Legal Consultant, Damascus

Result of Service: 1- Monthly consolidated legal-services report identifying assignments received, actions completed, matters pending, deadlines and recommended next steps. 2- Updated register of all UNRWA litigation and legal proceedings assigned to the consultant, including status and next hearing/action date, together with copies of material court decisions or filings. 3- Legal research notes, draft opinions, agreements, contracts, correspondence and other documents requested during the reporting period, submitted within agreed timelines. 4- Copies or summaries of relevant Syrian legislation, decrees and regulatory developments identified or requested, with a concise assessment of operational implications where appropriate. 5- Calculations and supporting legal analysis for service-incurred injury/death compensation or pension cases assigned during the period. 6- Immediate reporting of urgent court, governmental or legal developments that may affect UNRWA’s rights, privileges and immunities or require time-bound action. 7- Attend committees’ meetings and/or provide legal presentations when assigned and as appropriate.

Work Location: Syria Field Office, FO Damascus

Expected duration: 3 months, renewable subject to operational need, budget availability, satisfactory performance and applicable approvals. fhYHoSv D2uTTn

Duties and Responsibilities: Working under the supervision of Field Legal Office Lead (FLOL). The Legal Consultant will work under the day-to-day substantive supervision and direction of the FLOL and within the authority and reporting arrangements established by the Director of UNRWA Affairs, Syria. The consultant will undertake the following: 1- Provides legal research, analysis and written advice on Syrian laws and regulations relevant to UNRWA operations, including monitoring and reporting on legislative or regulatory developments that may affect the Agency. 2- Prepares first drafts of legal opinions, correspondence, memoranda, agreements, contracts and other legal instruments for review by the FLOL, while ensuring that local-law advice is accurate, practical and consistent with UNRWA’s legal status and interests. 3- Follows up court cases and other legal proceedings involving UNRWA or its officials in their official capacity, prepare case updates and relevant documentation, and represent UNRWA before local courts or authorities when specifically authorized, without prejudice to the privileges and immunities of UNRWA and in accordance with instructions received. 4- Assists in safeguarding and, as directed, asserting UNRWA’s privileges and immunities before competent Syrian authorities, including in matters involving summonses, court communications, or staff members arrested, detained or brought to trial in connection with the performance of official duties. 5- Provides local-law support on claims, disputes, accidents and other matters requiring preservation of UNRWA’s rights and remedies; support negotiations or settlements where specifically assigned. 6- Calculate or support the calculation of compensation/pension entitlements in service-incurred injury or death cases, as requested, with reference to applicable Syrian legal provisions and relevant Agency instructions. 7- Undertakes legal research and prepare supporting material required for administrative, employment, disciplinary or investigation-related matters when assigned by the FLOL. Final Agency legal assessment, decision-making and communications remain with authorized UNRWA officials. 8- Maintains an accurate and current register of assigned cases, court proceedings, deadlines, actions, legal opinions and deliverables; promptly flag urgent deadlines, material developments and legal risks to the FLOL. 9- Prepares periodic written status reports and provide copies of relevant Syrian laws, decrees, decisions, court judgments and other official legal material requested by the FLOL. 10- Observes strict confidentiality, professional independence and conflict-of-interest requirements in relation to all information and matters entrusted by UNRWA, and immediately disclose any actual or potential conflict. 11- Performs such other related legal-support duties within the TOR as may be assigned by the FLOL or the Director of UNRWA Affairs, Syria.

Qualifications/special skills: 1- A university degree in Law from an accredited educational institution. 2- Current admission/registration and good standing with the Syrian Bar Association, authorized legally to practice law and appear before competent courts in the Syrian Arab Republic. Competencies: 1- Integrity, professionalism, impartiality and respect for diversity. 2- Strong legal research, analysis and drafting skills; sound judgement and attention to detail. 3- Ability to manage multiple assignments and legal deadlines and to deliver accurate work under pressure. 4- Effective communication, coordination and client-service orientation. 5- Discretion and demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information. 6- Ability to work independently while receiving instructions and coordinating closely with the FLOL. Experience: 1- A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional legal experience, preferably including civil/commercial, contract, employment or administrative law, litigation and legal drafting. Experience advising an international organization, public body or major institutional client is an asset. 2- Demonstrated knowledge of Syrian law and court/administrative procedures relevant to institutional operations. 3- Working experience, as a lawyer, in the United Nations, or other intonational organization is desirable.

Languages: Excellent command of written and spoken Arabic and a working command of English is desirable.

Additional Information: Working conditions: Full-time/regular legal support for the agreed contract period, based in Damascus, with attendance at courts, governmental entities or other locations in Syria and participation in SR committees as operationally required and subject to applicable UNRWA security and administrative arrangements.

No Fee: