Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) Officer

Role and responsibilities

The ICLA officer is responsible for the implementation of project plans, policies and solutions. S/he contributes to issue resolutions, research and analysis activities and planning and day to day implementation of activities. The Legal Officers are responsible for assisting in monitoring and tracking the project deliverables and outcomes including preparation of highlight and checkpoints reports in relation to budget, schedule and resources at field level. This role also ensures compliance with methodologies, change management process, security policies, and quality assurance policies and procedures.

Generic responsibilities 

• Ensure adherence to NRC policies and donor requirements
• Develop annual activity and work plans
• Promote and share ideas for improvement and necessary changes in activities
• Cooperate with relevant partners and local authorities
• Initiate and implement ICLA programming in the zones
• Ensure proper filing of all project documents
• Prepare and develop progress reports as required by management
• Ensure that projects target beneficiaries most in need, and explore and asses new and better ways to assist
• Demonstrate commitment to NRC’s mission, vision and value

Specific responsibilities 

• Support and conduct researches, assessment and studies under its portfolio, to inform information provided and guide counselling sessions with beneficiaries.
• Assess ICLA issues (including HLP issues) in IDP sites as well as in return and/or relocation sites and work collaboratively with local authorities to address these issues
• Conduct Group Information Session to beneficiaries on issues and procedures that regulate enjoyment of civil documentation, identity documents and HLP rights, provide case specific counselling and/or legal assistance as required
• Assist beneficiaries to obtain documentation and/or corroborative evidence regarding land ownership and other legal identity documents.
• Provide facilitated negotiation and other CDR approaches to beneficiaries where disputes arise between them and other members of the community or local authorities
• Compile up-to-date information on relevant HLP laws, procedures, and practices.
• Help design and conduct legal identity, HLP, and CDR workshops with relevant stakeholders.
• Where relevant, ensure shelter stakeholders – i.e. NRC, displaced owners, displaced tenants and/or local authorities – understand and agree to enter and abide by NRC’s Shelter agreements, and ensure that all documentation in relation to these agreements is available before implementation of shelter rehabilitation works
• Where relevant lead mobile group information sessions, designed to raise awareness and provide information to displaced people and host community, on access to civil documentation, legal identity documents, and related issues.

Competencies  

Competencies are important for the employee and the organization to deliver the desired results.

Professional competencies 

These are skills, knowledge and experience that are important for effective performance.

Generic professional competencies: 

• Experience from working in a humanitarian/recovery context
• Previous experience in the humanitarian sector in Beninshangul Gumuz is an asset
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical and negotiation skills
• Ability to prioritise responsibilities, carry out multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience: 

• A university degree in law is a very strong asset; a social sciences degree with a paralegal qualification and/or a background in protection related work may be considered in lieu of a law degree for exceptional candidates-
• Two years and above work experience
• Some familiarity with laws, procedures and practices operative in the Benshangul Gumuz region, particularly laws and procedures related to HLP.
• Some experience in working with government authorities and vulnerable beneficiaries
• Protection work experience with an INGO is an asset
• Proven skills and experience in case management and conflict resolution
• Advanced computer skills, especially in Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Amharic

Personal Qualities: 

• Diplomatic
• Ability to work under pressure and with limited supervision in a challenging environment
• Pro-active, goal-oriented and results driven
• Flexible and creative
• Excellent communication skills.