ICLA Technical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been operational in Nigeria since 2015, focusing on assisting displacement-affected communities to meet their basic needs, improve livelihoods, access essential services, and enhance resilience to future shocks. NRC operates through six core competencies: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information-Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. With a workforce of 370 staff, NRC has established a presence in key locations such as Maiduguri, Yola, and Jos, allowing it to respond effectively to the needs of those affected by conflict across North-East and North Central Nigeria. The organization aims to bridge the gap between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, focusing on equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced people and returnees. NRC also has sub-offices in Dikwa, Monguno, Biu, Mubi, Pulka, and Gwoza, and is committed to helping refugees and those forced to flee.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Technical Assistant will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of ICLA projects in NRC's Area North office in Maiduguri, Borno State. This role involves adhering to NRC policies and guidelines, assisting with the implementation of civil and legal identity activities, housing, land, property rights, and collaborative dispute resolution activities. The assistant will prepare status reports, ensure proper filing of documents, and promote the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in line with NRC's advocacy strategy. The position requires community engagement and accountability, breaking down annual operational plans into actionable weekly, monthly, and quarterly plans, and assisting with procurement and distribution of materials. The ICLA Technical Assistant will also contribute to the emergency response by providing protection through the ICLA legal aid program for conflict-affected populations, including IDPs, returnees, and local communities in Northeast Nigeria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Technical Assistant will have a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Adhering to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines.
• Assisting with the implementation of civil and legal identity, housing, land, property rights, and collaborative dispute resolution activities.
• Preparing and developing status reports as required by the supervisor.
• Ensuring proper filing of documents.
• Promoting and sharing ideas for improvement of the support function.
• Promoting the rights of IDPs and returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.
• Involving and informing communities and community leaders about activities to ensure accountability.
• Breaking down annual operational plans into weekly, monthly, and quarterly implementation plans.
• Assisting officers to ensure timely procurement and distribution of materials according to procedures. 1
• Performing any other professional duties as requested by officers, team leaders, coordinators, or the ICLA Project Manager. Specific responsibilities include assisting in the direct implementation of legal and civil identity activities, HLP activities, and CDR activities, particularly information and counselling sessions, legal assistance, and capacity-building trainings. The assistant will document project achievements, compile periodic reports, develop training materials, engage in community mobilization, provide updates for the M&E system, and integrate gender, protection, and advocacy priorities during project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• Experience working in a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Previous experience in complex and volatile contexts.
• Documented results related to the position's responsibilities.
• Some knowledge of English.
• A university degree in law or social sciences from a recognized Nigerian university.
• Thorough knowledge of the application of Nigerian law in displacement contexts.
• Work experience in the field of law (e.g., courts, attorney, or legal aid agencies) and humanitarian protection.
• Preferably experience working with displaced populations.
• High-level competency in computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office applications.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law or social sciences from a recognized Nigerian university. This educational background is essential for understanding the legal frameworks and social dynamics relevant to the position, particularly in the context of displacement and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience working in humanitarian or recovery contexts, with a preference for those who have worked in complex and volatile environments. Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position are also required, along with experience in the field of law and humanitarian protection, particularly with displaced populations.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. Additionally, fluency in Hausa and/or Kanuri languages, both written and verbal, is also required. Candidates who are female and speak Kanuri are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting NRC's commitment to diversity and inclusion in its workforce.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. While specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, and compensation are not provided, it is important to note that NRC is committed to recruiting individuals who are passionate about helping refugees and those forced to flee. The organization values diversity and encourages applications from candidates who meet the language and gender criteria.