UNIVERSITY OF HARGEISA, LEGAL CLINIC
JOB DESCRIPTION
Terms of Reference –Senior Lawyer
02/6/2019
Background
University of Hargeisa(UOH) Legal Clinic was established in 2002 with support of UNDP and it became a partner with UNHCR in December 2006. Legal Clinic comprised of five units, Criminal unit defense, Civil Litigation unit, access to justice and awareness unit, Women and Child unit and Human Rights Unit.
Human Rights Unit which is a partner with UNHCR is the largest Unit of Legal Clinic andprovides free legal aid to people in need of legal aid services, particularly to, refugees, asylum seekers, returnees, IDPs and extremely vulnerable members of the host communities in matters relating to criminal cases, civil cases, and customary law, and provides legal counseling and mediations where necessary. Legal Clinic, Human Rights unit also advocates and provides legal trainings, awareness raising to the host and refugee communities as well as Somaliland Law enforcements agencies and authorities. In addition to that, Legal Clinic, Human Rights Unit provides vulnerable refugee and asylums seekers shelter through conditional cash assistance.
UOH Legal Clinic, Human Rights Unit Project for Free Legal Aid Services and Awareness Campaigns for Refugees and Asylum Seekers(POCs) is aimed at improving access to national justice system for POCs. As per Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) approach this project is also aimed at improving access to national justice for extremely vulnerable members of host communities who can’t afford to hire a lawyer.
University of Hargeisa, Legal Clinic, Human Rights Unit Office in Hargeisa is seeking applications for a qualified Senior Lawyer for its free legal aid services and awareness campaigns project. The senior lawyer will provide free legal representation for the refugees, asylum seekers and host communities in line with Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) objectives. He/she will represent cases in all levels of Somaliland courts and also will involve all legal clinic human rights unit legal representations, detention and prison monitoring and community legal empowerment activities.
Position: UOH Legal Clinic, Human Rights Unit is recruiting for one senior lawyer. The senior lawyer will be based in Hargeisa but also frequently traveled to other regions of Somaliland in case of need.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The senior lawyer under the direct supervision of the Project Manager will;
- Assist clients with identifying their legal claims, advising as to their legal rights and obligations;
- Offer assistance with problem resolution through existing traditional forms of dispute resolution;
- Prepare for trial including drafting legal documents; gathering evidence; conducting legal research; and interviewing clients and witnesses;
- Representing clients at court where applicable;
- Provide free legal representation for refugees, asylums seeker, returnees and IDPs detained in Somaliland police stations/detention centers or remanded in prisons.
- Undertake police stations/detention centers and prisons monitoringin all regions of Somaliland to update the human rights situations of the refugees, asylum seekers returnees and IDPs.
- Prepare detailed daily, weekly and monthly reports and legal cases updates
- Any other tasks assigned by the manager
EXPERIENCES AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Somaliland Legal System and international Refugee Legal Frameworks
- Experience in working with refugees, IDPs, Returnees and other vulnerable populations
- 5 years of practical working experience in lawyer, judge, and prosecutor. In case you are a lawyer you should have a valid practicing license.
- Desire and demonstrated passion to assist Somaliland’s Poor and extremely vulnerable communities.
- Computer literate with ability to use Microsoft word, excel etc.
- Native Somali speaker and proficiency in English
- Speaking Amharic and Arabic is an advantage
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION
Minimum in LLB
DURATION OF CONTRACT
One year with possibilities of extension depends on available of funds and personal performance
TYPE OF CONTRACT
This position is project based.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Qualified and interested applicants are encouraged to submit curriculum vitae, testimonials and a letter of interest stating suitability for the position to University of Hargeisa Human Resource Office ordirector.hr@uoh.edu.sowith the subject heading “Senior Lawyer” the deadline is 10 Feb, 2019.