Community-Based Paralegal

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance, protection, and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Established in 1946, NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on various sectors including education, shelter, and legal assistance. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that displaced individuals have access to their rights and can rebuild their lives. NRC employs thousands of staff globally and is committed to upholding its values of dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability in all its operations.

Job Overview:
The Community-Based Paralegal position is designed to support urbanized project staff, local authorities, and the ICLA (Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance) team in Dhusamareb, Somalia. The primary responsibilities of this role include conducting housing, land, and property (HLP) diligence and land verification processes, facilitating community engagement sessions on land tenure, and ensuring that displaced communities have access to necessary land documentation. The paralegals will play a crucial role in enhancing legal support accountability and educating communities about their rights concerning housing, land, and property. This position is vital for strengthening community resilience against forced evictions and improving the overall understanding of the local protection environment. The paralegals will also assist the ICLA team with structured outreach and data collection efforts, ensuring that interventions are timely and informed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Community-Based Paralegal include: conducting HLP diligence and land verification processes in targeted urbanized locations; facilitating community engagement sessions on land tenure; ensuring access to land documentation for affected communities; conducting outreach to monitor and document eviction threats and risk factors; engaging with community members, IDP representatives, and local leaders to gather information on eviction risks; providing timely referrals to the ICLA team for high-risk eviction cases; delivering accurate information and counselling services regarding HLP rights; organizing individual and group information sessions; assisting in community-based assessments such as focus groups and surveys; mapping relevant service providers and updating referral pathways; documenting and reporting outreach activities; supporting the planning and implementation of ICLA activities; distributing legal awareness materials; strengthening community linkages with NRC services; maintaining communication with the ICLA team for technical guidance; coordinating with other NRC field teams for integrated service delivery; monitoring service quality and impact during outreach; submitting weekly and monthly reports; and performing any other tasks assigned by NRC management.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Community-Based Paralegal position should possess a university degree in law or social sciences, along with a minimum of one year of relevant experience in protection or ICLA. Candidates should have experience working in Dhusamareb, Somalia, and be familiar with local contexts and IDP-related challenges. Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position are essential. Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust with community members and stakeholders are also critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in law or social sciences. This educational background is essential to understand the legal frameworks and social dynamics that affect housing, land, and property rights, particularly in the context of displacement and urbanization.

Experience:
A minimum of one year of experience in protection or ICLA is required for this position. Experience working specifically in Dhusamareb, Somalia, is highly desirable, as it provides the necessary context for understanding the challenges faced by IDPs and the legal landscape surrounding housing and land issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional local languages may be considered an asset, as it can enhance communication with community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract period for this position is initially set for 9 months, with the possibility of extension based on need. The salary and benefits will be in accordance with NRC’s salary scale and terms and conditions. Frequent travel to surrounding project areas is expected. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline. Email and paper applications will not be considered, and qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. It is important to note that NRC does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates should be cautious of any requests for personal banking information.