Legal Research and Advocacy Project Coordinator Afghanistan Kabul

Job overview:

The successful candidate will be responsible for researching the policies and practices around land allocation in Afghanistan to support inclusive and safe durable solutions for displacement affected populations within Afghanistan, including recently returned people from neighbouring countries. This position will be crucial in supporting NRC to strengthen policy understanding and raise awareness around displacement dynamics related needs on the ground. Research and programme learning will inform advocacy messaging to key interlocutors and target stakeholders and ensure that decisions around the Afghan displacement crisis are informed by thorough understanding of the critical issues facing displaced Afghans– including Housing Land and Property issues preventing displacement-affected Afghans from achieving durable solutions, access to livelihoods and key services  and basic rights for all displaced Afghans (as well as their meaningful access to effective protection regimes). 

This position will contribute towards NRC’s sub-regional approach to addressing the needs of Afghan displacement-affected communities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Tajikistan, in line with the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR). NRC contributes to programme learning, research and evidenced-based advocacy around durable solutions for displaced Afghans across the region, as well as acts as a conduit for civil society engagement and participation in relevant regional and international policy processes, including the Support Platform for the SSAR. NRC is committed to improved operationalisation of the Global Refugee Compact and informing donors strategies and approaches around this.

For more details about this position please click here: Job Description and NRC Grade Structure.

Generic responsibilities

• Adherence to NRC policies, guidance, and procedures
• Promote and share ideas for improvement and necessary changes in the activities
• Liaise and collaborate with relevant local authorities and other key stakeholders
• Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy

Specific responsibilities 

• Ensure the provision of up-to-date analysis changes in legal and government context at the national level in relation to land use and provide regular contextual updates to the ICLA Specialist, Advocacy Manager and Sub-regional advocacy manager.
• Form legal analysis on land use and proposed land allocation schemes.
• Develop key advocacy messages around land allocation for dissemination with target stakeholders.  
• Lead the production of research and policy briefs assessing previous applications of land allocation schemes in Afghanistan. 
• Lead the production of research and policy briefs tracking land use relevant to displacement.
• Lead engagement with relevant in country stakeholders including national and provincial authorities.
• Organise workshops with key stakeholders on land allocation and inclusive urban development.
• Participate at events with relevant fora (Durable solutions working group). 
• Ensure synergy with NRC’s ICLA programming in country by coordinating between ICLA and advocacy department to ensure synchronised efforts on durable solutions for displaced people.
• Other duties as assigned.

Generic Professional Competencies:

• Minimum 5 years of experience from a senior level position in research of which 3 years in a humanitarian/recovery context
• Experience from working in complex  policy environments and experience dealing with government authorities
• Technical legal aid expertise or legal research experience  
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile 
• Solid understanding of policy processes relating to forced displacement, migration and humanitarian response framework
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal including report writing 
• Demonstrated networking and influencing skills 

Context related skills: knowledge and experience:

• Degree in Law, Sharia or a related field. 
• Experience working in  a related legal aid or ‘access to justice’ operation and/or legal research, particularly for displaced or conflict-affected people, including data management and analysis 
• Knowledge of the displacement and legal context in Afghanistan.
• Experience with displaced people’s access to HLP rights in Afghanistan.
• Experience of programme-based advocacy is desirable.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Analysing 
• Tact and diplomacy
• Handling insecure environments 
• Empowering and building trust 
• Strategic thinking 
• Influencing 
• Initiate action and change 

We Offer:

• Monthly Salary based on NRC Afghanistan Salary Scale.
• NRC has medical coverage for staff plus 4 dependents. 
• Leave and Holidays accordingly Afghanistan Labour Law.
• Top up Credit card on monthly basis.