Background

NRC has been active in Somalia since 2004 with four area offices in Kismayu, Mogadishu, Garowe and Hargeisa, providing protection and humanitarian assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons and returnees in Somaliland, Puntland, South Central and Jubbaland regions. NRC offers a comprehensive response for returnees and IDPs of high need, addressing their food security, livelihood, shelter, education, ICLA, and water, hygiene and sanitation needs and also responding to emergencies through NRC’s five core competences: Shelter, Education, Food Security and Livelihoods, WASH and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA).

NRC Somalia is part of NRC’s East Africa and Yemen regional operation which comprises of large-scale multi-country humanitarian and early recovery interventions spread across Ten countries (Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Yemen, Eritrea, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan).  NRC’s overall strategy in the region is to enhance protection and promote the rights of displaced people in humanitarian need by improving living conditions and seeking durable solutions. The regional office is based in Nairobi and works with country programmes to ensure standardization of programmatic and operational approaches, promote multi country programming and ensuring quality and coordination.

Roles and responsibilities

The ICLA Project Assistants (PA) will be taking regular field trips to carry out ICLA outreach activities and verify PRMN information with partner/monitors and other concerned parties in the field.

Generic responsibilities 

• Monitor and report on the project activities and ensure compliance with plans and NRC standards
• Work with the implementing partners to provide legal assistance to ICLA beneficiaries
• Suggest new methods and approaches in order to improve the quality of the ICLA activities
• Report all protection related concerns
• Update the ICLA SC data bases daily
• Carry out data collection as required
• Prepare field visit reports to verify and approve PRMN reports
• Prepare and file relevant documents as required by line manager
• Conduct advocacy related activities

Specific responsibilities 

• Ensure that ICLA HLP project activities are implemented in accordance with approved proposals, donor requirements, NRC policies, international standards and local customs.
• Undertake regular field visits (as and when security allows) to conduct ICLA activities.
• Ensure smooth project cycle from implementation, project monitoring, verification of completion and evaluation.
• Lead HLP activities giving advice and information to clients on the processes involved, awareness sessions and managing local authorities’ capacity building programmes.
• Apply participatory and inclusive processes in project implementation and in promoting local capacities to help themselves wherever possible.
• Understand situation including legal situations (according to national and international laws and principles) for refugees, returnees and Internally Displaced Persons in Somalia.
• Assist in developing and implementing case management systems and databases of cases.
• Support preparing and updating case management systems and database of cases.
• Support in the preparation and update of and mapping service providers in the area of responsibility.
• Conduct group information sessions for ICLA beneficiaries through outreach, awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives.
• Provide legal counseling for ICLA beneficiaries seeking legal assistance.
• Take part in mobilization and conducting of needs assessments, studies and researches using focus group discussions, interviews and questionnaires.
• Assist in strategic review and monitoring and evaluation of ICLA activities.
• Collate information on government and NGO policies pertaining to IDPs and monitors the general. context through regular filed access to identify issues affecting IDPs which relate to ICLA thematic areas.
• Contribute to the development of NRC’s country strategy, action plan and activities plan and priorities in the ICLA sector.
• Prepare and distribute materials on ICLA thematic areas to target communities.
• Establish excellent relations with beneficiaries including understanding the needs of beneficiaries. through regular visits and frequent contact.
• Document findings on HLP assessments and studies.
• Analyze and produce quantitative and qualitative activity reports.
• Bring to the immediate attention of the PO emergency support issues requiring immediate action and support.
• Provide analysis on the Protection issues facing Displaced People, highlighting key concerns and durable solutions regarding land/property/Programs
• Undertake regular field visits (as and when security allows) to verify information with monitors and other concerned parties.
• Maintain regular communication with monitors to answer any queries they have with regards to PRMN issues.
• Analyse and produce bi-monthly quantitative and qualitative PRMN summary reports.
• Bring to the immediate attention of the PO emergency support issues requiring immediate action and support.
• Participate in the protection cluster and working group meetings.
• Perform any relevant tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Our Ideal Candidate

• University degree in law, Political, Social science or other relevant discipline. Diploma with experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 1 years of work experience with specific experience in protection monitoring, protection or human rights.
• Thorough understanding of humanitarian protection and legal provisions and procedures in Somalia.
• Knowledge and experience with human rights issues and an understanding of international law.
• Maturity, results orientated and willing to work long hours.
• Experience of using desktop office software including MS Word and Excel.
• Experience working with and implementing projects through local partners, paralegals, local authorities and community dispute resolution committees.
• Experience in enumeration, research and data analysis.
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities.
• Knowledge about own skills/profile.
• Knowledge of the context in Somalia.
• Knowledge of the English and Somali language.
• Experience working with government, local authorities, humanitarian actors, host community and displaced populations (IDPs and Refugees).
• Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines under pressure with minimum supervision.
• We are particularly looking for a positive individual with strong communication skills, who can build trust and confidently navigate both internally and externally at different levels.
• Solid Knowledge of the South central in general and in the particular context in terms of political, security, economic, and clan dynamics.
• In this position you will join highly motivated and expert staff who are making a difference to the most vulnerable people.

What We Offer:

Contract period: Subject to the funding

Salary/benefits: According to NRC’s salary scale and terms and conditions

Duty station: Jowhar- Middle Shabelle Somalia

Additional Information:

Candidates currently in Jowhar are highly encouraged to apply.

Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.

Incomplete, email and paper applications will not be considered.

Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraging.