VACATURE: International Legal Researcher (International)

– Formal and Informal Judicial System
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

The Norwegian Refugee Council is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced persons. We advocate for their rights and assist with shelter, education, food distribution, and counselling on repatriation
Closing date: 10 Sep 2010
Location: occupied Palestinian territory - Gaza

The Norwegian Refugee Council is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced persons. We advocate for their rights and assist with shelter, education, food distribution, and counselling on repatriation

The Norwegian Refugee Council seeks:

Legal Researcher (International) – Formal and Informal Judicial System
Gaza

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) re-established its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories in January 2009 and is developing programme activities in the sectors of shelter and the provision of information, counselling and legal assistance (ICLA). The long term objective of the programme is to contribute to improved protection and living conditions for refugees and internally displaced persons in the OPT.

The ICLA programme is concentrating on providing legal assistance, particularly related to housing, land and property issues, for those displaced or facing displacement in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In late 2009, the NRC commenced a legal assistance programme in Gaza and established a legal aid center staffed by qualified lawyers who provide free legal assistance.

The ICLA programme requires a Legal Researcher (International) to undertake a detailed research study of the current Gazan legal system (formal and informal), with a specific focus on laws related to housing, land and property and access/freedom of movement and provide key information and recommendations for future interventions by the NRC.

The Legal Researcher (International) shall be assisted by a national Legal Researcher and shall work under the direct supervision of the ICLA Program Manager and the ICLA Project Coordinator in Gaza.

Functions/Key Results Expected

The Legal Researcher (International) will perform duties and responsibilities in accordance with the objectives and activities mentioned below:

Undertake a detailed research study of the current Gazan legal system (formal and informal), with a specific focus on laws related to housing, land and property and access/freedom of movement. The study shall include:

- background to the legal situation of Gaza (including the dispute over occupation and its legal relationship to the rest of the West Bank)
- summary of the current Gazan legal system (both formal and informal)
- summary of current challenges facing the Gazan legal system and those seeking to access justice through this system
- details on the relevant domestic laws, especially as they relate to housing, land and property and access/freedom of movement
- the applicability of international norms in Israel and Gaza
- provide recommendations for future interventions by the NRC ICLA programme in Gaza;

Undertake legal research on the Gazan legal system through a desk review;

Undertake a field mission to Gaza to undertake necessary research including interviews with key legal actors, as identified in cooperation with NRC Gaza staff.

Skills and Qualifications Required.

- Qualified lawyer, with a minimum of 7 years legal experience working in formal and non-formal justice systems;
- Strong experience with legal research and writing;
- High level of written and verbal English. Knowledge of either Arabic or Hebrew is desirable;
- Knowledge of international law (IHL and IHRL) applicable to housing, land and property;
- Knowledge of the context of Israel and oPt would be a significant advantage;
- Knowledge of ICLA programmes and objectives would be an advantage.

Commencement: As soon as possible
Contract period: 3 to 4 weeks (including at least 1 week in Gaza)
Salary/benefits: According to NRC’s general directions pay commessurate with experience.

The Norwegian Refugee Council has 2000 committed and competent employees involved in projects on four continents, to give refugees and internally displaced persons a better life and future. In addition we have one of the world’s largest standby forces with 600 professionals, ready to be deployed on 72 hours notice when crisis occur.
How to apply
Applications and CV in English are to be submitted by email to gzhr@opt.nrc.no.

Please ensure that you mark clearly the title of post that you are applying for.

Closing date: 10 September 2010

Reference Code: RW_88P9E7-92


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