Icla Legal Advisor

BACKGROUND: The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been active in Lebanon since 2006, providing protection and humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC operates in the Beirut suburbs; Southern Lebanon and the Tripoli area. Currently, NRC is focusing on a number of activities, including those related to NRC’s core activities of Shelter and Education. Given its experience in these fields, NRC intends to commence Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) activities, with an initial focus on security of tenure for refugees and internally displaced persons in Lebanon. JOB PURPOSE: NRC requires a Legal Advisor who will assist establish ICLA and be involved with the day-to-day activities under the supervision of the Project Manager. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: •Understand legal concepts, law and practices regarding the Lebanese legal system and, in particular, regarding rights to housing, land and property and legal identity. •Understand the legal situation (according to national and international laws and principles) for refugees and internally displaced persons in Lebanon. •Assist in preparing legal analyses (written and oral) and, if necessary, advice on the Lebanese legal system and access to it by refugees and internally displaced persons; in particular on rights to housing, land and property and legal identity. •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. •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. •Prepare 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 potential and actual beneficiaries to understand their needs. •Regularly meet with other relevant actors and stakeholders and coordinate work, including attending meetings. •Conduct information and counselling sessions for beneficiaries. •Identify awareness-raising and outreach opportunities for ICLA work and conduct 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. •Conduct legal 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. •Carry out administrative and financial tasks as agreed upon. •Perform any other task as assigned by supervisor. Skills and Qualifications Required oQualified lawyer with minimum 3 years’ legal work experience or equivalent. oExperience of keeping and updating legal case information. oExperience of preparing legal research (including use of legal databases) and giving legal advice. oExperience of working with clients and other beneficiaries. oExcellent communication skills and command of English and Arabic both written and orally. oStrong organisational and logistical skills. oAbility to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision oExperience of working with IDPs/Refugees is an advantage. oExperience of working with non-governmental organisations is an advantage. Additional Qualities a Successful Candidate Should Possess oTeam spirit oFlexibility oStrong communication (fluency in Arabic and English) and organisational skills. oStrong 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.