Legal Fellow

About IRAP   The International Refugee Assistance Project (“IRAP”) is a dynamic and growing legal and policy advocacy organization that works to develop and enforce a system of legal and human rights for refugees and displaced people around the world. We are the leading organization providing free and comprehensive legal services to people in need of a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.   IRAP operates offices in the US (New York City), Jordan (Amman), Lebanon (Beirut), and Germany (Berlin). Our global legal and advocacy teams work closely with a corps of pro bono lawyers from leading law firms and multinational corporations, law students, and volunteers from around the world. Through this work, we aim to assist refugees and other displaced people to find safe passage and to transform the landscape of refugee rights. We are a nimble organization staffed by an innovative and collaborative team that is committed to high standards of quality and close partnerships with our clients, peers, and colleagues.   IRAP believes that diversity is critical to fostering a strong workplace and serving our clients well. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experiences in the communities that we serve, members of other marginalized communities, and individuals whose identities are underrepresented in the legal profession.   IRAP Jordan   The team provides legal assistance to individuals navigating refugee resettlement, humanitarian protection pathways, and family reunification processes through in-house representation, legal information, and the mentorship of pro bono attorneys, students, and volunteers.   The Fellowship   The Fellow will assist our work by providing support in both the potential client vetting and legal remedy stages. The assigned attorney will identify any follow-up needs before making a decision on whether we will take on the case. Fellows may assist attorneys in the preparation of UNHCR referrals, client interview preparation, drafting a Request for Review, or filing a family petition. We support the fellows’ progress through regular check-ins and ongoing and consistent feedback by attorneys.   The Fellow will be working full-time. 

Reponsibilities

Assist attorneys in the counseling and direct representation of clients in a variety of case types, including: 

Resettlement referral submissions to UNHCR. 

Protection and GBV Referrals to UNHCR.

Direct referral submissions to the US Refugee Admissions Program.

Interview preparation for resettlement-related and refugee status determination interviews; and

Other global pathways for the protection and resettlement of refugees, stateless persons, and displaced persons, such as humanitarian or asylum visa submission pathways. 

 

Screen potential clients, review intake interviews, and monitor closed case requests for assistance to determine whether legal assistance can be provided. 

 

Monitor developments in law and policy as it relates to current and potential pathways for our clients. 

 

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required; pursuing an advanced degree in law is a plus. 

 

Values, Competencies, and Skills:

Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.

Fluency in oral and written English required; fluency in Arabic preferred.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Sensitivity to client empowerment and to working with clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTI clients, survivors of trauma, and other vulnerable populations.

Initiative to see projects through and ability to multitask.

Strong interest in refugee processing, immigration law, and human rights.

Ability to multitask, and be flexible in a fast-paced and high-pressure work environment.

Strong interpersonal and communications skills.

The ability to understand and handle sensitive and confidential information.

Fellowship-related Requirements

This fellowship is based in Jordan.

This fellowship requires office availability consistent with IRAP Jordan’s hybrid work policy.

This fellowship is a full-time position. 

Location The fellow will be hosted in IRAP’s Jordan office in Amman.   Application Process - 1-page cover letter describing your interest in working with IRAP, including any relevant life or work experience. -2-page resume. --3 professional or academic references.   IRAP Jordan invites inquiries from students and recent graduates who are able to secure external fellowship funding to work at IRAP for 1 year.   *Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.     Reasonable Accommodations   IRAP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, IRAP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please refer to your request in the cover letter.  
IRAP is an equal-opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. IRAP does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, ethnic background, religion, political orientation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other protected class. We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of all local, state, and federal laws related to the Fair Chance Act.