordance with IRC eligibility criteria and program guidelines.
- Prepare, review, and submit legal and administrative documents required for civil documentation, residency, family law, labor, housing, and other protection-related legal matters.
- Assist clients in obtaining and completing official forms and supporting documentation.
- Liaise and coordinate with relevant government authorities, municipalities, courts, notaries, lawyers, and other stakeholders to facilitate legal procedures.
- Support clients in obtaining civil documentation and completing administrative procedures before competent authorities.
- Coordinate with internal Protection teams and external service providers to ensure integrated and timely support.
- Monitor the progress of legal cases and administrative procedures and provide regular updates to clients and relevant case management teams.
- Conduct mediation sessions, as required, on legal protection issues, including forced evictions, confiscation of documents, and other related cases.
Legal Counseling:
- Conduct legal counseling sessions to assess clients' legal needs and provide accurate, impartial, and confidential legal information and advice.
- Explain applicable Lebanese laws, administrative procedures, rights, obligations, and available legal remedies in a clear and accessible manner.
- Support clients in understanding available options and making informed decisions regarding their legal cases.
- Develop legal action plans in coordination with clients and, where applicable, Protection Case Management teams.
- Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential case files and legal documentation in accordance with IRC policies and data protection standards.
- Ensure all legal counseling is provided in line with humanitarian principles, the Do No Harm approach, and survivor-centered principles.
Legal Information Session:
- Develop legal content for information sessions in coordination with the Protection Manager.
- Ensure provision of the most updated legal information according to IRC’s guidance notes.
- Conduct legal information sessions in coordination with the protection team / Legal team and in adherence with set targets.
Reporting:
- Enter every case on the dedicated platform on a daily basis.
- Provide a progress report according to set templates on monthly basis.
- Analyze data and highlight trends, legal protection needs and changes in legal frameworks and practices in reports.
- Upon requests Legal consultant can be asked to conduct other duties by supervisor according to
- changes in context.
Key Stakeholders and Relationships:
- Report directly to the Protection Manager and receive regular technical guidance and supervision.
- Coordinate closely with IRC and its ‘implementing partners Protection teams, CP, GBV and Protection Case Management to ensure integrated service delivery.
- Collaborate with other IRC sectors, including Health, Economic Recovery and Development (Livelihoods), Technical Unit (TU) staff, and field offices.
Maintain effective working relationships with implementing partners, government authorities, legal actors, and other relevant external stakeholders.
Requirements:
Work Experience:
- At least two years of prior professional experience in a similar post, preferably with an international organization.
• Strong protection background and solid knowledge of the international and local humanitarian legal framework
• Member of Beirut or Tripoli Bar Association.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
- Strong management and organizational skills.
- Excellent time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently.
- Flexible and able to work in a dynamic and diverse environment.
- Must be computer literate (Microsoft Word and Excel).
Education: Law Degree from an accredited University. Master’s degree preferred
Language Skills: High standard of spoken and written Arabic and English is required.
Registered with the Bar Association is to be maintained during contract period**
Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.