Legal Consultant

About Bahar

Bahar Organization is an independent non-profit and non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aids to vulnerable people without any discrimination in all its forms. BO is operating to respond to the needs and basic requirements of the humanitarian crisis in Syria in the middle of the affected communities caused by the conflict the basic principles of BO’s activities are to enhance the basic living standards of the affected population by delivering humanitarian aid based on the needs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with HQ and Syria based program team to provide advice and inputs to assist in implementing legal assistance activities.
• Support capacity og program team to oversee, support, and monitor legal assistance activities.
• Advice on methodology for conducting relevant legal. service and justice system assessments and mapping activities, support capacity development of assessment
• teams and assist in finalizing assessment reports Lead development of procedural, management, and information systems and materials (e.g., SoPs, protocols, handbooks, and forms) to be used by the legal assistance team, in coordination with the Program Advisor.
• Develop materials and conduct capacity building training with the legal assistance team.
• Serving as a resource person and providing expert advice to internal and external stakeholders on legal aspects of safeguarding.
• Provide regular advising and follow-up with legal assistance teams.
• Assist program team to evaluate and adaptively manage legal assistance team and legal assistance activities.
• Assessment of legal assistance team capacities (baseline report).
• Development of training plan for legal assistance teams.
• Development of training materials for legal assistance teams.
• Delivery of training for legal assistance teams.
• Status assessment of formal justice system methodology and final report) (in collaboration with the team).
• Pathways for Justice analysis (value chain) methodology and final report (in collaboration with the team).
• The legal assistance assessment tool.
• Legal assistance service mapping methodology and final report (in collaboration with the team).
• Regular meetings with the program team.
• Regular advisory counseling sessions with legal assistance teams following training and start-up.
• Provide safeguarding, justice pathways analysis report.
• Legal Expertise: Possessing a strong background in law, with a focus on areas relevant to safeguarding, such as child protection, human rights, labor law, or criminal law and HLP. Understanding the legal frameworks and principles related to safeguarding is essential.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding Principles: Familiarity with international standards and guidelines for safeguarding, such as those outlined by the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations, or specific industry codes of conduct. Understanding the concepts of prevention, reporting, investigation, and response to safeguarding incidents.
• Analytical and Risk Assessment Skills: Ability to assess legal risks and vulnerabilities related to safeguarding policies and procedures. Conducting thorough legal assessments, identifying potential areas of non-compliance, and recommending appropriate mitigation measures.
• Communication and Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including staff, volunteers, legal professionals, and external partners. Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and concisely.
• Training and Capacity Building: Experience in designing and delivering training sessions or capacity-building programs on safeguarding legal frameworks, obligations, and reporting procedures. Ability to tailor training content to different audiences and facilitate interactive learning experiences.
• Investigation and Compliance: Proficiency in conducting investigations into safeguarding incidents, ensuring adherence to legal requirements, and maintaining confidentiality. Knowledge of disciplinary processes and procedures, including legal considerations for managing sensitive information.
• Policy Development and Implementation: Ability to develop and review safeguarding policies, protocols, and guidelines that align with legal requirements and international standards. Experience in facilitating policy implementation and providing guidance to staff on compliance.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Willingness to stay updated with evolving legal and regulatory frameworks related to safeguarding. Proactive in seeking professional development opportunities and adapting strategies and approaches based on emerging best practices.

Academic Qualification/s and Professional Experience:

• A degree in law or a related field. A postgraduate qualification or specialization in areas such as human rights, child protection, or international law is advantageous.
• Substantial professional experience 5 years in legal practice, preferably with experience in safeguarding, general protection, or related fields.
• Experience working with organizations or institutions involved in safeguarding, such as NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations.
• Experience in providing legal advice, conducting legal assessments, and developing policies and guidelines.
• Previous experience in conducting investigations into safeguarding incidents and managing sensitive information.
• Experience in delivering training or capacity-building initiatives on legal aspects of safeguarding.
• Knowledge of regional or country-specific laws and regulations related to safeguarding is a plus.

Safeguarding & Ethics:

Bahar is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants, or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to the Bahar Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.