Legal Associate

Legal Associate – Grade GS6

The Legal Associate is a member of a protection team. S/he normally reports to a higher grade Legal Officer. The Legal Associate assists the supervisor to prepare legal analysis required for quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern.

Another important function of the position is to contribute to the involvement of the persons of concern 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 support involvement of communities of concern and relevant authorities; and will contribute to capacity‑building activities for local and central state authorities in the area of protection of persons of concern.

The Legal Associate is also in charge of the office's corporate legal work and advises on all matters of Labour Law affecting refugees.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the development of law and doctrine; provide input to assist in analysis of relevant emerging legislation in line with protection and humanitarian principles, international law and standards.
• Provide inputs to selected advocacy efforts of the operation and contribute to the preparation of legal advice and draft position papers.
• Consistently apply international and national law and UNHCR policies and standards.
• Liaise with relevant state authorities at central and local levels, partner NGOs and other relevant stakeholders; participate in meetings within UNHCR and with external counterparts.
• Contribute to drafting protection documents and policies in cooperation with supervisor; provide guidance and support in the formulation of protection strategies.
• Assist in handling individual cases and situations raising special questions of application or interpretation of international law, refugee and human rights law.
• Prepare protection documents and policies; participate in the development of project proposals and project implementation.
• Assist in the preparation of legal advice and drafting of position papers and guidelines on pertinent legal and operational issues.
• Advocate towards proper interpretation of law and doctrine as well as in the development of standards of protection.
• Liaise and intervene with local authorities on legal issues pertaining to persons of concern.
• Provide legal advice on all cases referred from all units of UNHCR, most notably RSD, RST and Registration.
• Support the identification and management of risks; raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or relevant colleague.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3 years relevant experience and high school diploma, OR 2 years relevant work experience and bachelor's or higher degree.
• Relevant work experience in legal affairs, humanitarian law, or related fields.
• Functional skill: CO-Drafting and Documentation, LE-Legal Research, TR-Training (virtual and face‑to‑face).
• Knowledge of English; ability to read and write in Italian is preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in facilitating training and completing UNHCR learning programmes on protection.
• Legal experience in international and EU refugee law, including knowledge of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.
• Proficiency in Italian and English; strong legal research, drafting and reporting skills in both languages.
• Strategic thinking, strong institutional and interpersonal communication skills.

EEO Statement

UNHCR welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnicity, national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation or refugee or stateless background. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance checks. UNHCR has a zero‑tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse, sexual harassment and discrimination. All personnel must contribute toward a safe and inclusive environment free from harassment and abuse.

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Italy. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.