Legal Assistance Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC has a mission to provide high-quality aid and defend the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on areas where others cannot reach, and is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. NRC fosters a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovation among its employees, ensuring that they are empowered to take responsibility at all levels. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contributing to a safe environment free from exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Legal Assistance Coordinator position is primarily focused on providing legal assistance and counseling to vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and internally displaced persons in Turkana West Sub County. The role involves ensuring compliance with the ICLA (Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance) strategy and guidelines, while also monitoring and advocating for the protection needs of beneficiaries. The coordinator will be responsible for case management, including direct counseling services, follow-ups, and client management in collaboration with legal aid partners. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying advocacy opportunities and addressing protection needs, as well as maintaining accurate program data and documentation. The coordinator will also engage in community training and capacity-building activities, ensuring that protection mainstreaming is integrated into all ICLA activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to NRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for information provision, counseling, legal assistance, and referral activities.
• Ensure compliance with ICLA CC strategy, tools, handbooks, guidelines, and standards.
• Target beneficiaries most in need of protection and contribute to innovative approaches for assisting them.
• Monitor and report field-based advocacy opportunities and protection needs to the Area Programme Manager and ICLA Specialist.
• Track financial expenditures related to the project.
• Represent NRC in relevant coordination forums and build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Provide direct counseling and legal assistance services, manage client follow-ups, and coordinate with legal aid partners.
• Participate in assessments, mapping, and investigations, supervising data collection during surveys.
• Collect and collate information for evidence-based programming and project outcome harvesting. 1
• Conduct awareness-raising and training activities for communities, government officials, and NGOs on ICLA thematic areas. 1
• Prepare and compile reports in a timely manner, maintaining accurate program data and records. 1
• Mentor and coach community paralegals, volunteers, and outreach workers. 1
• Ensure timely requisitions and payments for program-related supplies. 1
• Integrate protection mainstreaming in all ICLA activities and support safeguarding protocols in client interactions. 1
• Represent NRC/ICLA in coordination forums and protection working groups at the sub-county level. 1
• Perform any other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in law, political science, social science, or a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of humanitarian experience working with refugees, internally displaced persons, or marginalized communities at the field level, preferably with an NGO or international organization.
• Technical knowledge and work experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly with refugees or marginalized communities.
• Previous experience in complex and volatile contexts.
• Good understanding of protection mainstreaming and advocacy work.
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
• Familiarity with the refugee context in Turkana West is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of international refugee law and applicable national laws.
• Understanding of SPHERE standards and durable solutions. 1
• Experience in community outreach, counseling, and legal aid service provision. 1
• Experience in project cycle management (PCM) and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) reporting.

Educational Background:
A university degree in law, political science, social science, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical framework and understanding of legal principles, human rights, and social justice, which are essential for effectively assisting vulnerable populations and navigating the complexities of legal assistance in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of relevant humanitarian experience, particularly in working with refugees, internally displaced persons, or marginalized communities. This experience should be at the field level and preferably with an NGO or international organization. The role requires familiarity with the challenges faced by these populations and the ability to operate effectively in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating a strong understanding of protection issues and advocacy work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for reporting purposes. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Turkana West is highly desirable, as it will facilitate better communication with beneficiaries and enhance the effectiveness of legal assistance services provided to the community.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. The Norwegian Refugee Council is committed to safeguarding and expects all employees to adhere to strict protocols regarding respect and dignity in all interactions. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation, abuse, and harassment, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff and beneficiaries.