National Youth UNV: Legal Assistant – Tunis, Tunisia

Mission and objectives

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) office in Tunisia was established in March 2001, following the accession of the Republic of Tunisia to IOM in June 1999 and the signing of the Headquarters Agreement by Tunisian authorities and the Director-General of IOM, granting the Organization diplomatic privileges and immunities, as well as a cooperation agreement. The Tunis office was the first representation of IOM in the Maghreb. IOM’s main partners include the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Women, Family and Childhood Affairs, and the Ministry of Health. Additionally, IOM Tunis is part of the United Nations Country Team and closely collaborates with UN agencies present in the country, as well as other international organizations. IOM also supports the efforts of Tunisian civil society and works closely with them on the ground, assisting migrant populations. Since its establishment, IOM Tunis has implemented various programs in the areas of Co-development, labor migration, Migration Dialogue, as well as migrant protection and combating trafficking, in close collaboration with the Tunisian government. IOM in Tunisia is committed to: – Promoting the rights of migrants – Protecting and assisting vulnerable migrants according to their needs – Promoting health and access to health services for migrants – Assisting migrants and sea survivors – Combating trafficking and protecting victims – Preventing the risks of irregular migration

Context

This volunteering opportunity is supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Tunisia in the framework of the initiative launched in partnership with UNV in December 2023 to foster youth and disability inclusion through meaningful and impactful volunteering assignments with the United Nations between 2024 and 2026. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) plays a crucial role in addressing the complexity of the migration phenomenon in Tunisia. Acting as a key actor in a country that serves as both an origin, transit, and destination for migrants, the IOM is committed to meeting the diverse needs of migrants. However, since the beginning of 2023, the IOM has observed a concerning trend: a notable decline in the living conditions of migrants. Furthermore, the existing migration legislation in Tunisia, particularly concerning detention and regularization, adds another layer of complexity and challenge. Faced with these obstacles, the IOM is actively engaged in collaborative efforts with Tunisian authorities to address these issues. By providing practical and legal support to migrants, the IOM strives to overcome these challenges and promote inclusive migration policies that improve the overall living conditions of migrants in Tunisia. Aligned with Tunisia’s national priorities and regional migration management strategies, the IOM’s intervention contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals related to migration. By advocating for safe and orderly migration and advocating for the elimination of all discrimination. This initiative is also aligned with the principles of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager on protection and legal assistance, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the legal protection specialist and head of unit for migration health and protection to provide legal assistance to IOM beneficiaries, especially for international cases. • Contribute to the development of a reporting and monitoring mechanisms, including a comprehensive system to monitor legal assistance including in case of referral to other actors. • Contribute to the organisation of legal education or legal counselling sessions for migrant communities. • Support the organization of seminars, meetings, and training sessions developing methodological and substantive materials. • Translate documents including presentation and other training materials. • Prepare briefings and reports, both thematic and on specific projects, as required. • Organize project related communication including drafting and sending, outgoing and receiving incoming documents (correspondence, minutes, memos, reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc). • Liaise with relevant units in the procurement of the goods and services necessary for the implementation of the project activities, in compliance with IOM procurement rules and regulations. • Undertake site visits and duty travel as required. • Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 26

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

1 years of experience in Legal affairs, legal assistance and counselling

Area(s) of expertise

Legal affairs

Languages

French, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Working knowledge, Required

Required education level

Master degree or equivalent in Law, international law, human rights

Competencies and values

– Adaptability and Flexibility – Building Trust – Client Orientation – Commitment and Motivation – Communication – Ethics and Values – Integrity – Judgement and Decision-making – Knowledge Sharing – Managing Performance – Planning and Organizing – Professionalism – Respect for Diversity – Self-Management – Vision – Working in Teams