Legal Volunteer, Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre – Deadline 16 February

The Hong Kong Refugee Advice Centre Limited (HKRAC) is a non-profit, human rights organisation dedicated to the provision of free legal services to refugees applying for international protection from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Since their establishment in 2007, they have provided life-changing legal services to over 1,000 refugee men, women and children.

Purpose of position: To assist in providing legal services

Duration of position: 6 months (Full-time, May/June – November/December 2013)

Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake interviews with potential refugee clients and write interview-based reports
• Take client testimonies, draft legal submissions, provide self-representation advice, conduct legal and factual (including country of origin) research, attend UNHCR interviews, and/or help to prepare for trainings, meetings and other events
• Contribute to HKRAC’s monitoring and evaluation system
• Contribute to maintaining positive working relationships internally and externally
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Legal Director 

Essential Requirements:

• Law student or law graduate
• Demonstrated interest in refugee or human rights issues
• Excellent oral and written communication and research skills
• Well-organised, able to work independently
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• Willing and able to live in Hong Kong for the duration of the placement, without financial remuneration

 Desirable:

• Experience working with refugees or other vulnerably and/or displaced people
• Fluency in Arabic, French, Sinhalese, Somali, Tamil, Tigrinya, Urdu or other refugee languages

This volunteer opportunity provides you with an excellent opportunity to:

• Work with a designated mentor: The Legal Director will guide and train the chosen volunteer, helping them to gain transferrable skills for future employment
• Gain insight into legal services for refugees and the UNHCR RSD process
• Make a real impact as a member of our team, by advising and representing refugee clients and attending HKRAC staff meetings and events
• Develop knowledge and skills in international refugee law, client interviewing, and legal research and writing
• Take a high level of responsibility in a relaxed and supportive working environment
• Get an evaluation of work undertaken and reference at the end of the work term

To apply, send your statement of interest, CV, and 5-page legal writing sample by 16 February 2013 to Stephanie Jones at sjones@hkrac.org with the subject line “Legal Volunteer”.  Due to the high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.