ICLA Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established in 1946, NRC operates in over 30 countries worldwide, providing aid and support to millions of people in need. The organization focuses on delivering high-quality assistance and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). With a workforce comprising thousands of employees, NRC is committed to fostering a culture of professional growth, diversity, equity, and inclusion within its teams. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and maintaining a safe environment for all individuals involved in its operations.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Officer position is pivotal in implementing the Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA) program in Sudan. The officer will oversee day-to-day ICLA activities, ensuring compliance with the organization's strategy, tools, handbooks, guidelines, and standards. This role requires a strong technical background to manage the implementation of ICLA activities effectively, track financial expenditures, and maintain project documentation. The ICLA Officer will also provide technical support and capacity building to project participants, ensuring that the program meets the needs of the most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and returnees. The officer will be responsible for data collection, reporting, and analysis, as well as promoting the rights of these groups in alignment with NRC's advocacy strategy. This position demands a proactive approach to identifying and documenting ideas for technical improvements and program development options.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Officer will undertake and support needs assessments and scoping studies across different states in Sudan to develop the ICLA program. Key responsibilities include managing and overseeing ICLA counselling and legal assistance services for beneficiaries, ensuring proper budget monitoring and efficient utilization of funds. The officer will implement monitoring and evaluation (M&E) standards during ICLA activities, ensuring that data is accurately captured and reported in accordance with NRC guidelines. Additionally, the officer will assist the ICLA Program Coordinator and Program Manager in monitoring legal partners and aid providers, ensuring that their services align with NRC standards. Regular outreach, including home visits to vulnerable clients, is essential, as is the establishment of appropriate internal and external referral pathways. The officer will represent NRC in relevant working groups and coordination forums, conduct awareness-raising and training activities for communities, government officials, and NGOs, and supervise the Project Technical Assistant(s). Furthermore, the officer will contribute to the strategic review and identification of other relevant ICLA activities, supporting the development of NRC's country strategy and action plans in the ICLA sector.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law and have a minimum of two years of humanitarian experience working with refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the field level, preferably with an NGO or international organization. Knowledge of international refugee law and applicable national laws is essential, along with familiarity with SPHERE standards and durable solutions. Experience working in complex and volatile contexts is highly valued, as is a documented record of results related to the position's responsibilities. Proficiency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the ICLA Officer position includes a university degree in law. This academic foundation is crucial for understanding the legal frameworks that govern the rights of refugees and IDPs, as well as for providing effective legal assistance and counselling services. Candidates should have a strong grasp of both international and national laws applicable to refugees, which will enable them to navigate the complexities of legal aid in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant humanitarian experience, particularly in working with refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the field level. Candidates with more than a year of experience specifically in ICLA capacity within the White Nile region will have a competitive advantage. Experience in complex and volatile contexts is essential, as the officer will be operating in challenging environments that require adaptability and resilience.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it will facilitate communication with local communities and beneficiaries, enhancing the effectiveness of the ICLA program.

Additional Notes:
The ICLA Officer position is a full-time role based in Kosti, Sudan. The organization is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally, ensuring a diverse pool of candidates. The position may involve travel within Sudan to conduct assessments and support outreach activities. NRC offers a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and innovation, along with a commitment to safeguarding and maintaining a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment, and expects all employees to uphold these values.