Legal Officer (PLARC project)

Job Description

Title: Legal Officer (PLARC project)

Company Name: Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST)

Vacancy: 1

Age: At least 25 years

Job Location: Cox`s Bazar (Ukhia)

Salary: Tk. 55000 - 60000 (Monthly)

Experience:

• At least 3 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency

• At least 3 years
• The applicants should have experience in the following business area(s): NGO, Development Agency

• Age At least 25 years

• At least 3 years of experience in the relevant field.

• Enrolled in the Bar Council as an Advocate, with at least 3 years of practical experience in the respective local courts.

• Applicants, the residents of Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar will be given preference.

• Applicants who have earlier working experience/currently working at a legal aid will be given preference.

• Earlier working experience/currently working on the Rohingya Crisis will be given preference.

• Experience in dealing with clients/beneficiaries. Experience in managing case documents properly.

• Good skills in speaking/reading/writing in Bangla and English.

• Good computer knowledge of MS Office. Flexibility to handle varied and demanding tasks and the ability to balance priorities.

• Ability to work independently, as well as be a member of a team, and to be flexible to accommodate the needs of stakeholders.

• Ability to lead the assignment and the team with remote supervision. 

• Women are encouraged to apply.

Job Context:

BLAST is looking for a Legal Officer for the PLARC project. The Legal Officer should have previous experience in dealing with legal matters at the district court and can be currently enrolled in the local BAR examination. The project aims to provide legal services -legal literacy, legal advice, information, referral, mediation, and, where appropriate, litigation - in Cox's Bazar to ensure access to justice for individuals in the community as well as to provide increased responsiveness of local justice actors - by capacity-building training to project staff, community volunteers(Self-help group), and local government representatives. This incumbent will handle legal issues for the project beneficiaries. S/he will appear in the court regularly. The incumbent will manage the client’s files/documents properly and produce them as needed. S/he will supervise and maintain the register and case diary regularly and assist Panel Lawyers in dealing with cases for BLAST clients. 

Job Responsibilities:

• Interview the clients and record their applications.

• Check and maintain files, registers, and case diaries regarding cases as per guidelines.

• Scrutinize the case papers and analyse the merit of the cases as per guidelines.

• Conduct mediation meetings as and when necessary and follow up accordingly.

• Maintain regular contact with clients/beneficiaries.

• Appear before the court as required.

• Provide legal counselling on various legal matters/issues to the refugees and ensure necessary follow-up.

• Draft FIRs, GDs, complaints, and other legal protection-related applications and file them with the relevant authorities, including police stations and courts, and follow up accordingly.

• Conduct awareness sessions within the refugee community, including community leaders and religious leaders, on legal rights and protection issues.

• Issue letters regarding the cases to the Panel Lawyers.

• Maintain records of engaged Panel Lawyers.

• Intervene with law enforcement agencies, as necessary, for the rescue of victims/survivors and provide legal support in detention and release processes in accordance with applicable laws.

• Conduct monitoring visits to detention centers and follow up on cases involving detained individuals.

• Prepare monthly/quarterly/half-yearly/yearly legal statements/reports regarding applications received, mediation, litigation, and case studies as per guidelines.

• Prepare camp-based activity and protection reports and maintain systematic documentation of individual cases.

• Conduct/organize/attend meetings, workshops, seminars, and training courses.

• Organize and facilitate training sessions for staff and refugee volunteers to build capacity on legal and protection issues.

• Attend Camp coordination meetings, sectoral meetings, and other relevant field-level coordination platforms.

• Perform all other duties as and when required by the authority.

• S/he will contact the BLAST clients/beneficiaries at Cox's Bazar in the Rohingya camps.

• Respond to cases involving SGBV, trafficking, abduction, violence, and other serious human rights violations, including emergency response as per applicable SOPs and guidelines.

• S/he will perform all regular duties under the supervision of the Litigation Coordinator but will contact DD, Litigation/DD, Mediation to obtain proper suggestions and advice if needed.

• Supervise and guide Associate Legal Officers and volunteers in their daily activities, including recordkeeping, case management, and reporting.

• Ensure proper maintenance of all records, registers, and case management systems (including CMS updates) in an accurate and timely manner.

• Coordinate court appearances of refugees, including notifying them of hearing dates and facilitating necessary arrangements such as transportation and camp passes.

• Assist beneficiaries in accessing legal aid services, including matters related to prison visits, post-mortem procedures, OCC-related issues, and court representation.

• Maintain confidentiality of all case-related information and ensure ethical handling of sensitive data.

• Collect and verify necessary information from beneficiaries with appropriate guidance.

• Organize and participate in the observance of relevant national and international days.

• Perform any additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor/organization from time to time.

• Weekly 2 holidays,Mobile bill,T/A,Tour allowance

Other benefits and compensation as per organization/project policy.