Protection Officer / Legal Aid

About the Position

We are seeking a Protection Officer / Legal Aid to provide legal assistance and counseling to individuals and communities in need in Syria.

Responsibilities

• Stay up to date with the legislative, administrative, and policy developments in Syria related to legal status and identity, civil documentation, family law, HLP rights, labor law, and other topics relevant to the provision of humanitarian assistance.
• Monitor the legal environment to identify recurring legal protection challenges or violations of rights and report findings to the line manager and Legal Specialist, identifying opportunities for improvement or interventions.
• Provide legal information to crisis-affected people about their rights and responsibilities, including in housing, land, and property rights, based on DRC legal aid guidance and relevant materials.
• Support individuals in understanding legal processes and procedures, particularly for accessing civil documentation, based on an up-to-date analysis of the relevant administrative and legal systems.
• Assist clients in obtaining necessary legal documentation (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, identification papers), and provide administrative support or accompaniment based on an understanding of the applicable legal procedures and rights.
• Ensure clients receive fair treatment without discrimination and access justice in compliance with relevant national and international law.
• Analyze potential violations of rights within the legal and administrative processes, advocating for necessary mitigation of barriers to accessing justice where appropriate.
• Advocate for the rights of highly at-risk individuals and groups, particularly those identified to be facing systemic risks of discrimination or denial of rights (e.g., older persons, persons with disabilities).
• Support the training of DRC protection staff, other sector staff, and relevant stakeholders on legal issues, human rights, and protection standards.
• Assist in the development of legal information and awareness materials, ensuring they reflect an accurate analysis of applicable laws and protections and are tailored to the specific needs of affected communities.
• Promote peaceful coexistence through legal mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, applying a legal analytical framework to evaluate the legal implications of disputes and recommend solutions that respect human rights and legal norms.
• Support the implementation of legal aid Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in identifying, referring, and responding to civil, administrative, and legal cases, ensuring procedures align with legal principles and standards.
• Initiate linkages with other legal aid service providers for referrals that require additional legal support, considering the legal complexities of each case.
• Ensure that principles of confidentiality and ethics are upheld throughout program implementation, applying legal standards regarding data protection and client privacy.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of proven professional experience in Syria providing legal services, ideally specializing in services provided to at-risk clients and refugees.
• Excellent understanding of the national legal, policy, and administrative frameworks and their practical application and challenges related to internally displaced persons and refugees, civil status, family law, criminal law, employment law, and Housing Land and Property (HLP) rights.
• Experience with NGO Legal Aid Programming (including in the provision of legal representation, legal counseling, and legal awareness raising).
• Experience interacting with judicial, security, and administrative authorities.
• Good understanding of humanitarian and do no harm principles.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct trainings on legal matters.
• Experience in internal and external representation.
• Demonstrated intercultural sensitivity and motivation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to quickly develop good insight and understanding of the conflict, the human rights situation, and the political environment of the program country.
• Experience working in partnership with national/local NGOs and civil society organizations is essential.

Education

• University degree in Syrian Law. Specialization in international human rights law and/or international refugee law (desirable).

Languages

• English (fluent)
• Arabic (native)

We Offer

• Contract length: till 30-04-2027
• Level: H2
• Location: Aleppo
• Expected Start date: As soon as possible

Application Process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the below link:

• Application Link: Talentech - Protection Officer / Legal Aid - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

Applications close 13-10-2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Need further information If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport. For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org.

About the Company

Founded in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate, and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.

By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:

• Professionalism, impact & expertise
• Humanitarian approach & the work we do
• Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
• Culture, values & strong leadership
• Fair compensation & continuous development

Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.