Protection Policy Consultancy At Norwegian Refugee Council

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) Geneva leads NRC’s humanitarian policy work and representation with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and United Nations (UN) agencies, and coordinates donor engagement with the UN and Swiss donors. NRC’s policy work is focused on principled humanitarian action, climate change and disaster displacement, protection, and humanitarian financing.

NRC strives to assist and protect vulnerable and displaced people during crises, especially in situations of conflict. Established in 1946, NRC is an independent, humanitarian, non-profit, non-governmental organisation working in more than 31 countries with approximately 14,000 staff. NRC employs a rights-based approach, challenging those with responsibility to uphold the rights of displaced people set out within national and International Laws. NRC is committed to the principles of humanity, neutrality, independence and impartiality. NRC seeks to engage with all relevant actors in order to promote the full respect for the rights of displaced and vulnerable people; secure and maintain access for humanitarian operations and promote the achievement of durable solutions.

NRC Geneva is seeking a temporary consultant for NRC Geneva’s protection portfolio to cover the work of the Humanitarian Policy and Protection Adviser position. The duration of the consultancy will initially be from 27 Sept to 5 November, for 4 days per week, with a possibility of extension depending on needs. Remote work is possible, although some travel may be required.

2. Objectives and scope of work

Role and responsibilities

The consultant will work within the NRC Geneva Partnership & Policy Team under the supervision of the Head of Humanitarian Policy to contribute to NRC’s policy work on humanitarian protection.

Major tasks

• Analyze and take stock and of the work done in relation to the preparation of the Senior Official Meeting in the framework of the Global Compact on Refugees and identify key actions for the coming two months.
• Support the preparation of the NRC messages ahead of the UNHCR Executive Committee in October.
• Review and analyse the upcoming High-Level Panel on Internal Displacement report to identify relevant follow up actions, including opportunities to exchange and reflect on ways forward with key players.
• Take stock of the work done on UNSC related issues, including peacekeeping, Conflict and Hunger and others as relevant, and identify potential opportunities for continued engagement.
• Support the dissemination of information related to the above processes by providing briefing notes and updates as relevant
• Additional tasks related to the protection portfolio as requested by the line manager.

4. Requirements and competencies

The consultant must be a registered company or a sole trader and provide proof of registration.

The consultant must be available immediately for a 2-month period.

Experience and qualifications

• An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, social sciences, international affairs, or related topics. A first level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 7 years of documented relevant experience within the humanitarian sector, ideally in a role related to humanitarian protection, advocacy, or policy and including experience of field work (for example field research or operational experience).
• Knowledge and understanding at operational level of humanitarian standards and coordination mechanisms, including the IASC, humanitarian principles, humanitarian access, and humanitarian financing.
• Ability to work efficiently and to organise and prioritise different streams of works, including keeping to tight deadlines.
• A strong command of written and spoken English is required; other languages are considered an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.