Housing, Land & Property Consultant at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian organization with 60 years of experience in helping to create a safer and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced people. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and offers assistance within the shelter, emergency food security, and water, sanitation and hygiene sectors.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Housing, Land & Property Consultant

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Background

• The protracted crisis in the North-East Nigeria has displaced over 14.8 million people. Although security incidents are still reported in and around the conflict affected areas, there has been a notable improvement in the security situation lately in North Eastern Nigeria and this has been marked by greater access to villages and towns and a notable increase in the number of IDP and refugee returnees.
• While the return to places of origin by both refugees and IDPs, as their preferred choice of durable solution, is always a welcomed development, theses returns have been accompanied by a number of HLP related issues.
• The vulnerable affected population of the new arrivals IDPs, IDP and refugee returnees as well as IDPs in protracted displacement are in makeshift shelters, emergency tents, abandoned buildings, rented houses, with host communities or sleeping in the open.
• Amidst the intervention of the humanitarian actors and the influx of returns, a return strategy has been developed and a plan of action is underway with engagements at state and federal level. Solutions planning for IDPs intending to return necessitates significant efforts to establish conditions for their voluntary return, in safety and dignity, to areas of origin.
• Important efforts are needed to restore security in areas of origin as well as peacebuilding efforts , initiatives to restore housing and address HLP issues, creation of employment and livelihood opportunities, restoration of basic services and provision of humanitarian assistance .
• In order to coordinate the response around HLP issues affecting the displacement affected communities in NE Nigeria a HLP sub working group was activated in Borno state. The greater part of the humanitarian response has been limited to the areas of displacement and aid is yet to move to the newly accessible areas. This directly translates to the need to understand better the HLP concerns within the contexts of the areas of return, a critical step to inform programming and contribute to the achievement of durable solutions.

Job Description/Summary

• NRC is seeking a Housing Land & Property Consultant in the NRC field office in Maiduguri, borno State, Nigeria to Coordinate and provide HLP support to the NRC field office in Maiduguri and hence support NRC in achieving its goal of reaching out to the most vulnerable internally displaced people.
• The Housing Land & Property Consultant reports to the ICLA Manager

The main objectives for the consultancy include:

• Provide an outline of the normative framework of international, regional and national policy on HLP rights as it is applicable to the crisis in North Eastern Nigeria.
• Mapping of areas of return for refugees and IDPs clearly distinguishing between secondary displacement and return to areas of origin and its implication on HLP rights for both the returnees and host communities.
• Mapping of HLP issues in areas of return providing an overview of the nature of issues, the effects, who is affected and the current response taking into account IDPs, IDP returnees, Refugee Returnees and the host communities.
• Against the background of the status of HLP issues in areas of return , provide an overview of what this translates to in relation to sustainable return Analysing current HLP response in light of the ongoing humanitarian interventions in return areas.
• Provide practical recommendations for the further development of the NRC program, the state as well as the INGOs and NGOS through the various sector coordination platforms
• Develop a detailed work plan to be approved by ICLA PDM.
• Review relevant literature regarding HLP including relevant legislation and policies in North Eastern Nigeria.
• Conduct field visits to Monguno, Dikwa, Morbbar, Gwoza and Bama in Borno State.
• Capture the views of beneficiaries including women and of key stakeholders (statutory, customary and religious authorities, protection actors, etc.) by adapting NRC existing methodologies, especially those designed to conduct focus group discussions with displaced women
• Debrief with the reference group and relevant staff in NRC Nigeria to present findings and brainstorm on proposed recommendations
• Produce a report of the findings including recommendations

Expected Deliverables
The consultancy is expected to produce the following:

• Comprehensive mapping of areas of return.
• Comprehensive mapping of HLP issues in areas of return.
• Data collection from IDP and Refugee returnees, INGOs, UN agencies, Line ministries including (Ministry of RRR, Ministry of Lands, SEMA, NEMA, Borno State Urban Planning and Development as well as the ministry of Local Government and Emirate Affairs.
• Workshop presentation on draft findings and preliminary report to NRC ICLA , HLP SWG and Inter sector agencies
• Detailed final report with clear methodology, key findings and key recommendations for actors on HLP issues in areas of return and how to resolve them.
• A brief of the assessment key findings and recommendations in soft copy, to inform advocacy initiatives.

Methodology:
The consultancy will involve:

• A desk review
• Field visit to Monguno, Damasak, Gwoza and Dikwa for data collection, research including Key Informant Interviews, semi structured interviews, focus group discussions
• Workshop with the HLP SWG and representatives of other humanitarian coordination sectors to present key findings, refine recommendations and identify possible programme avenues.

Management and Coordination:

• The Maiduguri ICLA team will serve as a reference group for the consultancy.
• The ICLA Programme Development Manager and the Area Manager will have overall responsibility on the management and coordination of the consultancy process.
• The HLP co-chair and Protection and Advocacy advisor will be key counterparts to the consultant for regular consultation, providing information and support for coordinating visits to the field and stakeholders.
• The ICLA PDM will provide technical advice on HLP as envisaged in the context and the ICLA strategy. The reference group will be responsible for:
  • Scheduling appointments for meetings, sessions and/or workshop prior to the field visit;
  • Provide information on areas of return
  • Reviewing and commenting on the draft report;
  • Assisting to identify translators (where needed)
• NRC Nigeria will provide in-country technical programme support, while NRC’s ICLA Global Advisers and regional HLP advisor may be available for additional technical support including sharing NRC tools, being interviewed and providing feedback on the draft report.
• NRC is responsible for ensuring the Consultant is covered by necessary insurances in connection with the providence of consultancy services.
• The Consultant is responsible to ensure other personnel they engage (if any, cf. Annex 1), are insured as necessary.

Qualifications

• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• University Degree in related field
• Advanced degree would be an additional advantage
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Contextual knowledge of north east Nigeria (Borno State) preferred.
• Strong communication, coordination and representational skills.
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English both written and verbal
• Valid driver’s license/ National means of Identification

Personal Qualifications:

• Ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision.
• Highest standards of ethics and integrity
• Communicating with impact and respect
• 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

We Offer

• Commencement: 1st August 2017
• Contract period: 2 Months
• Salary/benefits: According to NRC’s directions
• Duty station: Maiduguri, Borno State

Application Closing Date
27th July, 2017.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Application letters and updated CV's to: [email protected] indicating the title of the position as the subject line of the e-mail.eg "HLP Consultant - Maiduguri".

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Any application submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
• The Norwegian Refugee Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women are particularly encouraged to apply to this position.