The Future Worlds Centre is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that closely co-operates with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representation in Cyprus, a humanitarian and non-political organization mandated by the United Nations to protect refugees and stateless persons and help them find lasting solutions to their problems.
Under a UNHCR-funded project, the Future Worlds Centre is inviting highly motivated Lawyers/Law Firms to provide legal services to asylum seekers and refugees.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one counseling and advice to asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection on issues relating to the asylum procedure and access to their rights.
-Representation of Persons of Concern before the authorities -Representation of Persons of Concern before the Administrative Courts.
- Advise on available remedies on the asylum procedure.
-Carry out frequent monitoring visits to detention centers where asylum seekers and persons of concern are held, as well as to the reception center, in order to assess their situation and provide individual legal advice.
-Advocate on related issues and collaborate closely with the Ombudsman’s Office, the Commissioner for the Rights of the Children, NGOs and other state or non-state entities involved in the protection of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, in order to exchange/disseminate best practices, facilitate effective co-operation in identifying and addressing possible gaps.
-Undertake needs assessments of refugees and asylum seekers on issues relating to the asylum procedure and access to their rights, and pursue reporting as well as intervention where appropriate. Priority will be given to vulnerable individuals such as victims of torture, unaccompanied minors, persons with disabilities etc.
- Represent the organization in meetings with government officials and other actors, to advocate for adequate access to fundamental rights, address systemic or procedural gaps in the asylum system, communicate with major partners on policies and to ensure effective coordination and implementation of common standards.
-Establish and/or maintain close links with European and international bodies/organizations that carry out policy, research and services on related issues.
-Prepare periodic reports (including monitoring reports) on activities carried out, problems identified and solutions proposed.
Qualifications
- Law degree
- Post graduate law degree (LLM)
- Member of the Cyprus Bar Association
-At least four years of professional experience in Asylum and Refugee law, Human Rights and Administrative law.
- In depth knowledge of UNHCR standard operating procedures (SOP) and Guidelines.
- Excellent command of English and Greek languages. Knowledge of another UN language (especially French or Arabic) would be considered an advantage.
-Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Duration: 1year.
Applications MUST include a CV and a cover letter/letter of interest.
Deadline for applications: 20tht of December 2016. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Send your completed application to paul@futureworldscenter.org
www.futureworldscenter.org