Legal Field Officer

All NRC employees are expected to work in accordance with the organization’s core values: dedication, innovation, inclusivity and accountability. These attitudes and believes shall guide our actions and relationships.  The Legal Field Officer is responsible developing ICLA’s understanding of the legal situation for refugees in the North, 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 North 1.      Role and responsibilities The following is a brief description of the role. Generic responsibilities (max 10) 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. Specific responsibilities Assist in conducting information and counseling 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. 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 Critical interfaces 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. 2.      Competencies Competencies are important in order for the employee and the organisation to deliver desired results. They are relevant for all staff and are divided into the following two categories: 1. Professional competencies These are skills, knowledge and experience that are important for effective performance. Generic professional competencies for this position: Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and verbal 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 and fluency in Arabic and English both written and orally. Strong organizational 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 organizations is an advantage Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 2. Behavioral competencies (max 6) Managing resources and achieving results Handling insecure environments Working with people and team spirit Coping with change / flexibility 3.      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 individual Work- and Professional Development Plan The Competency Framework