ICLA Specialist

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 upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote and protect the rights of displaced individuals, advocating for their needs and working to improve their living conditions in challenging environments.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Specialist position at NRC Kenya is a critical role focused on providing technical development and operational support for the Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) Core Competency (CC). This position is responsible for defining the strategic direction of the ICLA function, ensuring quality assurance and control, and overseeing the implementation of the ICLA strategy in alignment with the overall objectives of the Country Office. The Specialist will engage with donors and contribute to resource acquisition efforts for the ICLA CC. Additionally, the role involves mentoring, training, and capacity building for both NRC staff and partner organizations, ensuring that the ICLA program is effectively implemented and meets the needs of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Specialist will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing the ICLA strategy and technical guidance that aligns with regional and global priorities; ensuring compliance with NRC policies and procedures; contributing to fundraising efforts by developing and revising funding proposals, budgets, and donor reports; identifying trends and technical standards relevant to ICLA; providing technical direction and support to partner organizations; ensuring that lessons learned from ICLA implementation are integrated into staff development processes; conducting systematic training for technical staff; representing NRC in relevant forums and clusters; and promoting the rights of refugees in accordance with the advocacy strategy. Specific responsibilities also include capacity building for partners, ensuring community engagement methodologies are implemented, leading the transition to local partnership modalities, managing project cycles, ensuring compliance with donor commitments, and maintaining strong relationships with government counterparts and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the ICLA Specialist position should possess a minimum of 4 years of experience in a legal, humanitarian, recovery, or development context, with a focus on human rights and access to justice programming. Previous experience in complex contexts is essential, along with documented results related to the responsibilities of the position. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to coordinate and liaise with external actors, manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, and knowledge of the education sector in Kenya's humanitarian context, international human rights law, and refugee law is highly desirable. Experience in advocacy work and collaboration with local organizations is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the ICLA Specialist position includes a relevant degree in law, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in human rights, refugee law, or humanitarian assistance may be advantageous and enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in technical expertise areas related to legal, humanitarian, recovery, or development contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in human rights and access to justice programming, as well as experience in complex operational environments. Familiarity with the Kenyan context and previous experience working with local organizations will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for the role. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages spoken in Kenya or among refugee populations may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The ICLA Specialist position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a contract duration of 12 months, subject to extension based on performance and available funding. The role may require travel of up to 50%. NRC offers a Grade 9 Resident contract with competitive salary and benefits. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities for all employees regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. NRC fosters a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility, while also ensuring a supportive work environment.