Job Title
Legal Specialist (Human Rights)
To work for
Terre des hommes Foundation - Switzerland
Field of Work
Legal/Political Science - Operations - Humanitarian/Disasters
Minimum Education Level
Bachelor/ License Degree
Responsibilities
The Role:
Terre des Hommes Lausanne will launch a two‑year Access to Justice (A2J) programme in 2026 to strengthen child justice systems for children in conflict with the law in Syria. The programme focuses on reforming juvenile justice mechanisms, rehabilitating four juvenile centers, supporting reintegration, and promoting child participation. The role leads policy development, advocacy, and program design, while providing technical guidance and capacity‑building to Tdh teams and partners. It also ensures strong coordination with MOSAL, justice actors, and child protection stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Policy Development – Child Friendly Justice Reform:
-Lead on forming the Legal Task Force with The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MOSAL), legal stakeholders, and child protection partners.
-Develop the Terms of Reference and work plan for the Task Force.
-Facilitate regular coordination meetings for the Task Force.
-Coordinate with members to produce key deliverables such as National roadmap, strategy safeguarding policy for both juvenile centers and juvenile detention centers.
Partnerships and Representation
-Act as the primary liaison with MOSAL regarding juvenile detention centers.
-Map and build a strong network of stakeholders such as Child protection actors, Legal and justice professionals, Relevant ministries.
-Ensure effective external representation: Donors, MOSAL, Inter agency coordination bodies, National partners
-Participate in key coordination platforms such as Reintegration Working Group and Justice and legal aid coordination forums.
Program Development & Technical Support
-Under the advisory support of the Regional Access to Justice Expert, lead the development of child friendly Access to Justice (A2J).
-Design and deliver training sessions for: Tdh field teams, Partner organizations, MOSAL staff and provide continuous technical support, mentoring, and coaching.
-Conduct capacity assessments and prepare/implement a comprehensive capacity building plan.
-Perform regular field visits to: Juvenile centers, Project sites, Partner locations and provide on-site coaching to ensure alignment with project standards and objectives.
Reporting & Learning
-Provide technical inputs for projects proposals (Narrative sections, Logframes and budgets)
-Lead donor and internal reporting obligations and ensures that reports are accurate, on time, and results oriented.
-Collect and document key learnings from pilot implementations and oversee development of knowledge management products such as case studies and lessons learned reports
Qualifications
Requirements and Qualifications:
-Master’s degree in law (international law, human rights law, judicial reform, or a related field).
-3–4 years of experience as a practicing lawyer in Syria.
-Good knowledge of International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and how it is applied in practice.
-Strong understanding of the Syrian legal system, especially laws related to children and juveniles.
-Experience working with both formal and informal justice actors (courts, legal aid providers, prosecutors, police, paralegals)
-Experience in coordinating stakeholders, designing and delivering activities, and providing training/facilitation. -Excellent communication skills in Arabic and English (written and verbal).
Specific Vacancy Requirements
Due to the urgency of this role, we will be reviewing CVs and interviewing candidate in advance of the closing date. For this reason, interested candidates are asked to submit their application as soon as possible.
Important Note:
this position is dependent on donor funding and may be cancelled or discontinued if funding is not secured.
Deadline to apply 21/04/2026
Salary and Benefits
As per Terre des hommes Foundation - Switzerland Salary Scale.
About us
Terre des hommes (Tdh) is the leading Swiss organization for children’s aid. Through our health, protection, and emergency relief programs, we provide assistance to over four million children and their families in around 40 countries each year.
Terre des hommes (Tdh) opened its Syria mission in 2021 and dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families in Syria. Through our projects, we provide essential healthcare, education, and protection to those affected by conflict and crisis.
Required employees number
1