About SEED Foundation: SEED Foundation is a locally-registered NGO in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. SEED’s mission is to protect, empower, and support the recovery of survivors of violence and others at risk. SEED is committed to delivering quality and holistic approaches, combining international expertise and local know-how to achieve results for the people of Iraq and Kurdistan. SEED’s programming focuses on four key objectives: 1) the delivery of transformational, comprehensive MHPSS services including case management, mental health, and legal services, as well as psychosocial support activities; 2) strengthening the capacity of service providers through education, training, and capacity-building programs; 3) ​promoting policy and social change to strengthen the rights of, and protections for, vulnerable groups and individuals; and, 4) supporting the protection and recovery of survivors of trafficking in persons (TIP) including through SEED’s shelter for victims of trafficking and those at risk, aftercare services, and prevention work to reduce the risk of trafficking through public awareness, technical assistance, and advocacy for legal, regulatory, policy, process, and institutional changes.   

Role of the Lawyer:

The Lawyer will provide legal counselling and representation to clients who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing a violation of their human rights, including survivors of torture, trafficking, and GBV. The Lawyer position is a full-time position based in Erbil, and will support delivery of legal services to clients in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and its environs. The position will report to the Legal Advisor or Senior Lawyer. 

Responsibilities:

Deliver quality legal services - 70%

• Provide legal advice, assistance, and representation to clients, including those in detention, to enable them to assert their rights on a broad range of issues including criminal law, civil law, personal status and immigration.
• Advocate with local authorities, including criminal justice system actors, to ensure that the rights of clients are upheld and protected.
• Increase awareness of rights among at-risk communities including on processes such as residency permits, registration procedures and obtaining birth certificates.
• Support in identification of legal issues at the earliest opportunity and support development and implementation strategies to address them. 
• Use high level legal competencies to develop and implement innovative solutions to legal problems.
• Provide high quality, targeted and accessible legal advice across a range of practice areas and work with colleagues across SEED in order to secure and deliver effective solutions to legal issues. 
• Ensure clients’ risks and issues are identified, addressed and reported and, where appropriate, escalated. 
• Work closely with case managers and psychologists to ensure that clients’ legal needs are met.
• Make internal and external referrals for clients to ensure their access to other services.
• Maintain client confidentiality and accurate records of cases. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Documentation & Reporting (20%)

• Ensure documentation of all interactions with clients or other contacts in relation to clients’ cases in accordance with SEED's case management system, on an ongoing basis.
• Draft high quality legal briefs on behalf of the clients and where necessary support clients in recording there statements at the law enforcement offices
• Ensure accurate and ongoing updating of all (completing of all required forms) on CommCare database
• Follow SEED’s data collection approaches and ensure systematic gathering of data on legal issues as maybe required.
• Provide accurate, clear, and precise quality data of clients’ cases and other activities that contribute to monthly service delivery report and grant reporting.
• Report on monthly activities in a timely manner. 
• Where appropriate, provide impact/success stories from clients served. 

Advocacy and Policy Changes (10%)

• Participate in review of local laws and make recommendations for amendment to align with human rights 
• Support in research and drafting of policies, by-laws, and regulations as required
• Attend meetings and represent SEED Foundation in various forums as required

Essential criteria:

• A law degree from a recognized university 
• Membership of the Kurdistan Bar Association and permission to work in the KRI.
• A minimum of six years  of legal practice, including in court.
• At least 3 years experience working with an NGO.
• Strong belief in human rights and gender equality.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills.
• Good diplomatic and persuasion skills.
• High standard of spoken and written Arabic and Kurdish, with English a plus.
• Good computer skills.
• Ability to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights.
• High regard toward preserving confidentiality of work-related information and data.

Key values: 

• Serve as a positive role model and SEED ambassador at all times.
• Treat all people with respect regardless of age, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability status, marital status, and ethnicity.  
• Working collaboratively with all colleagues.
• Maintain a positive, cooperative attitude.

TO APPLY:  

• Send one PDF with your cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references to jobs@seedkurdistan.org using “ Lawyer - Erbil” as the subject of your email. 

• Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

• Only complete applications will be reviewed. NO CALLS PLEASE.

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.