Legal Assistant

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), in partnership with the Nepal Bar Association, has established a program for the support of internally displaced and conflict affected persons in Nepal, with offices in Nepalganj, Biratnagar, Surkhet, Rukum and Kathmandu (covering 14 districts). The program is designed to provide Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance through a community-based outreach methodology. To extend the program activities to the Districts of Siraha and Saptari in the Eastern Terai NRC will during the month of June open a new Field Office in Lahan in Siraha District.

This NRC program is now seeking applications from qualified and experienced candidates for the following posts for the new office in Lahan:

Legal Assistant ( 1 position)


Terms of Reference:

The Legal Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator to implement the Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) program in the areas of responsibility. The Legal Assistant must be able to work with limited supervision. The Leal Assistant will be expected to travel extensively throughout the respective region to provide basic legal assistance and information to the maximum number of target clients.

DUTY STATION: Lahan, Siraha District with extensive travel to surrounding districts and rural areas.


PURPOSE OF POSITION:


• Under the guidance of the Project Coordiantor, contribute to the fulfilment of the aims and objectives of the NRC presence in Nepal.

• Be responsible for the provision of legal and non-legal assistance and information to target beneficiaries throughout the Districts of Saptari and Siraha region.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


• Plan and participate in field trips within the area of responsibility;

• Ensure accurate and timely collection of client data and ensure entry into the NRC client database;

• Assist the Project Coordinator with the implementation of a range of legal and non-legal activities to address issues affecting NRC’s clients, including:

o processing client requests for personal documentation (such as birth certificates);
o providing basic information to clients on their legal rights and enforcement mechanisms;
o referring clients to other relevant service providers, such as trauma counsellors;
o identifying opportunities for capacity-building of local authorities and communities; and
o planning and implementing awareness raising activities.

• Conduct legal research;

• Keep up-to-date on regional and national legal developments applicable to the ICLA program and share this information as appropriate;

• Ensure legal filing system is kept up-to-date and accurate at all times;

• Prepare regular, written activity reports for the Project Coordinator;

• Prepare materials, such as pamphlets and training handouts, for awareness raising activities;

• Work closely with and support the functions of the Community Mobilisers;

• Participate in NRC staff seminars and training; and

• Any other related tasks assigned by the Project Coordinator.


QUALIFICATION CRITERIA:


• Bachelor Degree in law with a minimum of three years’ relevant professional work experience;

• Member of the Nepal Bar Association;

• Experience with the provision of legal aid or other services to vulnerable groups required;

• Excellent legal research skills;

• Dedication to the principles of NRC, including treating all persons with respect, regardless of ethnicity, education or background;

• Mature person, capable of handling politically sensitive and confidential situations;

• Excellent communication skills;

• Excellent written and spoken in English;

• Excellent command of MS Office applications;

• Ability to work with minimal supervision;

• Willingness to travel extensively through region of responsibility, spending at least 50% of work time in the field; and

• Previous work experience with NGOs or international organisations preferred.


I hereby agree to content of these Terms of Reference:


Name:__________________________________________________________________


Signature:_______________________________________________________________


Date:___________________________________________________________________


Detailed Terms of Reference for all the positions may be collected at the NRC Office in Biratnagar, (Swagat Marg, House 34, Ward 15, Janpath Tole) OR at the Country Office in Ekantakuna, Lalitpur Kathmandu, OR by clicking the link www.nrcnepal.org.np

• Application from women candidates are especially encouraged.

• Candidates with a thorough knowledge and experience from Eastern Terai will be preferred.


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


Applicants must submit a cover letter and CV to NRC:

• by email to nrc@nrcnepal.org.np or
• by mail to GPO Box 98, Biratnagar
• by delivery to the NRC Office in Biratnagar, Swagat Marg, House No. 34, Ward 15, Janpath Tole

Applicants must indicate the position they are applying for in their cover letter.

All applications must be received by 5 pm on Wednesday 4th June 2008. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.



Special Instructions for Applicants:

The NRC shall promote and protect people who have been displaced internally regardless or race, religion, nationality and political opinion. All employees of the NRC should be able to adhere to our Code of Conduct and the four organizational values: dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountable.