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 help these communities meet their basic needs, improve livelihoods, access essential services, and enhance resilience to 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, enabling it to respond effectively to the needs of those affected by conflict across North-East and North Central Nigeria. The organization has sub-offices in Monguno and Mubi, allowing for greater reach and impact in humanitarian aid and development cooperation, particularly in promoting equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced individuals and returnees.

Job Overview:
The ICLA Technical Assistant position at NRC is designed for individuals who are passionate about helping refugees and those forced to flee. The role involves the day-to-day implementation of the ICLA project for the NRC Area Northeast office. The assistant will be responsible for adhering to NRC policies and guidelines, assisting with civil and legal identity activities, housing, land, property rights, and collaborative dispute resolution activities. The position requires the preparation of status reports, proper filing of documents, and promoting the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in line with the advocacy strategy. The assistant will also engage with communities and leaders to ensure accountability and assist in the procurement and distribution of materials as per procedures. This role is crucial 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 duties and 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.
• Promoting and sharing ideas for improvement of the support function.
• Promoting the rights of IDPs and returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.
• Involving and informing communities and community leaders about activities 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 according to procedures. 1
• 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, providing updates for the monitoring and evaluation system, and integrating gender, protection, and advocacy priorities during project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• Experience from working in a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Previous experience in complex and volatile contexts.
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
• Some knowledge of English.
• A thorough understanding of the application of Nigerian law in displacement contexts.
• Work experience in the field of law, such as courts, attorney or legal aid agencies, and humanitarian protection, preferably with displaced populations.
• High-level competency in computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge about own leadership skills and the ability to manage resources to optimize results.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in law or social sciences from a recognized Nigerian university. This educational background is essential to ensure a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks and social dynamics affecting displaced populations in Nigeria.

Experience:
The role requires candidates to have relevant work experience, particularly in humanitarian settings or legal contexts. Experience working with displaced populations is highly preferred, as it provides the necessary context for understanding the challenges faced by these communities. Candidates should also have documented results related to their responsibilities in previous roles, demonstrating their capability to contribute effectively to the ICLA program.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. 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 better communication with the communities served by NRC.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria, with a contract duration of 6 months. It is classified as Grade 4 in NRC's grading structure. The reporting line for this position is to the ICLA Project Manager. This opportunity is open to Nigerian nationals only, and 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.