Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program

Saint Andrew’s Refugee Services, Cairo

Call for Applications: Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program

Founded in 1979, StARS is a refugee service provider in central Cairo that works to enhance the quality of life for refugees and vulnerable migrants through five broad program areas: education, psychosocial, legal, community outreach and unaccompanied youth and children support services. We provide high-quality services meeting the unaddressed needs of refugees, and we provide a safe and inclusive space for displaced people to come together as a community. We work for refugees, with refugees, to make rights recognition a reality.

StARS’ Mission: Driven by a commitment to solidarity and human dignity, StARS works both as displaced people and for displaced people to support the resilience and leadership of individuals and communities in their pursuit of an enhanced quality of life.

StARS’ Vision: StARS envisions a future where displaced people and the societies they join stand in solidarity, recognizing the strength and leadership of refugees. In this world, the displaced thrive with dignity, claiming their rights and enriching our shared human experience.

Standard of Professional Conduct: StARS and all its staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in StARS’ Code of Conduct, Child Safeguarding Policy, and PSEAH policy.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: StARS is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. StARS expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.

We serve people from many places, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

To learn more please visit our website: www.stars-egypt.org or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/standrewsrefugeeservices?fref=ts

Description of the Program

The Refugee Legal Aid Program provides advice and representation to refugees seeking recognition by UNHCR through refugee status determination procedures in Egypt, assists refugees in accessing durable solutions to safe third countries, and increasingly supports its clients to address protection risks they face in Egypt.

Role

Refugee Legal Aid Program

The Director of the Refugee Legal Aid Program is responsible for the management of the Refugee Legal Aid Department and its staff in the provision of legal advice and representation to urban refugees in matters of protection, refugee status determination, and resettlement. In consultation with the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program shall be responsible for determining the strategic direction of StARS’s legal services to refugees. The Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program shall be responsible for all matters relating to staffing, supervision, and day-to-day management of StARS legal services. The Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program is tasked with improving the delivery of quality legal advice and representation and engaging in advocacy that advances refugee rights in Egypt and more widely. The Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program leads a team of approximately 40 full-time staff, 10-12 Volunteer Legal Advisors, and a team of 20 staff and consultant interpreters.

Executive Leadership Team

The Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program is a Co-Director of the Executive Leadership Team. The Executive Leadership Team is responsible for the overall running, direction and leadership of StARS and its services through shared responsibility, decision-making, accountability, and authentic engagement. The Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program is a central role in the Executive Leadership Team, working within the team of the Directors to oversee the effective management and the daily running of StARS and responsible for general support to its programs and staff. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program oversees the development of the strategic direction of StARS, development and implementation of policies and procedures, financial management of the organization, fundraising, donor relations, project management and reporting. As part of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program is responsible for ensuring the integrity and transparency of the financial management at StARS and safeguarding the organization’s financial state. The Executive Leadership Team adopts a responsibility sharing model in the form of collaborative decision making and the elimination of unilateral action, in which the Executive Leadership Team Sub-Committees ensure fairness and consistency in decisions-making.

Responsibilities

All duties are carried out in collaboration with StARS Directors, as part of the Executive Leadership Team of StARS. A collaborative working relationship with StARS Directors is essential to the success of this role. The Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program performs a wide range of duties including the following:

Legal and Technical

• To provide general legal counseling and assistance to refugees regarding their applications for registration, protection, Refugee Status Determination, and resettlement before UNHCR, particularly on complex and sensitive matters and, or cases.
• To provide legal and technical guidance to the Refugee Status Determination, Resettlement, and Protection Teams on the development of services, improving service quality, and efficiency of services and internal systems.
• To ensure the smooth functioning of Refugee Legal Aid Program’s drop-in and emergency response clinic with the aim of providing clients with on-the-spot legal advice, interventions, and ensure a robust follow-up and recording system to ensure interventions are provided in a timely and effective manner.
• To supervise the screening and prioritization of clients for legal representation in Refugee Status Determination and resettlement processes.
• To establish procedures and guidelines to identify cases appropriate for expedited consideration by UNHCR.
• To establish procedures and guidelines to identify clients appropriate for basic legal counseling and receipt of self-help kits.
• To provide technical and legal guidance on country-of-origin information in support of individual refugee and protection claims, as well as for general organizational research purposes.
• To maintain intimate knowledge and understanding of the current political and social situations in the countries of origin of StARS’ clients, as well as in the country of asylum.
• To maintain good working knowledge of UNHCR guidelines, processes, and procedures.
• To assess legal and extra-legal client needs and refer to other StARS programs or external organizations as appropriate.
• To regularly monitor legal advice and interventions provided to different clients with the aim of ensuring adherence to and consistency with Refugee Legal Aid Program’s established guidelines and procedures.
• To ensure that comprehensive case management practices are adhered to, including maintaining and updating electronic databases and records for each client, and keeping detailed notes of all casework activities.
• To provide technical advice and guidance on matters relating to domestic Egyptian laws that intersect with Refugee Legal Aid Program’s client’s protection needs.
• In coordination with the Community Outreach Department, oversee the establishment of a system to deliver legal workshops for refugee communities.
• In coordination with the Community Outreach Department, oversee the establishment of a robust training and supervision program for community paralegals supported by StARS and working at partner refugee-led organizations.
• To adhere to the Nairobi Code of Ethics, the StARS Policies and Procedures Manual, and the StARS Code of Conduct, while ensuring compliance by all RLAP staff and volunteers.
• To maintain a caseload of between one and three clients in Refugee Status Determination, protection, or resettlement matters.
• To develop, implement, and ensure adherence to Refugee Legal Aid Program manuals and policies and procedures.
• To ensure that Refugee Legal Aid Program staff maintain a standard of quality of services and productivity to maximize the availability of legal services to refugees and vulnerable migrants.
• To oversee the development and regular updating of robust induction training programs for staff with the aim of maintaining a consistency in the quality of legal advice and services provided to clients.
• To ensure the establishment of streamlined data gathering and monitoring tools to ensure a strong evidence-based approach to strategy development and advocacy.
• To ensure that Refugee Legal Aid Program’s activities respond to project indicators and regularly monitor progress on the implementation of such activities.
• To ensure the establishment of administrative processes for accurate and timely reporting to donors.
• To lead on communication and coordination with other legal aid actors providing services to refugees, particularly on domestic legal issues.
• To build and maintain strong relationships with refugee communities and refugee-led organizations in Egypt.
• To develop and enhance systems of coordination with other StARS service programs, particularly the Psychosocial and Unaccompanied Children and Youth Departments, with the aim of offering StARS clients with holistic and integrated services.
• To communicate with refugee communities, other service providers, and UNHCR to facilitate the transmission of accurate information leading to the fulfillment of refugee rights.

Supervisory

• To directly supervise the two Deputy Directors in Refugee Legal Aid Program and the Refugee Legal Aid Program Protection Coordinator.
• To jointly supervise the Community Outreach Senior Legal Officer, and the Community Outreach Legal Manager.
• To undertake other supervisory duties as needed in accordance with available supervisory capacity in Refugee Legal Aid Program.
• To guide recruitment and training processes, and develop a robust supervision framework for all staff and volunteers across Refugee Legal Aid Program.
• To provide feedback on case strategies and recommendations for further action, directing Refugee Legal Aid Program staff on country-of-origin information research and legal analysis.
• To meet regularly with Refugee Legal Aid Program staff to coordinate caseloads, assign cases, improve team protocols, and monitor progress on Refugee Legal Aid Program programming and the strategic plan.
• To oversee the provision of intensive threeweek training for new staff and volunteers as needed.
• To participate in external training opportunities or, where appropriate, assign other members of Refugee Legal Aid Program to participate.
• To arrange ongoing training for Refugee Legal Aid Program staff and volunteers on Refugee Status Determination, protection, resettlement, and legal matters.
• To ensure that all members of Refugee Legal Aid Program carry out tasks in accordance with StARS’ policies, procedures, and standards, in particular ethics, conduct, confidentiality, anti-discrimination, and the prevention of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse.
• To administer disciplinary procedures, staff leave, reimbursements, and budget expenditure.
• To engage proactively in promoting self-care among staff and volunteers.
• To ensure high quality legal advice and representation and a refugee rights-based approach.

Policy and Advocacy

• To work closely with the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator to develop advocacy plans and strategies, as well as develop evidence-based advocacy tools.
• To lead on regular engagement with relevant policy and operation stakeholders.
• To monitor policies and external developments affecting refugees in Egypt, paying special attention to particularly vulnerable or marginalized groups.
• To closely monitor the implementation of the National Asylum Law and the development of the anticipated national asylum system.
• To directly advocate, particularly with UNHCR, on salient protection issues relating to urban refugees.

Finance and Administration

• To monitor and maintain strong financial records and procedures as per StARS financial rules and ensure proper financial documentation of all activities.
• To revise the strategy of Refugee Legal Aid Program in response to changing situations and participate in annual work planning.
• To maintain good knowledge of project budgets contributing to Refugee Legal Aid Program’s services and ensure close coordination with the Finance Department for the most effective use of resources.
• To undergo probation and regular performance appraisals.

Communication and Reporting

• To communicate regularly with the Executive Leadership Team, reporting on all major issues and developments in the field and within Refugee Legal Aid Program.
• To provide periodic reports and information sessions to the Executive Leadership Team, Deputy Directors, and where necessary management staff on protection and legal developments in Egypt.
• To provide input on protection and legal matters, as well as Refugee Legal Aid Program activities to support StARS’ applications to funding grants and donor reports.
• To promote information-sharing within Refugee Legal Aid Program and StARS on all issues affecting the populations served by StARS.

Executive Leadership Team

• To actively engage in periodic and ad hoc meetings with the Executive Leadership Team.
• To be an active member of the Executive Leadership Team and to provide all necessary support to other Program Directors and to StARS.
• To ensure engagement within the Executive Leadership Team and its members is done in an inclusive manner.
• To participate in assigned Executive Leadership Team Sub-Committees, including, but not limited to the Safety and Security Sub-Committee.
• To engage and foster positive relationships with StARS donors and partners as required.
• To actively participate in organizational decision-making through a collective and inclusive approach.
• To ensure that StARS strategic objectives are reflected across StARS services and operations.
• To contribute to the implementation of StARS policies, procedures, and strategic objectives.

Requirements

Technical

• English being the official language of UNHCR Egypt and StARS, the Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program must be fluent in both oral and written English. Arabic or a refugee language is an advantage.
• LLB, LLM, JD, or equivalent legal education; master’s graduate level legal education or practical experience as a legal advocate.
• Five years of experience in supervising the delivery of legal advice to refugees and asylum seekers or other marginalized groups.
• A track record of team-building or similar management experience.
• Knowledge of various models and methods of providing legal aid to marginalized, indigent, and vulnerable populations.
• Ability to closely supervise the work of team members and provide necessary follow-up.
• A strong ability to lead on negotiations with external stakeholders.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

Personal

• A demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, supervise, guide, support, and discipline team members as well as cooperate with peers.
• Belief and commitment to rights-based service provision.
• Belief in and commitment to non-discrimination on the basis of gender, race, disability, religious belief, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
• Diplomacy and assertiveness; the ability to confront and discuss sensitive issues with respect and care.
• Skill in obtaining information necessary to accomplish duties.
• Ability to prioritize work, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment while working with limited resources.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and detail-orientation.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems on a strategic and functional level.
• Able to express technical ideas and concerns in a non-technical environment.
• Understanding of human rights and client-centered approach.
• Commitment to a community-centered approach to service provision.
• Ability to develop effective systems considering organizational effectiveness and impact on people.
• A positive attitude and collaborative approach to dealing with clients, volunteers, and staff.

Working Hours: The Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program is expected to be at work for 40 hours per week, between the hours of 9am and 5pm, from Sunday to Thursday. Longer hours, evening and weekend work are sometimes necessary. Work will be conducted both in StARS premises and also in refugee communities and centers.

Reporting to and supervised by: The Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program will undergo a six to 12 months probation period during which they will be supervised by two members of the Executive Leadership Team. During the probation period, the Director is not a member of the Executive Leadership Team. Upon successful completion of probation, the Director will be a member of the Executive Leadership Team and will be supervised by the StARS Advisory Board.

StARS salaries are standardized per position according to a pay scale and are not negotiable based on the individual experiences and qualifications of the candidate. StARS salaries are competitive with the local market. Position salary will be discussed at the shortlisting and interview stage.

Requirements

Technical

• English being the official language of UNHCR Egypt and StARS, the Director of Refugee Legal Aid Program must be fluent in both oral and written English. Arabic or a refugee language is an advantage.
• LLB, LLM, JD, or equivalent legal education; master’s graduate level legal education or practical experience as a legal advocate.
• Five years of experience in supervising the delivery of legal advice to refugees and asylum seekers or other marginalized groups.
• A track record of team-building or similar management experience.
• Knowledge of various models and methods of providing legal aid to marginalized, indigent, and vulnerable populations.
• Ability to closely supervise the work of team members and provide necessary follow-up.
• A strong ability to lead on negotiations with external stakeholders.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

Personal

• A demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, supervise, guide, support, and discipline team members as well as cooperate with peers.
• Belief and commitment to rights-based service provision.
• Belief in and commitment to non-discrimination on the basis of gender, race, disability, religious belief, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
• Diplomacy and assertiveness; the ability to confront and discuss sensitive issues with respect and care.
• Skill in obtaining information necessary to accomplish duties.
• Ability to prioritize work, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment while working with limited resources.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and detail-orientation.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems on a strategic and functional level.
• Able to express technical ideas and concerns in a non-technical environment.
• Understanding of human rights and client-centered approach.
• Commitment to a community-centered approach to service provision.
• Ability to develop effective systems considering organizational effectiveness and impact on people.

A positive attitude and collaborative approach to dealing with clients, volunteers, and staff