Paralegals and Eviction Taskforce Monitors

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been providing first-line humanitarian response since 2021, focusing on multisectoral activities such as shelter, education, livelihoods, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and legal assistance. NRC aims to support individuals in hard-to-reach areas and collaborates with local authorities and actors. The organization is piloting cash-based interventions for displaced populations and offers comprehensive responses for returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) addressing their various needs. NRC Somalia is part of a larger East & South Africa regional operation, which spans ten countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, with a mission to enhance protection and promote the rights of displaced individuals in humanitarian need. The regional office is based in Nairobi, ensuring quality and coordination across country programs.

Job Overview:
The positions of Paralegals and Eviction Taskforce Monitors are crucial for providing community-based legal assistance and monitoring eviction risks in Afgoye. Paralegals will work closely with the NRC Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA) team to deliver legal support, information, and referral services to vulnerable populations. They will engage in case identification, legal awareness, and documentation support, aiming to improve access to justice. Eviction Taskforce Monitors will document and report on eviction risks and incidents, supporting eviction prevention efforts through community engagement and coordination with local authorities. Both roles require extensive community outreach and data collection to facilitate timely interventions by NRC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Paralegals will conduct community outreach to monitor eviction threats, engage with community members to gather information, provide referrals to the ICLA team, deliver legal information and counselling, organize information sessions, assist in community assessments, and document outreach activities. They will also support planning and implementation of ICLA activities and maintain communication with the ICLA team. The Eviction Taskforce Monitors will monitor and document eviction risks, provide information and counselling to at-risk households, support awareness raising on eviction rights, and contribute to community resilience against forced evictions. They will also engage in data collection and reporting to support evidence-based programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a diploma in law or a high school certificate, along with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. They should be able to start work immediately and have familiarity with local contexts and IDP-related challenges. Basic computer literacy, strong writing and reporting skills, and experience in community outreach and mobilization are essential. Knowledge of the Somalia legal system and displacement issues is an asset, as well as good communication and interpersonal skills. Experience in legal or humanitarian sectors is preferred, along with familiarity with eviction response and prevention approaches.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a diploma in law or a high school certificate. Candidates should have a solid understanding of legal principles and the ability to apply them in a community context, particularly regarding housing, land, and property rights.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in community outreach, mobilization, and case documentation. Experience in field data collection and knowledge of the local legal system and displacement issues will be beneficial. Previous work in legal or humanitarian sectors is preferred, particularly in roles related to eviction response and prevention.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all applications and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Afgoye area would be advantageous and is considered a good-to-have skill.

Additional Notes:
The contract period for these positions is on a need basis, and the salary and benefits will be according to NRC’s salary scale and terms and conditions. The duty station is Afgoye, Lower Shabelle, with frequent travel to surrounding project sites. Candidates should specify in their cover letter whether they are applying for the Paralegal or Eviction Taskforce Monitor position. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages qualified female candidates to apply. The organization adheres to a Code of Conduct and values such as dedication, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability. NRC does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.