Housing Land and Property Technical Working Group (HLP TWG) Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Established to provide life-saving and long-term assistance, NRC operates in 40 countries with a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members. In the Middle East alone, NRC employs over 3,000 staff who focus on aiding those affected by conflict in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. The organization is committed to delivering humanitarian interventions based on its expertise in core competencies, including Shelter, Education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihoods, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA).

Job Overview:
The HLP TWG Coordinator will play a pivotal role in co-leading the Housing Land and Property Technical Working Group in Syria, representing NRC alongside UN-Habitat and UNHCR. This position involves coordinating HLP TWG meetings, forums, and joint events, while also liaising with various stakeholders including HLP TWG members, humanitarian and development actors, and relevant authorities. The coordinator will be responsible for developing and operationalizing the HLP TWG strategy, providing capacity building for partners, and creating technical guidance and tools for humanitarian actors involved in the response. The role aims to enhance coordination and performance to improve the effectiveness of the humanitarian response and to strengthen the participation of local and international NGOs in humanitarian coordination.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the HLP TWG Coordinator include adherence to NRC policies, guidance, and procedures. The coordinator will provide overall advisory and technical expertise across various sectors such as protection, Shelter, WASH, Site Management, Education, and Food Security. They will support and facilitate the day-to-day operational and technical activities of the HLP TWG, coordinating regularly with other co-chairs and partners. The role also involves close collaboration with the NRC ICLA Specialist to develop integrated responses concerning HLP issues. Regular progress reports will be provided to line and technical managers, including key updates to donors. The coordinator will enhance awareness of HLP issues, contribute to evidence-based programmatic decisions, build institutional knowledge, and support humanitarian interventions. Additionally, they will promote and share ideas for improvement and necessary changes in activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least four years of relevant experience with international organizations in humanitarian and/or development contexts. A university degree in legal studies with a focus on housing, land, and property, or other relevant fields is required, while a Master’s degree is considered an advantage. Experience in inter-agency engagement and cluster/sector coordination, particularly in setting up HLP TWG/AoR, is essential. Candidates should have extensive experience working in humanitarian or recovery contexts, with a background in protection or legal assistance. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, coordination, and information management skills are necessary, along with expertise in planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting on humanitarian operations. Demonstrated ability to provide technical advice for consensual decision-making processes and experience in capacity building and development of technical tools and guidance are also required. Familiarity with national and international partners and proven knowledge of housing, land, and property (HLP) rights are crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in legal studies with a specialization in housing, land, and property or other relevant fields. A Master’s degree in a related area is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience working with international organizations in humanitarian and/or development contexts. Candidates should have a strong background in inter-agency engagement and cluster/sector coordination, ideally with experience in establishing HLP TWG/AoR. Extensive experience in humanitarian or recovery contexts, particularly in protection or legal assistance, is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Damascus, Syria, with a contract duration of 12 months, subject to renewal based on funding and performance. The role may require travel up to 50% within areas of operation. NRC offers a Grade 8 salary and benefits package. As an equal opportunities employer, NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a culture that empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility, providing numerous opportunities for professional growth and initiative.