Legal Officer

 

Reporting To

Advocate

Job Purpose

The Legal Officer will provide legal assistance, counseling, advice, and representation to members of the host community in Cox's Bazar, with a particular focus on protecting the rights of vulnerable populations and facilitating access to justice. The role requires close coordination with humanitarian organizations, local authorities, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies to address legal challenges and ensure appropriate legal interventions.

The position will ensure legal counseling, mediation, and comprehensive legal support to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors, including OCC support and coordination with police departments and relevant stakeholders. Working in collaboration with CIC, IRC, the Advocate of Pulse Bangladesh Society, and law enforcement agencies, the Legal Officer will strengthen community awareness of common legal issues, address legal barriers faced by survivors, and support appropriate case outcomes through effective legal interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and timely legal advice and counseling on matters such as dowry, dower, domestic violence, child marriage, and other relevant legal issues.

• Deliver legal assistance to survivors referred by IRC personnel concerning applicable legal matters.

• Ensure a safe, women-, girls-, and child-friendly environment throughout the legal support process.

• Provide legal counseling and assistance to survivors residing in safe shelters and accessing safe spaces.

• Develop plans for legal awareness sessions and conduct sessions within Rohingya camps and host communities.

• Establish internal governance policies and regularly monitor compliance with applicable requirements.

• Apply effective risk management practices and provide proactive guidance on potential legal issues.

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, statutory regulations, and relevant legal formalities.

• Identify and manage risks associated with legal service delivery and decision-making processes as required.

• Draft legal documents, including contracts, statements, agreements with panel lawyers, and other relevant documentation.

• Manage litigation-related matters and maintain professional coordination with the donor, IOM.

• Stay updated on changes in relevant laws and contribute to strengthening the organization's legal knowledge base.

• Provide comprehensive legal assistance to GBV survivors, including counseling, mediation, court case support, and bail-related assistance.

• Maintain administrative rules, procedures, and implementation plans for legal support activities.

• Organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions while effectively prioritizing assigned tasks.

• Manage complex legal matters involving multiple stakeholders and relevant authorities.

• Coordinate with panel lawyers, local police stations, and the District Legal Aid Committee in accordance with project donor requirements.

• File First Information Reports (FIRs) and General Diaries (GDs) at local police stations as required for legal interventions.

• Refer emergency cases to panel lawyers for necessary court proceedings and case filing.

• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports in accordance with the Protection Project's reporting requirements.

• Share case updates with IOM Case Workers and Safe Space Supervisors as required.

• Maintain proper documentation of legal cases, counseling sessions, and mediation activities.

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities assigned by the Legal Coordinator and Pulse BD management.