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DIRECTOR, REFUGEE CLINIC – BANGKOK, THAILAND
BPSOS is a US-based organization with 8 offices in the U.S. and 2 overseas operations in Malaysia
and Thailand. Our international initiatives include combating human trafficking, defending refugee
rights, and developing civil society.
Job Title: Director, Refugee Clinic
Initiative: Defending refugee rights
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 1-year minimum
Salary: Please inquire directly with HR
Primary Responsibilities:
• Direct, supervise, and manage team of legal advisers, pro bono attorneys, law students,
interpreters, and interns.
• Counsel asylum seekers on UNHCR RSD process, standards, and guidelines.
• Train legal staff on interviewing applicants for refugee status, drafting testimony, effective brief
writing, researching country of origin information, and general advocacy skills.
• Prepare, draft, and review written refugee status applications, appeals and motions to re-open to
UNHCR.
• Compile Vietnam country conditions information and draft relevant reports.
• Maintain partnership and build alliance with other legal aid and human rights organizations to
advocate for refugee protection and fair and appropriate RSD procedures.
• Supervise emergency funding distribution and advocate for additional funding for the most
vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers.
• Recruit and manage volunteers and interns to support community outreach programs and direct
assistance projects.
• Create public awareness within and outside the region on the plight of asylum seekers and
advocating for the protection of victims of persecution in accordance with international
standards.
• Represent BPSOS on the Asian Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN) and similar regional
coalitions.
• Work with ASEAN civil society organizations to advocate for the protection of refugees,
asylum seekers, and stateless at ASEAN forums.
• Inform asylum seekers and refugees of risk factors, available services, and policy changes.
• Regularly consult BPSOS’s support team, which is based in the U.S., regarding policy positions
and advocacy, casework, and drafting of official statements.
• Compile and report, every six months or more often, on the status and outcomes of the team’s
legal casework and related services/assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.
• The legal director will report directly to BPSOS’s CEO & President or his designee.
Qualifications:
• A law degree or legal background.
• Fluency in English a must.
• Vietnamese, both written and oral, highly preferred but not mandatory
• Prior professional experience in the areas of refugee protection, human rights or international
humanitarian law a plus.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Sensitivity to issues of asylum seekers, refugees, and displaced people.
• Team player with demonstrated ability to interact professionally with staff, clients, donors and
service providers, and work productively in diverse team settings or independently.
How to Apply: Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and 3
professional references to ian.stuart@bpsos.org indicating “Application–Director, Refugee Clinic”
in the subject line. As we are seeking an immediate hire, applications will be accepted on a rolling
basis. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Only short-listed candidates
will be contacted for interviews.
BPSOS is an equal opportunity employer!
Boat People S.O.S., Inc. | 6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100, Falls Church, VA 22041 | 703.538.2190 | info@bpsos.org