Community Legal Officer (5 positions based in Kohat, Buner, Upper Dir, Haripur, Chitral))

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Community Legal Officer (CLO) to support vulnerable displaced communities across five districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The CLO will serve as the primary legal contact, delivering community legal information, individual counseling, and direct legal representation. Reporting to the Protection Manager, the role focuses on improving access to legal support, case management, and community-based protection services. The CLO will work closely with women, children, and other at-risk groups to ensure they understand their rights and can access justice effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Community Legal Information and Outreach:
Lead legal awareness sessions tailored to diverse groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. Build strong relationships with community leaders, local authorities, and organizations to enhance outreach and referral networks. Conduct legal needs assessments and promote awareness of legal remedies, protection mechanisms, and documentation processes. Support the information help desk by providing accurate information and managing referrals.

Legal Counseling and Facilitation:
Provide individual legal counseling on civil status, documentation, family law, eviction, and arrest. Conduct intake assessments to identify legal needs and advise clients on appropriate actions. Screen clients for legal aid eligibility and refer complex cases to the Protection Manager. Represent clients before administrative bodies and courts, prepare legal documents, and track case progress. Coordinate with project staff to ensure quality legal aid delivery and assist clients in accessing government and UN-affiliated documentation services.

Case Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate case files, recording intake data, counseling notes, legal interventions, and outcomes. Document legal information activities and contribute to regular reports on caseloads and protection trends. Ensure client data is managed securely and in line with IRC data protection policies, safeguarding confidentiality at all times.

Coordination and Referral:
Collaborate with IRC protection teams and external partners to provide integrated support. Support outreach and referral management alongside protection caseworkers and community mobilizers. Maintain working relationships with courts, legal aid providers, and government offices. Represent IRC in legal and protection coordination forums at the district level.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion:
Apply gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches in all activities, with special attention to women, girls, unaccompanied minors, persons with disabilities, and older persons. Provide reasonable accommodations and home-based counseling where needed. Comply with IRC’s policies on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding, and workplace harassment.

Required Qualifications

Education:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent law degree.
- Valid license to practice law in Pakistan.

Work Experience:
- Minimum two years in legal aid, access to justice, or protection work, preferably with humanitarian organizations.
- Experience providing legal counseling or representation to displaced or vulnerable populations.
- Familiarity with Pakistani civil and family law, NADRA documentation, UNHCR registration, and international protection frameworks.
- Experience working with women and girls in protection-sensitive contexts.

Skills and Competencies:
- Ability to explain legal concepts clearly to clients with limited literacy.
- Strong judgment in managing sensitive cases, including GBV and child protection.
- Organized, able to manage caseloads independently and work collaboratively.
- Proficient in documentation, case recording, and reporting.
- Understanding of protection principles such as confidentiality and survivor-centered approaches.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with case management databases is an advantage.
- Ability to work under pressure in multicultural environments.

Language Skills:
- Professional fluency in Urdu and Pashto (spoken and written) is mandatory.
- Dari is preferred.
- Working proficiency in English is an advantage.

The IRC is committed to upholding its core values of Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. The organization enforces strict policies on safeguarding, child protection, anti-harassment, and beneficiary protection from exploitation and abuse. Gender equality and diversity are fundamental to IRC’s mission, and candidates with disabilities, especially differently-abled women, are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided throughout the recruitment process and employment.

Short-listing and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.