Legal research support in Trinidad and Tobago on asylum and refugee law

Host entity: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, CARICOM Regional Office

Application deadline: 19/10/2026

Mission and objectives

As the lead United Nations entity mandated to promote and protect human rights for all, OHCHR: works with and assists Governments in fulfilling their human rights obligations; speaks out objectively in the face of human rights violations worldwide; provides a forum for identifying, highlighting and developing responses to today's human rights challenges; acts as the principal focal point of human rights research, education, public information, and advocacy activities; and works with a wide range of partners in order to widen the constituency for human rights worldwide.

Assignment context

The selected candidate will assist an organization working in Trinidad & Tobago on the promotion and protection of human rights, particularly concerning the rights of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. The legal aid volunteer will contribute to monitoring national legal and policy frameworks, supporting advocacy efforts, and advancing access to protection for displaced and stateless persons.

Task description

The Online Volunteers will support in:

1. Conducting legal research on issues relating to refugee and migrant protection under Trinidad & Tobago’s legal framework, including the treatment of asylum seekers, access to legal status and the rights of stateless persons;

2. Conducting desk reviews of national and regional legislation, international human rights obligations and other relevant guidance, and legal questions identified by the organization’s legal team and human rights experts;

3. Compiling legal briefs and summaries, including relevant case law, human rights reports, and regional jurisprudence from the Caribbean Court of Justice or other applicable bodies;

4. Where applicable, supporting the preparation of legal documents and informational materials for outreach, advocacy, or case support purposes.

Skills and experience

Education or experience in legal research, asylum and migration law and policy or other relevant field; familiarity with refugee or humanitarian policy and legislative framework and practice; professional integrity and commitment to core humanitarian principles; excellent drafting and analytical skills; and experience in data analysis.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.