SIP Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of individuals each year. In the Middle East, NRC has over 3,000 staff dedicated to helping those affected by conflict in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. The organization focuses on several 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). NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its operations respect the dignity of all individuals it serves.

Job Overview:
The SIP Adviser position is crucial for the implementation and institutionalization of the NRC’s Safe and Inclusive Programming (SIP) toolkit and standards across all programs and support departments in Syria. The adviser will provide expert guidance on humanitarian principles and protection mainstreaming, ensuring that project teams can identify, monitor, and mitigate protection risks faced by participants and staff. This role involves close collaboration with various departments to ensure that activities are culturally appropriate and aligned with community priorities. The SIP Adviser will also be responsible for developing key guidance, tools, and training to address protection needs and risks, thereby enhancing the quality of NRC’s humanitarian programming in Syria. The position requires a dynamic and motivated individual with a strong background in SIP, capacity building, and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SIP Adviser will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Content Localisation and Development: Collaborate with Core Competencies Specialists to ensure SIP elements are integrated into sector-specific Minimum Standards and guidance materials.
• Maintaining SIP Standards: Develop an annual SIP action plan and monitor its implementation, ensuring that SIP standards are upheld across all programs.
• Institutionalisation: Support the integration of SIP standards into NRC’s systems and routines, working closely with CC specialists and management.
• Internal and External Communication: Articulate NRC’s objectives regarding Safe Programming to various stakeholders.
• Conceptualising and Testing: Ensure that SIP Minimum Standards are practical and achievable for all teams.
• Documenting and Sharing Learning: Collaborate with the MEAL team to develop a system that measures the success of SIP institutionalisation.
• Technical Support: Provide capacity building and technical support to NRC teams and SIP focal points.
• SIP Analysis and Integration: Continuously analyze protection risks and explore integration opportunities within programs.
• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to NRC’s strategic planning processes regarding SIP integration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of senior-level experience in protection mainstreaming, safe programming, and humanitarian programs within a humanitarian or recovery context. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field is required, while a Master’s degree is considered an added advantage. Strong knowledge and experience in leading SIP activities and community engagement approaches are essential. Familiarity with global protection standards and experience in developing and delivering high-quality training and tools for SIP implementation are also required. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile contexts and possess strong communication skills to build trust and navigate various levels of stakeholders effectively.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field as a minimum qualification. A Master’s degree in a relevant area is highly desirable and will be considered an added value for candidates applying for this role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of experience working at a senior level in protection mainstreaming, safe programming, and humanitarian programs. This experience should be within a humanitarian or recovery context, demonstrating the ability to lead and implement SIP initiatives effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable and would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships. The role may require travel to operational areas, approximately 20-30% of the time. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC’s National Syrian salary scale, specifically at Grade

• NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring a work culture that empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility.