Volunteer Advisor

SUMMARY

A.Ss.I.S.T. Volunteer Advisors have the opportunity to directly assist displaced persons by taking individual cases and collaborating in the review and delivery of legal information to asylum seekers.

The key role of the Volunteer Advisors will be to prepare Asylum Seekers for interview(s) critical to the international protection application process. Leading regular information sessions of the process is also a role of A.Ss.I.S.T. Volunteer Advisors.

Information sessions and Individual appointments will be made through the office in Chios. Volunteer Advisors will then be assigned to conduct sessions, in-depth interviews and meet individual clients with specific legal questions. Scheduling of sessions and appointments will be done by planning and discussion within the Team.

While the Volunteer Advisors will handle the cases, the Greek associate lawyers will be available to provide guidance, discuss cases and to interview and attend interviews with clients that may need this additional legal support.

While for record-keeping and reporting purposes, all cases remain A.Ss.I.S.T. cases, the Volunteer Advisor agrees to establish a Lawyer-Client relationship with the client and assume primary responsibility for interview preparation.

Volunteer Advisors also agree to keep the Greek associate lawyers apprised of key developments, assist by transmitting A.Ss.I.S.T. required administrative documents and provide file closure documents.

All Volunteers will liaise and cooperate with other social and well-being services available to asylum seekers and refugees on Chios Island. Collaboration is important to A.Ss.I.S.T. and essential for providing optimal services.

Volunteers will be supported by a resident representative/Board Member and other members of A.Ss.I.S.T. in Chios.

Volunteers Advisors must be self-financed: that is travel and living costs are the responsibility of the volunteer.

Shared accommodation is available rent-free in two two-bedroom apartments.

VOLUNTEER ADVISOR QUALIFICATIONS

A.Ss.I.S.T.is looking for lawyers who have:

• Interest in assisting asylum seekers on Chios Island,.

• At least two years of relevant experience practising law preferably some experience in Migration and Refugee Law, International Law and/or Human Rights Law

• Willing to commit for a minimum period of three months: (6) months preferred.

• Applicants with previous relevant experience in Migration and Refugee Law will be considered for a minimum of the one-month assignment.

• Previous volunteer experience and expertise in the following languages: Greek, Arabic, Farsi/Dari, French, Kurdish (Sorani and Kurmanji) and Tigrinya, are highly regarded. Fluent English is required.

Expressions of interest/applications from Greek trained lawyers are highly regarded.