Purpose of the position:

Under the direct supervision of the ICLA/Protection Coordinator, the PICLA Officer  is responsible for the day-to-day planning and direct implementation of various ICLA/ Protection activities within the designated field office.  The ICLA/P Officer will  provide Protection and ICLA services  to  most at-risk displaced and host population through providing free legal counselling, legal assistance and training sessions along with protection initiatives i.e. protection case management, individual protection assistance, protection monitoring, training and awareness  according to the objectives and goals stated in the project description in line with the NRC Policy,  Plan of Action and ICLA/P CC strategies .

1. Role and responsibilities

Generic responsibilities:

1. Adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures
2. Assist in ensuring optimal use of NRC financial resources
3. Ensure that projects beneficiaries most in need of protection are being targeted, to explore and asses new and better ways to assist
4. Promote and share ideas for improvement and necessary changes in the ICLA/P cc activities
5. Network, exchange information and co-operate with other local and international key actors, represent NRC ICLA/P in internal and external meetings
6. Promote the rights of IDPs/Host communities in line with the advocacy strategy

Specific responsibilities 

1. Ensure the planning, organization and implementation of ICLA/ Protection activities in Taiz governoate.
2. Provide free legal information, counseling and assistance to refugees, returnees, IDPs and host community (beneficiaries) consistent with Sharia law and Yemen applicable laws and procedures, including timely and appropriate follow-up appeals etc.
3. Remain updated on current legislation and legal developments in Yemen and international protection frameworks.
4. Provide general protection case management services in compliance with best-practice and international standards in protection response (including NRC case management SOP’s) including assessment of need, development of case plan and referral/facilitation of access to services, follow-up, and case closure, for the most at-risk programme participants
5. Participate in field visits for identification and follow up of cases for protection and eviction, when scheduled.
6. Conduct field visits to programme participants and project locations
7. Ensure up-to-date information on available services and procedures for programme participants to access services
8. Identify barriers to access services, document and report on them.
9. Ensure organization and delivery of tasks in line with priorities and standards
10. Maintain and update hard copy files of documents and pleadings in individual cases.
11. Participate in preparation of monthly reports, thematic reports, and correspondence with government officials and international organizations.
12. Bring legal problems of clients to the attention of relevant departments/stakeholders.
13. Organize and conduct capacity building trainings and mentorship sessions with team members per project documents.
14. Liaise with governmental, non-governmental organizations and UN agencies to establish and maintain networks for referrals;
15. Respect the anonymity of clients approaching NRC and the confidentiality of information received from any clients at all time.
16. Provide legal counselling to clients and/or represent them in courts, or relevant departments.
17. In coordination with the ICLA/Protection Coordinator, support the provision of legal assistance services in complex legal cases
18. Develop/rectify and review HLP documentation tools for cash for rent project as per context.
19. Conduct assessments as required.
20. Participate in NRC staff seminars and training, when scheduled.
21. Represent NRC in national meetings, when requested and promote exchange of information with relevant external actors;
22. Responsible for close co-operation with NRCs shelter, education and emergency programs and advocacy team, including needs assessments and identifying beneficiaries where appropriate;
23. Ensure the inclusion of cash-based interventions and marked based programmes in country and area-based strategies and their implementation across and within NRC’s core competencies
24. Provide an enabling environment for the implementation of cash-based interventions, including multi-purpose cash assistance, emergency cash responses
25. Any other reasonable task as instructed by immediate superior.

Critical interfaces

By interfaces, NRC means processes and projects that are interlinked with other departments/units or persons. Relevant interfaces for this position are:

• Project planning: PC/APM
• Area operations: NA
• Staff capacity building:  PC, APM, Specialist and HR Development Officer
• Implementation: PC

Scale and scope of position

Qualifications

• Education: University degree in Sharia or Law and Political Science and a thorough knowledge of Yemen state laws
• Work experience: In the field of project implementation 3-4 years with an emphasis on networking and coordination, with national or international organizations (Experience with returnees/IDPs issues is an asset), in the field of law (e.g. courts, attorney or legal aid agencies) and preferably experience in working with clients
• Good computer skills

Competencies 

Competencies are important for the employee and the organization to deliver desired results. They are relevant for all staff and are divided into the following two categories:

1. Professional competencies 

Generic professional competencies for this position:

• Experience from working in a project implementation position in a humanitarian/recovery context
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Knowledge of cash-based interventions and market-based programmes
• Good English skills (written and verbal)

Context /Specific skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of Yemen context
• Experience in liaising with civilian and government authorities as well as with regional, national and international institutions
• Experience in gender-mainstreaming, protection and GBV projects
• knowledge of Yemen legal system
• Ability to discuss sensitive issues with respect and empathy
• Ability to always maintain confidentiality and respect for beneficiaries
• Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity, and flexibility
• Good ability to organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, work independently, priorities work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail

Behavioral competencies :

These are personal qualities that influence how successful people are in their job. NRC’s Competency Framework states 12 behavioural competencies and the following are essential for this position:

• Handling insecure environments
• Managing resources to optimize results
• Empowering and building trust
• Managing performance and development
• Planning and delivering results
• Communicating with impact and respect
• Coping with change

Performance Management

The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the NRC Performance Management Manual. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

•        The Job Description

•              The Work and Development Plan

•              The Mid-term/End-of-trial Period Performance Review Template

•              The End-term Performance Review Template

•              The NRC Competency Framework