Icla Legal Field Officer

BACKGROUND: The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent, international humanitarian nongovernmental organisation which provides assistance and protection to refugees and internally displaced persons in over twenty countries worldwide. NRC has been working in Lebanon since 2006, initially assisting displaced Lebanese. In early March 2012, NRC commenced its Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance ICLA (ICLA) programme in Lebanon, with a focus on assisting refugees and displaced persons to understand and enjoy their rights. Initially providing assistance to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon (Palestinian Response), since May 2012 ICLA has also been implementing a programme throughout Lebanon targeting those affected by displacement from Syria. Under its Syrian response, NRC currently works through seven community centres around Lebanon (two in the North, three in the Bekaa, one in the South and one in Mount Lebanon), as well as through extensive outreach. In the Bekaa, NRC provides information, counselling and legal assistance to people who are affected by displacement as a result of the crisis in Syria; develops understanding of the protection and legal issues affecting the target communities, and, in coordination with other actors, identifies ways to address them. JOB PURPOSE: The Legal Field Officer is responsible developing ICLA’s understanding of the legal situation for refugees in the Bekaa, particularly as regards NRC’s focus areas (legal status and documentation (including birth registration), and Housing, Land and Property rights) and, through close liaison with the ICLA lawyers and other members of the ICLA team support the coordination of NRC’s legal assistance to target communities in the Bekaa. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop NRC’s understanding of the broad legal concepts, law and practices regarding the Lebanese legal system and, in particular, regarding rights to housing, land and property and legal identity. Develop NRC’s understanding the situation, including the legal situation (according to national and international laws and principles), for refugees and internally displaced persons in Lebanon. Assist with the identification of relevant pilot locations and target groups for ICLA activities. Assist in conducting needs assessments for the selected target groups; including focus groups; questionnaires; surveys; and stakeholder interviews. Establish excellent relations with beneficiaries, including understanding the needs of beneficiaries through regular visits and frequent contact with actual and potential beneficiaries. Document findings of needs assessments; including preparation of reports and other relevant documents. Assist in preparing mapping (including written version) of relevant legal and related services being provided by other actors. Assist in preparing comprehensive documentation of all relevant (previous and current) practices used by NRC and other relevant bodies for work on housing, land and property issues. Regularly meet with other relevant actors and stakeholders and coordinate work, including attending meetings. Assist in conducting information and counselling sessions for beneficiaries. Identify awareness-raising and outreach opportunities for ICLA work and assist in conducting sessions. Identify training needs for beneficiaries and stakeholders and, as relevant, prepare and conduct training. Conduct field visits as required, including frequent trips (with possible overnight stays) in all NRC project areas. Assist in conducting research as required. Assist in preparation and regular updating of NRC database(s). Prepare documents; including case studies, statistics and reports on topics agreed with supervisor. Assist in strategic review; monitoring and evaluation activities and identification of other relevant ICLA activities Maintain excellent working relations with all partners; beneficiaries and other relevant stakeholders. Prepare regular written updates of work conducted and scheduled work. Carry out administrative and financial tasks as agreed upon. Perform any other task as assigned by supervisor. Skills and Qualifications Required University degree in law (preferably at master’s level) or related studies with minimum 2 years’ work experience in relevant field. Experience of keeping and updating information. Experience of preparing research reports and other documentation. Experience of working with beneficiaries and being able to establish and maintain excellent working relations. Excellent communication skills command of English and Arabic both written and orally. Strong organisational and logistical skills. Ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision Experience of working with IDPs/Refugees is an advantage. Experience of working with non-governmental organisations is an advantage. Additional Qualities a Successful Candidate Should Possess Team spirit Flexibility Strong communication (fluency in Arabic and English) and organisational skills.  Strong Computer Skills (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). All employees of the Norwegian Refugee Council should be able to adhere to our Codes of Conduct and the four organizational values: Dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountable.