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, and enhance resilience 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 operates in key locations including Maiduguri, Yola, and Jos, allowing it to effectively respond to the needs of those affected by conflict across North-East and North Central Nigeria. NRC's strategic presence enables it 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. The organization also has sub-offices in Monguno and Mubi, enhancing its capacity to deliver assistance during emergencies through a rapid response mechanism (RRM).

Job Overview:
The ICLA Technical Assistant will play a crucial role in the day-to-day implementation of ICLA projects for NRC's Area Northeast office. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about helping refugees and those forced to flee. The assistant will be responsible for adhering to NRC policies and guidelines, assisting with the implementation of civil and legal identity activities, housing, land, property (HLP) rights, and collaborative dispute resolution (CDR) activities. The role involves preparing status reports, ensuring proper documentation, promoting the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, and engaging with communities to ensure accountability. The assistant will also break down annual operational plans into actionable implementation plans and assist in the procurement and distribution of materials as needed. This position is integral to NRC's emergency response efforts, particularly in providing protection through the ICLA legal aid program for conflict-affected populations, including IDPs, returnees, and local communities in Northeast Nigeria.

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

• Adhering to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines.
• Assisting with the implementation of civil and legal identity activities, HLP rights, and CDR activities.
• Preparing and developing status reports as required by the supervisor.
• Ensuring proper filing of documents and promoting ideas for improvement in support functions.
• Engaging with communities and community leaders to inform them about activities and ensure accountability.
• Breaking down annual operational plans into weekly, monthly, and quarterly implementation plans.
• Assisting officers in ensuring timely procurement and distribution of materials according to procedures.
• 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:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law or social sciences from a recognized Nigerian university, with a thorough understanding of Nigerian law as it applies to displacement contexts. They should have work experience in the field of law, such as in courts, legal aid agencies, or humanitarian protection, preferably with displaced populations. Additionally, candidates should have documented results related to the responsibilities of the position, knowledge of their own leadership skills, and the ability to manage resources effectively to optimize results. High-level competency in computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office applications, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in law or social sciences from a recognized Nigerian university. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the legal frameworks and social dynamics affecting displaced populations in Nigeria.

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

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. Additionally, fluency in Hausa and/or Kanuri is required, with a strong encouragement for Kanuri-speaking candidates to apply. Knowledge of these languages is crucial for effective communication with the communities served by NRC.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Nigerian nationals only and is for a duration of 6 months. The grade level for this position is Grade 4 in NRC's grading structure, and it reports 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. The work culture at NRC empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility, fostering a collaborative environment where learning and development are prioritized.