ICLA and Protection Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been providing first-line humanitarian response since 202

• NRC operates through multisectoral activities including shelter, education, livelihoods, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and legal assistance. The organization focuses on supporting people in hard-to-reach areas and works in partnership with local authorities and actors. NRC is piloting cash-based interventions for displaced populations living in host communities and offers comprehensive responses for returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) addressing their various needs. NRC Somalia is part of the East & South Africa regional operation, which encompasses large-scale multi-country humanitarian and early recovery interventions across ten countries, including Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, and Mozambique. The organization's overall strategy in the region aims to enhance protection and promote the rights of displaced individuals in humanitarian need by improving living conditions and seeking durable solutions. The regional office is located in Nairobi and collaborates with country programs to ensure standardized approaches and quality coordination across operations.

Job Overview:
The ICLA and Protection Officer will lead the implementation of Protection and Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA) activities in the Central Area Office (CAO), specifically in Galmudug State, with a base in Galkacyo South. This role involves providing quality information and counselling legal services to displaced populations and vulnerable communities. The officer will contribute to a better understanding of the protection situation affecting communities and will work to strengthen access to rights and legal remedies. The position requires adherence to NRC policies and guidelines while implementing protection activities according to the established plan of action. The officer will be responsible for case management activities, ensuring that services are accessible to those most in need, and will promote technical improvements within the team. The role is critical in ensuring that protection assessments are conducted, data is collected, and comprehensive reports are prepared for management and donors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ICLA and Protection Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of protection activities in Galmudug State. Key responsibilities include adhering to NRC policies and guidelines, assisting in the implementation of the protection portfolio, and managing case management activities. The officer will ensure timely and quality case management for high-risk and vulnerable cases, develop knowledge of protection issues, prepare status reports, and maintain proper documentation. Specific duties include conducting detailed protection assessments, supporting data collection through the Protection and Solutions Monitoring Network (PSMN), identifying general protection cases, providing information about rights and entitlements, monitoring camp management activities, and ensuring confidentiality in handling beneficiary data. The officer will also compile information on available services and report on achievements regularly.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in law, social studies, development studies, or a relevant field. A minimum of three years of work experience with NGOs, legal, or international organizations in protection or human rights work is required, including experience in case management and protection programming. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile contexts, as well as direct experience with affected communities in humanitarian settings. Knowledge of international protection standards and strong analytical skills are essential, along with experience in monitoring, evaluation, and accountability. Familiarity with data collection and analysis using digital processes is also necessary, along with documented results related to the position's responsibilities. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, and experience working in Somalia is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in law, social studies, development studies, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the legal frameworks and social dynamics that affect displaced populations and vulnerable communities in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in protection or human rights work, particularly in roles involving case management and protection programming. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating the ability to navigate challenges effectively. Experience working directly with affected communities in humanitarian settings is crucial, as is familiarity with international protection standards and concepts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Dhusamareb, with a contract duration of 9 months, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The salary and benefits will be in accordance with NRC's salary scale and terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities in its hiring practices, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds without discrimination. The organization emphasizes the importance of completing all required fields in the application process and submitting a CV in English. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and candidates are encouraged to apply early as applications may be screened prior to the deadline. NRC does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of applicants' information.