About IRAP

The International Refugee Assistance Project (“IRAP”) is a dynamic and growing legal, policy, and advocacy organization that works to develop and enforce a system of legal and human rights for refugees and displaced persons around the world. We are the first organization to provide free and comprehensive legal representation to refugees through registration, protection, and resettlement processes. Since IRAP’s establishment, we have helped to resettle more than 3,800 individuals to 18 countries.

IRAP operates offices in the U.S. (New York City), Jordan (Amman), and Lebanon (Beirut). Our legal services are supplemented by a corps of pro bono lawyers from leading U.S. and international law firms and multi-national corporations, and law students who have created IRAP chapters across the United States and Canada. Through this work, we aim to assist refugees and other displaced people to find safe passage and to transform the landscape of refugee rights in the U.S. and internationally. IRAP has over 50 full-time staff, the majority of whom are based in the New York City office, with others working in field offices in Jordan and Lebanon or remotely. We are a nimble organization staffed by an innovative and collaborative team that is committed to high standards of quality and close partnerships with our clients, peers, and colleagues.Our Beirut Office consists of two staff attorneys, a humanitarian assistance coordinator, an office manager, and two members of our Intake & Legal Information team. Our Middle East Field Director and Data Director are also based in our Beirut Office. Our work is centered on providing remote and in person legal assistance with refugee resettlement through UNHCR and relocation through alternative pathways.

Opportunity

IRAP is seeking a Staff Attorney to be part of IRAP’s Legal Services team in our Beirut, Lebanon office. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in refugee, human rights, and immigration/international law, and to be part of a growing agency that makes an impact on the lives of refugees. The staff attorney will maintain a caseload directly representing refugees and will advocate on their behalf with the United Nations, U.S. and foreign governments, and other relevant agencies. The staff attorney will also liaise with IRAP NGO partners and civil society actors in Lebanon. The position reports to the Beirut Supervising Attorney.

Responsibilities

  • Directly represent refugees by drafting United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) resettlement referrals and other legal submissions as appropriate.
  • Provide advice and counseling to refugees in their UNHCR resettlement (RST) interviews, as well as representation before other agencies and Embassies as needed.
  • Review intake and screening reports completed by IRAP volunteers and staff as part of IRAP’s refugee case screening process, and conduct intake interviews.
  • Conduct trainings for NGO partners and information sessions for refugees on refugee law.
  • Regularly attend working group meetings with colleagues from other organizations engaged in refugee protection, legal aid, and durable solutions.
  • Assist IRAP Lebanon in hosting two annual visits from IRAP law school chapters, including participating in training law students during these trips.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Advanced knowledge of international refugee law and procedures
  • Ability to be flexible in a fast-paced and high-pressure work environment
  • Highly organized and motivated, able to multi-task, manage a high volume workload, and have excellent time management skills
  • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Sensitivity to client empowerment and to working with clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTI clients, survivors of trauma, and other vulnerable populations.
  • Prior nonprofit/NGO employment is a plus
  • A two year commitment to the position is preferred
  • Fluent in spoken English and proficient in written English
  • Fluency in spoken Arabic is preferred
  • License to practice law in any jurisdiction is preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Suite

Location

This position is based in IRAP’s Beirut Office.

Salary

This role’s salary is set on a scale depending on years of relevant experience after law school. For five years of experience, we will pay $66,671.

This vacancy is archived.

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