Information, Counselling & Legal Assistance Specialist – Erbil, Iraq

NRC in Iraq

Iraq has seen an unprecedented rise in displacement over the last several years, reaching a peak between 2014 and 2017. Of the more than 5.8 million Iraqis who fled their homes since 2014, two million remain displaced. Over four million Iraqis have returned to their area of origin. Many Iraqis have returned to areas that lack basic infrastructure, services and livelihood opportunities, or where explosive devices have not been cleared. Other challenges include: lack of security, community rejection, housing, property and civil documentation issues and lack of educational opportunities.

The UN estimates that more than 6.7 million Iraqis will need assistance in 2019, of this, those in critical need include 1.75 million people which includes both in- camp and out-of-camp IDPs, returnees, and vulnerable host communities. Humanitarian agencies are asking for 701 million USD to deliver basic assistance to these Iraqis  (HRP 2019). With military operations against IS group having ended, the Iraqi government faces new challenges to ensure displaced populations return home, receive adequate services while ensuring inclusive reconstruction and reconciliation efforts that will sustain peace.

 Since 2010, NRC Iraq has been assisting internally displaced Iraqis, Syrian refugees, and host communities in Ninewa, Dohuk, Erbil, Kirkuk, Basra and Anbar Governorates.

We focus on assisting the newly displaced, those in lengthy displacement in camps and those in hard-to-reach areas. In 2018, NRC scaled-up programmes across Iraq to respond to the large-scale displacements and returns, especially in Anbar governorate, around Kirkuk and in Ninewa using our water and sanitation, education, camp management, legal assistance, livelihoods, camp management, and cash activities.

Information, Counselling & Legal Assistance Specialist – Erbil, Iraq

Role Specific Information

• Matrix management of ICLA PMs at the area office level (5 AOs).
• Ensure high quality proposals and donor reports are produced.
• Lead the ICLA strategy & MLFA development and revisions.
• Lead field assessments and contingency planning.
• Coordinate with other Core Competencies for synergies and integrated programming.
• Plan for a proper phase out and contribute to the durable solutions discussions/initiatives.
• Design and develop programme approaches and activities that can be piloted and expanded to other NRC locations in Iraq
• Higher-level programme development both within the organisation and with external stakeholders
• Lead expansion of HLP activities in Iraq with the introduction of CDR focussed programming, in close coordination with Shelter actors.
• Ensure a capacity building approach and concrete plans are set for PMs, PCs and national staff in all AOs with a goal of nationalising posts.
• In close coordination with the Advocacy Manager, articulate concerns and organise relevant evidence pertaining to UDOC that contribute to the NRC’s advocacy efforts for Iraq
• Participate in external coordination meetings relating to ICLA, HLP, Protection and relevant technical working groups

Our Ideal Candidate:

A university graduate in a relevant field(s) with minimum 4 years experience in a senior  project implementation position in a humanitarian/recovery settings, especially in complex and volatile environments. Fluency in English, both verbal and written is required.  Knowledge of Arabic and previous work experience in the Middle-East and Iraq will be a distinct advantage.

Additional Information:

Contract period: 12 months

Salary/benefits: According to NRC’s salary scale and terms and conditions

Duty station: Erbil

Approved health certificate will be requested before contract start

Non-family duty station