Job Title: Returns Working Group Co-coordinator

Job Description

SCOPE OF WORK: The Returns Working Group (RWG) is an operational and multi- stakeholder platform on returns, which was established in line with Strategic Objective 3 of the 2016 Iraq HRP to support voluntary, safe and dignified return of IDPs; so as to monitor and report on conditions in return areas, and determine to what extent durable solutions have been achieved- or progress made- for returnees.The key objective of the group is to establish coherence of information, data and analysis, strengthen coordination and advocacy, give guidance on activities related to key areas, and enhance complementary action among its partners with the overall goal of supporting and reinforcing the national response to Iraq s coming reintegration challenge.The RWG Co-coordinator will work together with the RWG Coordination Team (i.e. the Return WG Coordinator appointed by IOM, Regional Liaison Officers, Government Liaison focal points, Information management etc.), to ensure representation of NGOs within the working group, including local and international organizations in the work of the RWG. Close engagement with local and international NGO and civil society actors through established coordination structures across the country helps bridge the gap between senior level UN/INGO decision making and the needs and priorities of actors implementing programs across Iraq.SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES1. Support to the National RWG platformi) Supporting National RWG meetings, and other related working group or cluster meetings, including co-chairing the RWG and fulfilling certain support functions as secretariat when required.ii) Consolidating and sharing information on needs, response and gaps through regular reporting within the RWG and ad hoc request by ICCG and HCT.iii) Provide inputs and feedback to the RWG through updates from the NERF (NGO Early Recovery Forum) and field level general coordination mechanisms, and through regular consultation with INGOs and NGOs through the NGO Coordination Committee for Iraq.iv) In coordination with the DTM team and RWG IM, contribute to the development on existing joint RWG- DTM products, such as the Return Index snapshots and dashboard etc., and advocate for key areas of concern related to returns.2. Field supporti) Link with existing coordination mechanisms at field level to collect information and identify particular topics or issues on a needs basis, and coordination of mapping at field level of humanitarian needs, response and gaps in key return areas.ii) In consultation with National RWG and governorate coordination mechanisms, develop key messages to provide to Governorate Return Committees (GRCs) on conditions in areas of origin, alternative solutions to IDPs, among others.iii) In consultation with National RWG and other relevant clusters, contribute to developing tools and materials for communicating with IDPs and Host communities to make an informed choice about either their return or place of resettlement, based on full knowledge of the opportunities, risks and resources available.iv) Provide preliminary support to pilot projects aimed to provide solutions to IDPs in protracted displacement.v) Work to promote and establish linkages with CRCs steering committee and subsequent initiatives to provide support to returnees.vi) In partnership with REACH, support to identify priority return areas, and develop rapid overview of areas of return to inform partners on programming.3. Advocacy:i) Through data identified by DTM, conduct in- depth field assessments on areas of no return, and develop requisite advocacy notes to highlights key concerns and proposed interventions in this area in consultation with the RWG field liaison officers, RWG Coordinator and IRC Deputy Director of Programs.ii) In conjunction with CCCM cluster, Protection cluster and other clusters, develop advocacy notes on camp closure and forced returns/ eviction, and subsequent return of IDPs.iii) Support to develop case studies and best practices on alternative solutions to return where return is not feasible.iv) Together with the RWG Coordinator and members of the working group, advocate for displaced populations to have access to all options for durable solutions and for measures promoting long term safety and security, enjoyment of an adequate standard of living, access to livelihoods and employment, effective and accessible mechanisms.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNoneKey Working RelationshipsInternal: The position reports directly to the IRC Deputy Director of Programs and to the RWG CoordinatorExternal: IOM, Inter- Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG), Donor durable solutions working group, Clusters, Advocacy working, group, CCI, CCG, HCT, members of the Returns Working Group and Governmental bodiesQualificationsPost graduate degree in a relevant field preferredMinimum of 5 years proven experience working on displacement, durable solutions or early recovery issues in humanitarian environments, including provision of technical advice to field teams. Previous experience in an emergency or conflict-afflicted setting is required;Excellent understanding of displacement and durable solutions issues and detailed knowledge of humanitarian principles, guidelines and laws and the humanitarian coordination systemsExperience leading, co-leading or participating in cluster/sector meetings, or in NGO coordination fora preferred;Experience in developing strategies and policies related to displacement and/ or forced migration is preferred.Strong facilitation skills and experience of developing facilitation skills in others;Demonstrable experience in advocacy and high-level negotiation skills.Strong experience with information management as related to the sector, including maintaining standards of impartiality and confidentiality with data of a sensitive natureExcellent leadership, coordination, capacity building, planning and analytical skills;Excellent representation skills including the development of strong interpersonal relationships to facilitate communication within the cluster;Strong oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders Able to work successfully under pressure and ability to make timely decisions;Excellent written and spoken English, including report writing skills; Arabic is an asset;A keen understanding of political complexities in the Middle East regionExperience in Iraq and/or in the region is preferred.

Keyskills :
Returns Working Group Co-coordinator