Community Mobilizer

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), in partnership with the Nepal Bar Association, has established a program for the support of internally displaced and conflict affected persons in Nepal, with offices in Nepalganj, Biratnagar, Surkhet, Rukum and Kathmandu (covering 14 districts). The program is designed to provide Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance through a community-based outreach methodology. To extend the program activities to the Districts of Siraha and Saptari in the Eastern Terai NRC will during the month of June open a new Field Office in Lahan in Siraha District.

This NRC program is now seeking applications from qualified and experienced candidates for the following posts for the new office in Lahan:

Community Mobilizer (2 positions)


Terms of Reference:

The Community Mobilizer will work under the direct supervision of the Legal Officer/Legal Assistant to implement the Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) program in their areas of responsibility. The Community Mobilizer must be able to work with limited supervision but as an integral part of the ICLA team. They will travel extensively throughout their respective regions.

DUTY STATION: Lahan with multi day trips surrounding districts time to time.


PURPOSE OF POSITION:


• Under the guidance of the Legal Officer/Legal Assistant, contribute to the fulfillment of the aims and objectives of the NRC presence in Nepal.

• Be responsible for the collection and dissemination of information at the community level relevant to the objectives of the ICLA project.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:


• By way of extensive travel throughout the region of responsibility, facilitate the introduction and deployment of the program to target clients through existing NGOs and community-based organizations;

• Act as primary ICLA project interface with clients;

• Collect data on clients and key issues affecting them, to identify key geographical and thematic areas for conduct of ICLA activities;

• Monitor and track issues identified;

• Ensure entry of all relevant data into client database;

• Develop and implement strategies for addressing identified issues including:

o planning and implementing innovative awareness raising activities;
o supporting community mediation activities and informal interventions with relevant parties;
o assisting with referrals of clients to other relevant service providers, such as trauma counsellors and family tracing services;
o recommending areas for potential cooperation with local partners and NGOs; and
o identifying opportunities for capacity-building of local authorities and communities.

• Keep up-to-date on regional political developments which may affect the implementation of ICLA activities;

• Establish relationships with and cooperate with VDC and village level authorities, political representatives, NGOs and UN actors as required to ensure maximum exchange of information and cooperation;

• Prepare regular, written reports for the Project Coordinator;

• Assist with the preparation of materials, such as pamphlets and training handouts, for awareness raising activities;

• Assist with the facilitation of workshops and other training activities;

• Support the functions of the Legal Assistant/Legal Officer

• Work closely with other Community Mobilizers (including in other sub-offices) to ensure consistency in approach and knowledge sharing;

• Participate in NRC staff seminars and training; and

• Any other related tasks assigned by the Project Coordinator.


QUALIFICATION CRITERIA:


• Bachelor Degree in social sciences or related discipline and at least three years’ relevant experience or Intermediate level with minimum of five years’ relevant experience;

• Previous work experience with NGOs or international organisations absolutely required;

• Work experience must include the provision of services or assistance to vulnerable groups;

• Dedication to the principles of NRC, including treating all persons with respect, regardless of ethnicity, education or background;

• Capable of handling politically sensitive and confidential situations;

• Excellent communication skills;

• Excellent written and spoken in English;

• Excellent legal research skills;

• Excellent command of MS Office applications;

• Ability to work well as part of a team and with minimal supervision;

• Willingness to travel extensively through region of responsibility, spending up to 100% of work time in the field, including in rural and remote areas, to ensure program activities reach intended clients.


I hereby agree to content of these Terms of Reference:


Name:__________________________________________________________________


Signature:_______________________________________________________________


Date:___________________________________________________________________


Detailed Terms of Reference for all the positions may be collected at the NRC Office in Biratnagar, (Swagat Marg, House 34, Ward 15, Janpath Tole) OR at the Country Office in Ekantakuna, Lalitpur Kathmandu, OR by clicking the link www.nrcnepal.org.np

• Application from women candidates are especially encouraged

• Candidates with a thorough knowledge and experience from Eastern Terai will be preferred.


APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:


Applicants must submit a cover letter and CV to NRC:

• by email to nrc@nrcnepal.org.np or
• by mail to GPO Box 98, Biratnagar
• by delivery to the NRC Office in Biratnagar, Swagat Marg, House No. 34, Ward 15, Janpath Tole

Applicants must indicate the position they are applying for in their cover letter.

All applications must be received by 5 pm on Wednesday 4th June 2008. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.



Special Instructions for Applicants:

The NRC shall promote and protect people who have been displaced internally regardless or race, religion, nationality and political opinion. All employees of the NRC should be able to adhere to our Code of Conduct and the four organizational values: dedicated, innovative, inclusive and accountable.