CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Position Title: Legal Assistant - 2 positions

Duty Station: Sofia, Bulgaria 

Reference Number: CFA BG10-2024-01

Classification: Special short-term ungraded contract 

Type of Appointment: 9 months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 5 August 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

 

Context: 
Under the direct supervision of the National Project Officer(s) and the overall supervision of IOM Bulgaria’s Head of Mission, the successful candidate will provide support to migrants accommodated in Registration and Reception Centres (RRCs) in Bulgaria and/or living at external addresses.

 

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Work within a multidisciplinary team as a legal counsellor that includes other IOM staff (social worker, psychologist, interpreter, cultural mediator, AVRR referral counsellor, etc.);

• Provide general legal counselling on the relevant asylum legislation in Bulgaria to migrants, requesting IOM legal assistance in line with IOM standards, and provide appropriate support and/or referral to relevant services;

• In coordination with IOM colleagues, provide legal assistance on the procedures to be followed for issuing identity or travel documents, welfare rights, education, housing, access to health care services, etc.;

• Prepare weekly reports, follow-up with administrative tasks and coordinate the work with colleagues from other IOM programmes;

• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings with the State Agency for Refugees experts and representatives from other organizations/institutions on individual cases, as needed;

• Prepare information sessions on legal topics as per the needs identified of beneficiaries of IOM programmes;

• Prepare presentations and participate in trainings, seminars and meetings, and liaise with partner organizations, as required.

• Perform any other duties, as may be assigned.

 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachellor’s degree in Legal Studies, International Relations or related field from an accredited academic institution with at least three years of relevant professional experience;

• High School degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience;

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

 

Experience

• Previous work experience on Migration issues is considered an advantage;

• Previous work experience with EU donors is considered an advantage;

• Previous work experience in international organizations with intergovernmental organizations or NGOs is considered an advantage.

 

Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint. 

 

Languages

• Fluency in Bulgarian and English is required (oral and written). 

 

Required Competencies

 

Values - All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values: 

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

• Maintains confidentiality and discretion in appropriate areas of work.

 

Other

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

2. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

 

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications (Cover Letter and CV in European Format) in English, to iomsofia@iom.int email address, quoting the special vacancy notice reference number CFA BG10-2024-01 by 5th of August, 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 

Posting period:

From 8.07.2024 until 5.08.2024