ICLA Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Established to provide life-saving assistance and long-term support, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, employing approximately 15,000 staff members. In the Middle East alone, NRC has over 3,000 staff members focused on aiding individuals affected by conflict in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. The organization is committed to delivering assistance based on its expertise in various core competencies, including Shelter, Education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA).

Job Overview:
The ICLA Project Manager will play a pivotal role in managing the overall NRC ICLA project portfolio and staffing in Northeast Syria. This position requires a strategic approach to planning and implementing the ICLA program, which includes conducting legal needs assessments, gap analyses, and prioritizing interventions based on the needs of the community. The Project Manager will work closely with the ICLA Specialist to ensure that the program aligns with the strategic objectives of the organization and meets the legal compliance standards necessary for effective service delivery. The role also involves overseeing the quality of legal services provided, ensuring that all interventions are evidence-based and responsive to the needs of project participants. Additionally, the Project Manager will be responsible for fostering collaboration with various stakeholders, including protection actors, legal aid providers, and local authorities, to enhance the effectiveness of the ICLA program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA Project Manager will have a range of specific responsibilities, including leading strategic planning for the ICLA program in Northeast Syria, conducting legal needs assessments, and reviewing referral mechanisms for ICLA interventions. They will coordinate with the ICLA Specialist to review team structures and job descriptions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and leading recruitment processes as necessary. The Project Manager will ensure consistent quality and legal compliance across all ICLA services, including legal counseling, information provision, representation, and referrals. They will oversee the legal accuracy of information provided to project participants and support the development of legal tools and training materials. Participation in humanitarian coordination forums and leading the Housing, Land, and Property Technical Working Group will also be part of the role. The Project Manager will identify staff training needs and coordinate capacity-building initiatives, as well as participate in project start-up, progress review, and closure meetings. They will also coordinate emergency responses in the area and carry out any other tasks as requested by the Area Programme Manager or ICLA Specialist.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant university degree, preferably in law, human rights, or social studies, with a Master's degree considered an added advantage. A minimum of three years of experience in a senior-level legal assistance or protection project implementation position within a humanitarian or recovery context is required. Candidates should have technical expertise in ICLA, particularly in Housing, Land & Property and civil documentation issues, and experience working in complex and volatile contexts. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, and knowledge of the displacement context in Syria and the Middle East is essential. Experience with legal programming and legal case management is also required, while knowledge of Arabic is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant university degree in law, human rights, or social studies. A Master's degree in a related field is considered an added value, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of experience in a senior-level legal assistance or protection project implementation role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing legal assistance projects and working effectively in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable, as it would facilitate communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Al Hassakah, Syria. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Syria, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships for this role. The contract is fixed-term, and the position may require travel within areas of operation, estimated at 30-40%. The salary and benefits are based on NRC’s national salary scale, specifically at Grade

• NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility.