Being an employee of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Ethiopia ICLA HLP officer is expected to represent NRC in a responsible manner and always act in accordance with NRC’s Code of Conduct.
Background:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is present in five regions in Ethiopia, providing refugees and internally displaced people with emergency relief and help them to rebuild their lives. NRC works within the sectors of Education, Shelter, WASH, Livelihood and Food Security, ICLA (Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance), and Child Protection.
Roles & Responsibilities:
The purpose of the officer position is to assist with day-to-day implementation of the Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA) programme in the Somali region, with a particular focus on implementing programming related to Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) issues.
Generic responsibilities
5. Initiate and implement HLP programming in the Somali region
6. Ensure proper filing of all project documents
7. Prepare and develop progress reports as required by management
9. Demonstrate commitment to NRC’s mission, vision and value
Specific responsibilities
· Conduct a legal analysis of HLP issues in the Somali region to inform information provided and guide counselling seeions with beneficiaries.
· Assess HLP issues in IDP sites as well as in return and/or relocation sites and work collaboratively with local authorities to address these HLP issues
· Conduct Group Information Session to beneficiaries on issues and procedures that regulate enjoyment of 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 into 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
· Provide beneficiaries who require more detailed information on civil documentation, legal identity documents, and related issues with mobile counselling services and technical assistance
· Undertake regular monitoring & evaluation of activities, and contribute to monthly progress reports on activities, highlighting any technical or operational successes
· Input and update beneficiary data into ICLA’s case management tools.
· Work with relevant line bureaus, local administration and other humanitarian organizations operating in the region to ensure effective targeting is done to select the most vulnerable beneficiaries.
· Any other task relevant to the position as requested by the line manager.
Generic professional competencies:
· Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical and negotiation skills
Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience:
· 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 Somali.
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
· A sense of humor
Behavioral competencies
· Handling insecure environment
· Planning and delivering results
· Empowering and building trust
· Communicating with impact and respect