ICLA Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that has been actively working to support conflict- and displacement-affected people in Ukraine since 201

• The organization has significantly scaled up its response following the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, providing assistance to close to 300,000 people across Ukraine in 202
• NRC's mission is to help people forced to flee by providing life-saving and long-term assistance in crises across 40 countries. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, NRC is dedicated to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives. The organization collaborates with local actors, including NGOs, authorities, and the private sector, to enhance the sustainability of its response and to address the pressing needs of those affected by conflict.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Specialist position is crucial for the development and implementation of NRC’s Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) Programme in Ukraine. The role involves providing strategic direction and quality assurance to ensure that the program effectively meets the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and conflict-affected individuals. The ICLA Specialist will be responsible for mentoring and training program staff, enhancing their capacity in legal protection matters, and ensuring that the program aligns with NRC's overall strategies and priorities. This position also entails direct implementation of program activities and contributing to the strategic expansion of partnerships, thereby increasing NRC's impact in the region. The ICLA Specialist will play a key role in developing the ICLA strategy, ensuring compliance with NRC policies, and contributing to fundraising efforts, project proposals, and donor reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Specialist will lead the review and adaptation of the ICLA strategy in response to the evolving context in Ukraine, ensuring that the program remains relevant and effective. Responsibilities include managing the ICLA team, providing technical guidance, and conducting field visits to monitor program implementation. The Specialist will also contribute to proposal drafting and ensure compliance with donor commitments, while overseeing data collection and analysis to assess program impact. Additionally, the role involves developing tools and guidance for legal aid provision, ensuring high technical quality in project implementation, and fostering continuous learning within the program. The ICLA Specialist will engage with various stakeholders, including local authorities and partners, to enhance the institutional response to legal protection needs arising from the ongoing conflict.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the ICLA Specialist position should possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in technical expertise areas within a humanitarian or recovery context. A university degree in law, social science, or a related field is required. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated skills in managing diverse teams, experience in program strategy development, and a strong understanding of monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes. Knowledge of human rights and internal displacement frameworks, as well as experience in leading legal aid and access to justice programs, is essential. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, while proficiency in Ukrainian and/or Russian is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the ICLA Specialist position includes a university degree in law, social science, or a similar field. This academic foundation is critical for understanding the legal frameworks and social dynamics that affect IDPs and conflict-affected populations in Ukraine. Candidates should have a solid grasp of legal principles, human rights issues, and the socio-political context of the region to effectively contribute to the ICLA program's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a humanitarian or recovery context. This experience should encompass working within technical expertise areas related to legal assistance, protection, and program management. Previous experience in the Ukraine context and familiarity with the humanitarian response landscape is highly advantageous. Candidates should also have a proven track record of engaging with external actors and donors, as well as experience in complex and volatile environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication and reporting purposes. Additionally, proficiency in Ukrainian and/or Russian is highly desirable, as it will facilitate effective engagement with local stakeholders and beneficiaries. Knowledge of these languages will enhance the Specialist's ability to navigate the local context and provide relevant support to IDPs and conflict-affected individuals.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Kyiv, Ukraine, and the contract duration is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability. The role may require travel up to 30% of the time. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all nationalities, with a particular emphasis on encouraging female candidates to apply. The organization offers a competitive salary based on grade 9 of NRC’s pay scale, along with various benefits. NRC promotes a work culture that empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility, fostering professional growth and innovation.