Senior Legal Assistance Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ around 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal Assistance Project Manager will lead the implementation of Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) activities in South Central Syria. This role is pivotal in managing the overall NRC ICLA project portfolio and staffing in the region. The manager will work closely with the ICLA Specialist to contribute to the broader country-level program development. The position requires a strong understanding of legal assistance in humanitarian contexts, particularly in relation to housing, land, and property issues, as well as civil documentation. The manager will ensure that all project activities align with NRC’s objectives, donor commitments, and the specific needs of the context, while also overseeing the quality and compliance of the projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Legal Assistance Project Manager include developing and managing the ICLA program in accordance with NRC’s objectives and strategies. The manager will oversee the implementation of all ICLA project activities, ensuring they meet quality standards and comply with donor requirements and NRC policies. Responsibilities also include line managing ICLA team members, supporting their professional development, and performance management. The manager will provide regular progress reports to the Area Programme Manager and the ICLA Specialist, ensuring accurate and timely donor reporting. Additionally, the manager will ensure that project participants are those most in need of protection, explore new ways to assist, and liaise with other departments to ensure integrated programming. Budget management in coordination with the ICLA specialist and Area Programme Manager is also a key responsibility, along with strengthening collaboration with protection actors and participating in humanitarian coordination forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant university degree, preferably in law, human rights, or social studies. A Master's degree is considered an added value. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in senior-level legal assistance project implementation or protection projects with a significant legal assistance component in complex humanitarian contexts is required. Candidates should have technical expertise in ICLA, including knowledge of housing, land, and property issues, as well as experience in legal programming and case management. Familiarity with the displacement context in Syria and the Middle East is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant university degree in law, human rights, or social studies. A Master's degree is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile for this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in senior-level legal assistance project implementation or protection projects that include a significant legal assistance component. Experience in humanitarian, recovery, and complex volatile contexts is crucial, as is familiarity with legal programming and case management.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages being essential for effective interaction with stakeholders and project participants.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Homs, Syria, covering Central Syria, with the possibility of changes based on operational requirements. The initial contract is until the end of June 2026, with potential renewal subject to the availability of funds. The role may require 30-40% travel to areas of operation. The salary is classified as Grade 8 on NRC's grading structure. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.