ICLA Technical Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been operational in Nigeria since 2015, focusing on assisting displacement-affected communities. The organization aims to meet basic needs, improve livelihoods, provide access to essential services, and enhance resilience against future shocks. NRC operates through six core competencies: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information-Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. With a workforce of 370 staff, NRC has established a presence in key locations such as Maiduguri, Yola, and Jos, allowing it to respond effectively to the needs of those affected by conflict across North-East and North Central Nigeria. The organization also has sub-offices in Monguno and Mubi, which further enhance its operational reach and ability to bridge the gap between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, focusing on equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced people and returnees.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Technical Assistant will play a crucial role in the day-to-day implementation of ICLA projects at the NRC Area North office. This position requires a passionate individual who is committed to helping refugees and those forced to flee. The assistant will be responsible for implementing civil and legal identity activities, housing, land, property rights, and collaborative dispute resolution activities. The role involves preparing status reports, ensuring proper documentation, and promoting accountability within the community. The ICLA Technical Assistant will also assist in breaking down annual operational plans into actionable weekly, monthly, and quarterly plans, ensuring timely procurement and distribution of materials, and performing any other duties as assigned by supervisors. The position is integral to providing protection through the ICLA legal aid program for conflict-affected populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and local communities in Northeast Nigeria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Technical Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Adhering to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines.
• Assisting with the implementation of civil and legal identity, housing, land, property rights, and collaborative dispute resolution activities.
• Preparing and developing status reports as required by the supervisor.
• Ensuring proper filing of documents and promoting ideas for improvement of the support function.
• Promoting the rights of IDPs and returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.
• Engaging with communities and community leaders to ensure accountability.
• Breaking down annual operational plans into weekly, monthly, and quarterly implementation plans.
• Assisting officers to ensure timely procurement and distribution of materials.
• Performing any other professional duties as requested by officers, team leaders, coordinators, or the ICLA Project Manager. Specific responsibilities include assisting in the direct implementation of legal and civil identity activities, HLP activities, and CDR activities, documenting project achievements, contributing to the development of training materials, engaging in community mobilization, and integrating gender, protection, and advocacy priorities during project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the ICLA Technical Assistant position should possess the following qualifications:

• A university degree in law or social sciences from a recognized Nigerian university.
• A thorough understanding of the application of Nigerian law in displacement contexts.
• Work experience in the field of law, such as in courts, legal aid agencies, or humanitarian protection.
• Previous experience working with displaced populations is preferred.
• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of leadership skills and resource management to optimize results.
• High-level competency in computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office applications.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in law or social sciences from a recognized Nigerian university. This educational background is essential for understanding the legal frameworks and social dynamics relevant to the position, particularly in the context of displacement and humanitarian assistance.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience working in humanitarian or recovery contexts, particularly in complex and volatile environments. Previous experience in legal aid, protection, or working with displaced populations is highly desirable. Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Additionally, fluency in Hausa and/or Kanuri is highly desirable, with a strong encouragement for Kanuri-speaking candidates to apply. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication with the communities served by NRC.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Nigerian nationals only and is based in Maiduguri and Konduga, Borno State, Nigeria. The contract duration is for 6 months, and the position is classified as Grade 4 in NRC's grading structure. The reporting line is to the ICLA Project Manager. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline. Female candidates are strongly advised to apply, reflecting NRC's commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace.