ICLA Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which is a humanitarian organization established in 194

• NRC's mission is to help people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, providing assistance to displaced populations through various programs, including legal assistance, education, and livelihood support. NRC employs thousands of staff globally and is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring they have access to essential services and support.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Officer position is a critical role within the NRC, focusing on the Information, Counseling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA) program. The officer will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the ICLA team, ensuring that the legal information, counseling, and assistance provided to displaced persons are of high quality and adhere to NRC's strategies and applicable laws. The officer will work closely with the Program Manager/Coordinator and will be expected to contribute to the development of new approaches for assisting target populations in need of protection. This role requires frequent travel to the field to engage directly with beneficiaries and assess their needs, ensuring that the ICLA projects effectively target those most in need. The ICLA Officer will also play a key role in managing and supervising Technical Assistants, providing guidance and support in identifying beneficiaries and conducting information sessions. The position demands a proactive approach to legal assistance, including identifying legal cases, conducting legal research, and providing individual counseling to beneficiaries, particularly in complex cases related to Housing, Land, and Property matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Adhering to NRC policies, guidance, and procedures in all activities.
• Ensuring that ICLA projects effectively target beneficiaries in need of protection.
• Overseeing the daily activities of the ICLA team, particularly in providing legal information and counseling.
• Managing and supervising ICLA Technical Assistants, assisting them in beneficiary identification and document collection.
• Organizing and conducting information sessions in line with ICLA standards.
• Providing individual counseling to beneficiaries, especially for complex Housing, Land, and Property issues.
• Identifying legal cases and providing necessary assistance to beneficiaries.
• Conducting legal research and assessments as required.
• Organizing capacity-building training and mentorship sessions for external stakeholders. 1
• Providing on-the-job training to ICLA Technical Assistants. 1
• Collaborating with other core competencies to integrate ICLA programming. 1
• Supervising data entries in the electronic database and verifying hard copies of verification sources. 1
• Reporting advocacy, access, and protection needs from the field to the ICLA Team Leader. 1
• Liaising with governmental and non-governmental organizations and UN agencies for referrals. 1
• Updating the M&E matrix and sharing it with the ICLA Program Coordinator. 1
• Sending weekly and monthly progress reports to the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several professional competencies, including:

• A university degree in law or a related field, with a thorough knowledge of Ethiopian law.
• Experience working in a protection or legal assistance implementation role.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in project management, including staff supervision and compliance with internal policies.
• Previous experience as a Legal Project Officer in a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Good knowledge of English is preferred, as it is essential for communication and reporting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law or a related field. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary legal knowledge and understanding of the legal frameworks relevant to the position, particularly in the context of Ethiopian law. A strong foundation in legal principles is essential for effectively assisting beneficiaries with their legal issues and navigating the complexities of legal assistance in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The ICLA Officer position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least 3 years in project management roles. This experience should include supervision of staff and ensuring compliance with internal policies and procedures. Candidates should have a background in protection or legal assistance implementation, ideally within a humanitarian or recovery context. Previous experience working in complex and volatile environments is also highly valued, as it equips the officer with the skills necessary to navigate challenging situations and provide effective support to displaced populations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is essential for communication with stakeholders and reporting. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing the officer's ability to communicate effectively with beneficiaries and local partners.

Additional Notes:
The ICLA Officer position is a fixed-term contract, indicating a specific duration of employment. The role is full-time and requires frequent travel to field locations, particularly to areas that may be hard to reach. The position is designed for individuals who are willing to engage directly with communities and beneficiaries in need of legal assistance. The NRC emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking, planning, and delivering results, as well as effective communication and respect in handling insecure environments. The organization is committed to recruiting individuals who are adaptable and capable of working in challenging conditions.