Protection Legal Officer at Center for Advocacy, Transparency, and Accountability Initiative (CATAI)

Background

• The project aims to strengthen protection mechanisms and improve access to essential services for children, women, and youth affected by conflict in Borno State. As part of the response, legal assistance is a critical component to ensure that survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other protection concerns can access justice, understand their rights, and make informed decisions.
• The Legal Officer will play a key role in delivering survivor-centered legal support services in line with national laws and international protection standards.

Purpose of the Role

• The Legal Officer will provide comprehensive legal support services to survivors referred to the legal unit, ensuring access to justice while upholding the principles of confidentiality, safety, respect, and non-discrimination.
• The role will contribute to strengthening legal awareness, facilitating referrals, and supporting community-level protection interventions.

Key Responsibilities
Legal Case Support and Counselling:

• Provide legal counselling and advice to survivors on their rights, available legal options, and procedures.
• Support survivors in understanding the implications of legal decisions while ensuring a survivor-centered approach.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure informed consent in all interactions with survivors.

Legal Representation and Referrals:

• Facilitate referrals of survivors to appropriate organizations providing legal representation and court services.
• Coordinate with relevant legal aid providers, law enforcement agencies, and judicial actors where necessary.
• Follow up on referred cases to ensure survivors receive timely and appropriate services.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution:

• Conduct mediation processes where appropriate and safe, ensuring that the best interests and safety of survivors are prioritized.
• Ensure that mediation does not compromise legal rights or expose survivors to further harm.

Legal Information and Case Communication:

• Provide clear oral and written updates to survivors and case managers regarding legal issues, case progress, potential liabilities, and possible courses of action.
• Translate complex legal terminology into simple, accessible language for survivors, case workers, and communities.
• Document legal cases accurately and maintain proper case files in line with data protection standards.

Risk Analysis and Compliance:

• Ensure all legal advice and recommendations are in full compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Apply a survivor-centered approach in all legal processes to minimize risks and prevent re-traumatization.
• Assess potential legal risks and advise on mitigation measures.

Awareness Raising and Community Engagement:

• Develop and conduct awareness and sensitization sessions on human rights, GBV, and access to justice.
• Engage with community leaders and stakeholders to promote legal awareness and protection mechanisms.

Deliverables

• Timely provision of legal counseling services to referred survivors.
• Documented case files and legal reports.
• Referral tracking and follow-up reports.
• Monthly activity reports detailing legal support services and awareness activities.
• Community sensitization sessions conducted and documented.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's Degree in Law (LL. B); BL and membership with the Nigerian Bar Association is an added advantage.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience, preferably in humanitarian or protection programming.
• Strong knowledge of Nigerian legal systems, human rights law, and GBV-related legal frameworks.
• Experience working with survivors of GBV and vulnerable populations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

Competencies and Skills:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to simplify complex legal concepts.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

Ethical Considerations:
The Legal Officer must adhere to humanitarian principles, including:

• Do No Harm
• Confidentiality
• Informed Consent
• Non-discrimination
• Survivor-centered approach

Reporting Line:

• The legal officer will report directly to the protection coordinator and will work closely with case workers, MHPSS staff, and other protection team members.