[Commpsych] Fwd: Job Vacancy: Legal Services Officer for Asylum Access (Bangkok) - Australian nationals

[Serdar M. Degirmencioglu]

Dear friends,

Asylum Access, a refugee legal aid organization in Bangkok, is currently recruiting for a Legal Services Officer for 2 years starting August 2009.  For funding reasons, the position is restricted to Australian nationals.  The position, copied below, is posted at http://www.vidavolunteers.com.au/aspx/displayassignment.aspx?id=7887. Applications (via the preceding link) close June 26.  Please apply or circulate (apologies for cross-postings) and feel free to contact me in case of any questions!

Thanks,
Stephanie

-- 
Stephanie Jones
Legal Services Director, Asylum Access Thailand
Asylum Access:
Realizing Refugee Rights in Africa, Asia and Latin America
www.asylumaccess.org
thailand at asylumaccess.org

* * *

Assignment Code: V09THGO03

Assignment Position Title: Legal Services Officer
(APPLICATIONS CLOSE 26 JUNE 2009)

Name of Host Organisation: Asylum Access

Name of Australian Partner Organisation: n/a

Location: Bangkok, Regional Asia (Thailand)

Duration of assignment: 24 months

Start Date: August 2009

Description of the Host Organisation:

Asylum Access addresses a critical unmet need in one of the world's most vulnerable populations. Refugees fearing persecution or fleeing civil war usually land first in a country near their own - in today's world, primarily somewhere in Africa, Asia or Latin America. Traumatised by what they have already endured, often unable to speak the local language, and sometimes possessing nothing but the clothes they wear, refugees who have just fled are especially vulnerable to violations of their legal rights. Many face immediate deportation directly into the hands of a government that threatens to torture, imprison or kill them. Many more are summarily imprisoned in the country to which they have fled. Without assistance, most of these refugees are in no position to assert their internationally-recognised rights to a safe haven, basic fairness, and a chance to rebuild their lives. Asylum Access provides free legal counsel and representation to refugees seeking
 to assert their legal rights to safety, employment and social services. In collaboration with local organisations in Africa, Asia and Latin America, Asylum Access develops and implements refugee legal aid projects, where legal services are provided by local and overseas volunteer lawyers. With legal counsel and representation, refugees can assert their human rights and take the first steps toward rebuilding their lives, rather than depending solely on humanitarian aid. Asylum Access’s approach is innovative, sustainable, and sorely needed.
Assignment Description:

The Legal Services Officer will be responsible for developing the provision of legal information, advice and representation to asylum seekers seeking recognition as refugees from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bangkok, Thailand. This involves: (1) Reviewing the provision of legal information, advice and representation to asylum seekers and ensuring all such services meet Asylum Access’ quality standards; (2) Recruiting and training local and international staff, including handover to Thai Legal Services Officer; (3) Monitoring and evaluating the provision of legal services, including coordinating and building relationships with key organisations and identifying areas where reform or advocacy is required; and (4) In cooperation with Thai Policy Director, developing and implementing a policy advocacy plan to promote refugee rights in Thailand.

Assignment outcomes to be achieved:

• Established AAT Thai volunteer network
• Supported establishment of Thai Legal Services Officer
• Enhanced and expanded legal services
• Created networks between Thai civil society and refugee communities

Essential minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor or equivalent degree

Essential minimum experience:

• At least three years legal experience and/or experience working with asylum seekers and refugees
• Experience taking affidavits or testimonies, writing concise legal briefs, advocating orally before an adjudicator, and preparing clients to testify in legal proceedings, especially vulnerable clients
• Experience working with NGOs and/or the UN
• Program and volunteer management experience

Desirables:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Independent, resourceful, and self-motivated
• Flexible and able to work well under pressure
• Understands political and human rights conditions in the region

Description of assignment location:

The assignment is located in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

Information on accomodation options:

Assistance with the identification of suitable, secure and affordable accommodation will be provided by the In-country Manager and the Host Organisation. Bangkok has many accommodation options, mostly apartments, in the range of THB 10,000/month.


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