ICLA Global Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent, humanitarian, non-profit, and non-governmental organization that provides assistance, protection, and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons across 32 countries worldwide. Established to address the needs of displaced individuals, NRC operates in various regions, including East and South Africa, where it focuses on multiple programmatic activities such as Education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Protection from Violence, Shelter, and WASH. NRC is committed to integrated programming that identifies and removes barriers preventing people from achieving durable solutions and self-reliance. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. NRC's mission is to help those forced to flee, and it operates with a strong commitment to safeguarding and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Global Adviser position is crucial for the effective implementation and oversight of NRC's ICLA programmes across various countries in the region. The role involves providing technical advice and support to country programmes, ensuring that they align with NRC's strategic objectives and policies. The adviser will work closely with country offices to enhance programme design, address legal and programmatic issues, and build capacity among local staff. This position also entails developing regional initiatives and contributing to research and policy development related to ICLA's thematic areas, such as Housing, Land and Property rights, Legal Identity, Legal Stay, and Employment Rights. The adviser will play a key role in identifying funding opportunities and ensuring compliance with donor requirements, thereby facilitating the growth and sustainability of ICLA programmes. Additionally, the ICLA Global Adviser will collaborate with various stakeholders, including other NRC sectors, to promote integrated responses to the challenges faced by displaced populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Global Adviser will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing strategic advice and guidance to ICLA Specialists and Programme Development Managers at the country level, ensuring optimal programme strategies and systems are in place.
• Supporting the development of country and regional core competence strategies in line with global policies.
• Conducting technical supervision of Country and Regional Office Specialists, providing capacity building and training to enhance their skills.
• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies and contributing to the development of innovative approaches within the ICLA Core Competency.
• Leading the institutionalization and capacity building of sector-specific Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) tools at Country Offices.
• Networking and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders, including donors and NGOs, to promote advocacy and resource mobilization.
• Documenting and disseminating ICLA learning and best practices across the region.
• Monitoring country programme compliance with NRC's Programme Policy and activating procedures for deviations.
• Identifying funding opportunities and engaging proactively with donors to support programme innovation and development. 1
• Contributing to the strategic positioning of NRC in new country operations, ensuring a high-quality ICLA programme response during the establishment phase.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in a legal aid capacity within the humanitarian field or a similar context. A relevant university degree, preferably in law, is required. Candidates should have international experience in a similar role, demonstrating legal technical expertise in areas such as Housing, Land & Property and legal identity issues in emergency and protracted crises. A high level of professional expertise in relevant national and international legal frameworks impacting displaced people is essential. Proven experience in assessing programme quality, strategic programme development, and capacity building is also required. Candidates should be adept at working in diverse cultural contexts and possess strong diplomatic skills. Experience in drafting policy and strategic guidance, as well as a commitment to organizational learning and the role of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning in quality management, is necessary.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should hold a relevant university degree, with a preference for a degree in law. This educational background is crucial for understanding the legal frameworks and issues that the ICLA programmes address, particularly in relation to displaced populations and their rights. Advanced degrees or additional certifications in humanitarian law or related fields may be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in a specialist or advisory role within the humanitarian sector. Experience working in different countries across multiple NRC regions is highly desirable, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate various cultural and operational contexts. Familiarity with the specific demands of ICLA programming within the East and South Africa contexts is also beneficial. The ability to work independently in a result-oriented, multi-cultural environment while managing conflicting priorities is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered an advantage, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and beneficiaries in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a mobile duty station with options for international or national employment contracts. International candidates can choose from duty stations in Kenya, Ethiopia, or Uganda, while national candidates will have their contracts hosted within their country of residence, applicable to specific countries in the East Africa Region. The contract duration is from 1 March 2026 to 31 May 2027, with travel requirements of up to 40%, including deployments of up to 30 days at a time. NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in its workforce, fostering a culture that encourages innovative ideas and responsibility among employees.