Lebanon: Staff Attorney

About IRAP

The International Refugee Assistance Project (“IRAP”) is the first organization to provide free and comprehensive legal representation to refugees through the registration, protection, and resettlement processes. We are 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.

IRAP operates offices in New York, Jordan, and Lebanon. 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 at 28 universities in the United States and Canada.

IRAP believes in action, accountability, innovation, and candor. We are nimble, collaborative, and nonpartisan, and believe in the power of individuals to change their own circumstances. IRAP was founded in 2008 by a group of law students with a vision to change the status quo of global refugee processing in order to assist the most vulnerable refugees.

Opportunity

IRAP is seeking a Staff Attorney to be part of IRAP’s Legal 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 advise IRAP pro bono teams representing refugees and will liaise with IRAP NGO partners and civil society actors in Lebanon. The position reports to the Middle East Field Director.

Responsibilities

• Directly represent vulnerable 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.
• Assist the IRAP Legal team with managing and mentoring IRAP law school chapters and law firms, including reviewing legal submissions to UNHCR and providing expert legal advice to ensure high-quality representation by our pro bono teams.
• 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

• Licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction
• Fluent in spoken Arabic
• Fluent in spoken English and proficient in written English
• 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; comfortable working with diverse populations
• Prior nonprofit/NGO employment is a plus
• A two year commitment to the position is preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite

Please submit a cover letter, resume, short writing sample in English (3-5 pages), and a list of three references using the application form available here.

IRAP is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. IRAP offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits including health and retirement plans, a flexible work schedule, and vacation/sick leave.