Housing Land and Property (HLP) Officer

The organization, Sahei Gender Development Initiative, was formally known and called Sanitation and hygiene education initiative (SGDI). The organization is a Nigerian non-governmental and not-for-profit making organization incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in November 2014. It is an organization that facilitates, advocates, and raises awareness for access to improved services among vulnerable individuals. The organization focuses in the areas of WASH, Protection/GBV, Empowerment/livelihood, Waste Management, Health/Nutrition, Climate Change and Peace Building. The organization has experienced staff that are equipped with knowledge, skills to response when the need arises. The organizations staff can work all over the liberated LGAs of Borno State. The organization was established to promote well-being of individuals and alleviate the suffering of conflict affected people and the vulnerable groups of people in Northeastern Nigeria. In pursuit of its mission, the Organization works with partners to execute programs aimed at improving the livelihood and living standards of vulnerable children, women and girls, men, widows, internally displaced persons, and persons living with disabilities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Housing, Land and Property (HLP) Officer will oversee housing, land and property concerns in relation to land-related engagement/usage for all sectors, particularly WASH and Protection. The HLP Officer is thus responsible for providing Legal advice and assistance on Housing, Land and Property directly to the Staff and Management of the Organization, beneficiaries, and liaising with Government Official at the Federal, State and Local level. The Roving HLP Officer will ensure adherence to Organization policies and guidelines and will be responsible for ensuring that all activities are conducted in compliance with Nigerian Housing, Land and Property Law. The HLP Officer will seek to facilitate a more inclusive and effective HLP response while abiding by humanitarian and “Do no Harm” principles. The HLP Officer will give particular attention to increasing security of tenure for both IDPs and host communities with a view to protect against rights violations, such as forced and threatened evictions, and contribute towards durable solutions, sustainable housing, increased land tenure security and property rights.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide legal assistance in the area of Land Access and Use, facilitate and/or negotiate all construction and/or rehabilitation for our beneficiaries, as well as support in dispute resolution between Property owner(s) or Local Authorities and our beneficiaries. Provide beneficiaries with assistance to realise their Housing, Land and Property Rights. Review and outline Legal and Policy frameworks governing HLP rights of displaced persons, returnees and host communities from a domestic legal perspective. Compile up-to-date information on relevant HLP laws, procedures and practices. Outline the normative framework of international, regional and national policy on HLP rights as applicable to Northeast Nigeria. Identify and document specific challenges facing IDPs, returnees, and host communities in exercising their HLP rights in all locations. This includes gender, age, diversity, and how they relate to HLP violations. Map HLP issues in areas of return, providing an overview of the tenure issues that affect who is affected and the current response, considering IDPs, returnees, and host communities. Conduct field visits to capture the views of beneficiaries, including women and key stakeholders (statutory, customary, and religious authorities, protection, etc.) Provide recommendations to effectively protect HLP rights of IDPs and host communities as well as to address programmatic gaps to help the Organisation address HLP issues affecting displaced and Host communities in the locations. Ensure stakeholders, i.e., the Organisation, Property Owners, displaced tenants and/or local authorities, understand and agree to enter into and abide by tenure agreements and ensure that all documentation in relation to these agreements is available before implementation of all activities that require the use of Land. Advocate for recognition of the HLP rights of displaced persons, particularly security of tenure when engaging with Property Owners, Authorities and humanitarian partners. Report on any problems encountered in the field such as Organization beneficiary complaints, authorities interference and security threats on the breach of any agreement entered. Conduct post-rehabilitation occupancy monitoring to ensure ongoing security of tenure for all of our beneficiaries. Work with the MEAL team to undertake regular monitoring and evaluation of HLP activities, and contribute to monthly progress reports on activities, highlighting any technical or operational successes. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of activities and make recommendations for improvements. Conduct both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to the Organisation and not to jeopardize its humanitarian interventions. Carry out any other duties as assigned.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES

Organisation Team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

University degree in law preferred; with 3 Years post call to the Nigerian Bar. Familiarity with HLP laws, procedure and practice in Nigeria. Experience in legal research, including international and national legal concepts and collecting legal data. Ability to negotiate with Property Owners and Authorities, providing legal assistance to vulnerable beneficiaries and related sectors in Nigeria. Ability to work under pressure, independently and show initiative, with limited supervision. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to develop good relationships with a range of diverse local stakeholders, private actors, the Government and partners. Experience representing the organization and its interests to a diverse range of local stakeholders, private sector actors, the Government and partners. Experience working in the humanitarian sector, in complex and volatile contexts. Fluency in Hausa, Kanuri and English. SGDI is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. Please Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. SGDI reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. SGDI has a PSEA Policy that the successful candidate will be expected to comply with and promote.