Protection Officer - Legal Aid

(Yemen - Aden/ Lahj)

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and - whenever possible - for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 6500 staff. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

About the role

Overall purpose of the role:

Under the direct supervision of the Legal Aid Team Leader (TL), the Legal Aid Officer will ensure the effective implementation of DRC's legal aid intervention. The Legal Aid Officer will be responsible to deliver timely, high-quality, and effective legal aid services, including legal information and awareness session, counselling, and support to access legal documentation) in Lahj Governorates. The Legal Aid Officer will be responsible for legal aid interventions in the assigned areas of operation, as well as maintain effective working relationship with relevant stakeholders including community members, local partners, and CRA.

Main responsibilities:

Legal Services:

• Provide protection legal services in compliance with DRC SOPs and international guidelines and standards, under the technical supervision of DRC Legal Aid Team Leader in DRC community centers and through mobile team;
• Be responsible for conducting awareness sessions, legal counseling, and facilitating access to civil documentation;
• Disseminate accurate and impartial information to the beneficiaries through group awareness sessions in DRC's operation areas, selecting the legal topics in full consultation with the Legal Aid Team Leader, Protection Specialist, and Protection Manager, and using an AGD approach;
• Undertake individual sessions providing legal information and legal counseling as per the established work plan;
• Provide legal documentation services through the Civil Registration Authority (CRA) office in Aden, including issuing IDs and birth certificates;
• Ensure clear communication with beneficiaries to inform them of potential courses of action and empowering them to pursue their chosen options;
• Fill legal forms and legal tracking sheet, ensuring confidentiality, accuracy and timeliness under the supervision of the Legal Aid Team Leader;
• Conduct field visits to identify local NGOs, charity associations, social centers, and local institutions providing support to the local population to establish a mapping of existing legal services;
• Conduct field visits to assess the legal protection needs and concerns of the target population, with attention to people with specific needs;
• Identify individuals at risk and persons with specific needs and refer them to the necessary services after receiving informed consent and according to DRC criteria;
• Remain up-to-date on legal procedure, Yemen Law and policy developments, and support to update legal guideline & SOPs' documents as needed;
• At all times safeguard the safety and respect of the individual, in addition to the confidentiality of his/her information and his/her right to access services without any discrimination.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Ensure tracking and reporting of activity data and target achievements to supervisor (Team Leader);
• Submit to the Legal Aid TL weekly and monthly reports on all Legal activities, developments in the law context in Yemen;
• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly work plans in a timely manner and support the Team Leader in submitting internal reports as per schedule;
• Attend weekly supervisory meetings with the legal team and Protection TL to address any issues and set team plans;
• Maintain the legal database updated and consistent, and support the data analysis of legal case data in a safe and ethical manner;
• Support the implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools and report on problems in the implementation of the program;
• Keep case files up-to-date to ensure quality and accuracy of information, following DRC Standard Operating Procedures and ensuring beneficiary's data are protected;
• Ensure that all legal documents/forms are archived in the SP folders and in the locked cabinets, following DRC protocols for archiving documents.

Coordination and representation:

• Coordinate and maintain constructive and effective relationships with relevant stakeholders including partner agencies, community leaders, CBPNs, CRA, municipalities, and other service providers, in coordination with the other team members;
• Collaborate with other DRC sectors and NGOs to ensure a coordinated and collaborative response to the provision of services and assistance for those benefiting from legal services;
• Ensure up-to-date understandings of service providers operating in the area based on available service mappings and coordination with stakeholders;
• Maintain an up-to-date service mapping of the legal service providers operating in the area.

Other

• Maintain positive work relationship within the team, and promote team-building efforts in coordination with the Legal Aid Team Leader;
• Must adhere to DRC's mission, values, code of conduct including respect for the principles of neutrality, do no harm, non-discrimination and confidentiality;
• Ensure transparency and DRC's positive regard and reputation with communities and participate in community outreach;
• Must treat all partners and beneficiaries with dignity and respect:
• Any other duties relating to the nature of the job as directed by the Legal Team Leader.

Experience and technical competencies:

• At least 3 years of experience in the legal sector and providing legal services in the humanitarian sector;
• Familiarity/prior experience with DRC and its persons of concern (including internally displaced persons, returnees, refugees) is a distinct advantage;
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of local communities, customary rules and Yemeni Law;
• Familiarity with international protection and human rights legal standards is an advantage;
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and respect for people with specific needs and other vulnerabilities;
• Excellent organizational and planning skills as well as communication and inter-personal skills;
• Punctuality and respect for applicable rules and guidelines;
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, work independently and prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility;
• Willing to collaborate with and support people from different ethnic groups and different religions;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and safety of beneficiaries at all times;
• Computer/IT literacy (OS Windows, MS (Word, Excel in particular), etc.

Education:

• Essential qualification: University degree in Law.
• Desirable qualifications: Advanced University degree

Languages:

• Arabic - Fluent
• English - Desirable

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC's core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC's values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We Offer.

Contract length: June 30, 2027

Position Band: This position will be placed in the non-management (H2) band. Reports to the Protection Team Leader - Legal Aid.

Start date: ASAP

Duty station: Aden/Lahj, Yemen.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council's National Terms of Employment.

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

'Female candidates are encouraged to apply'

https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1036&ProjectId=176599&DepartmentId=19111&SkipAdvertisement=true

Closing date for applications: August 24, 2026, recruitment process is planned to start in maximum 2 weeks after the closing date.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.