Icla Information Field Officer

BACKGROUND NRC has been present in Lebanon since 2006 initially assisting Lebanese displaced persons and later Palestinian, Iraqi and Syrian refugees.  NRC has been providing Education, Shelter and Improved Services Provision (an adaptation of Camp Management) activities.  Since March 2012, NRC has also been conducting its Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) activities, initially with Palestinian refugees and, more recently, with Syrian refugees.  After conducting a number of reports and assessments, NRC identified that there was a limited response to the lack of rights faced by refugees in Lebanon.  Consequently, NRC determined the need for the ICLA project in Lebanon, which will work closely with the other NRC Lebanon projects and activities in order to build on existing relationships develop joint activities and benefit from the comprehensive understanding of the context.  Currently, the main areas of focus for ICLA work include (1) providing a legal response to address the lack of housing, land and property (HLP) rights for Palestinian refugees; and (2) providing assistance in access to rights for refugees fleeing from Syria.  The Legal Field Officer in Tyre will work as part of the ICLA team to support the ICLA programme mainly in the Tyre region, with a main focus on the Palestinian refugee response. JOB PURPOSE The Information Field Officer will assist in the implementation of the ICLA programme, with a focus on the Palestinian refugee response, especially outreach activities.  In addition, the Information Field Officer will work with the ICLA team to support the standardisation and effective implementation of the ICLA programme throughout Lebanon. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  General Understand the situation, including the protection 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. Conduct group information sessions. Conduct information and counselling sessions for beneficiaries. Assist with support to paralegals and community focal points. Carry out administrative and financial tasks as agreed upon. Perform any other task as assigned by supervisor.  Reporting Assist with weekly & monthly reports (or more often, if required) on activities and results. Assist in preparation and regular updating of NRC database(s). Assist with documenting findings of needs assessments; including preparation of reports and other relevant documents. Maintain archiving system up to date (both in hardcopies and electronically). Assist in designing the needed forms, questionnaires and other templates. Prepare documents; including case studies, statistics and reports on topics agreed with supervisor. Prepare regular written updates of work conducted and scheduled work.  ICLA activities Assist in preparing and updating mapping (including written format) of relevant legal and related services being provided by other actors. Assist in conducting needs assessments for the selected target groups; including focus groups; questionnaires; surveys; and stakeholder interviews. 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. 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.  Coordination As requested, attend regular meetings with ICLA team and other NRC core competencies. Attend and participate in relevant meetings, in coordination with relevant NRC staff. Work cooperatively with the beneficiaries and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the project, including with key members of the refugee and host community for information dissemination. Establish excellent relations with beneficiaries, including understanding the needs of beneficiaries through regular visits and frequent contact with actual and potential beneficiaries. Assist in providing information to and cooperation with community representatives and relevant authorities. Regularly meet with other relevant actors and stakeholders and coordinate work, including attending meetings. Maintain excellent working relations with all partners; beneficiaries and other relevant stakeholders. Attend and participate on behalf of NRC relevant coordination meetings.  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 presenting to groups. 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.