ICLA Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is committed to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote human dignity and provide assistance in crises where others cannot, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Project Manager will oversee the Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) intervention in North-Eastern Ukraine, ensuring that projects align with NRC's strategic goals and standards. This role involves managing project cycles, building the capacity of local partners, and coordinating with key stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of legal aid projects. The Project Manager will be responsible for developing strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with donor requirements and NRC policies. The position requires a strong understanding of the legal context in Ukraine, particularly regarding displacement, and the ability to lead a team effectively in a complex and volatile environment. The ICLA Project Manager will also contribute to integrated programming with other NRC core competencies, ensuring that legal protection needs are addressed comprehensively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Project Manager will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Contributing to the development of country, area, and ICLA strategies, and initiating relevant ICLA projects.
• Coordinating and managing the implementation of ICLA projects, ensuring adherence to proposals, strategies, donor requirements, and NRC policies.
• Supporting the preparation of technical, financial, and narrative proposals and reports related to ICLA projects in North-Eastern Ukraine.
• Monitoring budgets and maintaining up-to-date spending plans.
• Ensuring the successful implementation of ICLA projects, whether directly or through local partners, in accordance with project documentation.
• Implementing technical direction as determined by the ICLA Specialist and ensuring high technical quality of projects.
• Targeting assistance to those most in need of legal protection and exploring new ways to promote the rights of displaced individuals.
• Contributing to integrated programming with other NRC core competencies and participating in legal protection risk analysis and advocacy efforts.
• Providing regular progress reports to the Area Programme Manager, Area Manager, and ICLA Specialist. 1
• Keeping abreast of legal developments affecting project participants and stakeholders to ensure relevant programming. 1
• Managing and developing ICLA project staff to ensure the transfer of key skills. 1
• Liaising with local authorities, partners, and other stakeholders, and participating in relevant coordination forums and clusters.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong academic background in law, social sciences, or a related field at the Bachelor or Master's level. A minimum of three years of experience in similar roles, particularly in humanitarian or recovery contexts, is required. Candidates should have a legal expertise background with experience in managing legal aid projects through local partnerships. Knowledge of the displacement and legal context in Ukraine is highly preferable, along with team management and leadership capabilities. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, and proficiency in Ukrainian is required. Knowledge of the Russian language is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor's or Master's degree in law, social sciences, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of legal aid and humanitarian assistance in a challenging environment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in similar roles, particularly within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing legal aid projects and working with local partners, demonstrating their ability to operate effectively in complex and volatile situations. Experience with Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) or related legal aid programs is highly advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both in written and verbal communication. Proficiency in the Ukrainian language is required for effective communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries. Knowledge of the Russian language is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication in certain contexts.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Kharkiv, Ukraine, specifically within the North East Area Office. The contract duration is set for 12 months, with travel requirements of up to 30% to field locations. The salary and benefits are classified as Grade 8 on NRC's grading structure. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages a culture of innovation and responsibility among its employees, providing numerous opportunities for professional growth and contribution to meaningful work.