Government Liaison Adviser INGO Forum

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that has been operational since 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to advocating for the rights of displaced persons and works to influence policies that enhance humanitarian funding and structural changes in protection and assistance. NRC emphasizes a culture of safety, well-being, and inclusivity, ensuring that all employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.

Job Overview:
The Government Liaison Adviser INGO Forum position is designed to enhance humanitarian access and coordination by engaging with government agencies and relevant stakeholders. The role is pivotal in improving the operational environment for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) in Nigeria. The adviser will be responsible for setting proactive agendas, facilitating collaboration among NGOs, and ensuring effective information sharing and decision-making. This position requires a deep understanding of political necessities and policy issues related to localization and programming, as well as the ability to stay informed about political developments and humanitarian trends in Nigeria. The adviser will also support policy analysis and strategic planning, ensuring that local perspectives are integrated into the Forum's work, and will develop guidelines to assist Forum members in navigating bureaucratic challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Government Liaison Adviser include:

• Setting proactive agendas for the INGO Forum and facilitating collaborative spaces for NGOs to work together effectively.
• Representing INGO interests in high-level external meetings and national planning efforts.
• Monitoring political developments and humanitarian trends in Nigeria, advising the Forum on engagement strategies.
• Supporting policy analysis and strategic planning related to humanitarian operations, ensuring local perspectives are considered.
• Developing and updating guidelines for Forum members to address bureaucratic challenges.
• Building and maintaining relationships with Nigerian government counterparts to foster positive outcomes for the Forum.
• Conducting data analysis and interpretation to inform decision-making processes.
• Upholding international humanitarian standards and principles in all activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Government Liaison Adviser position must possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in coordination within a humanitarian or recovery context.
• Experience working in complex and volatile environments.
• Documented results in responsibilities related to humanitarian coordination.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop relationships with government counterparts.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian coordination system and the mandates of involved actors.
• Understanding of the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security environment and socio-political dynamics in Nigeria and the surrounding regions.
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and policy analysis.
• Commitment to international humanitarian standards and principles.

Educational Background:
A university degree in fields such as conflict and development, international relations, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, or a related technical area is required for this position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the legal frameworks that govern it.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in humanitarian coordination, particularly within recovery contexts. Experience in navigating complex political environments and working with government entities is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate a history of successful outcomes in related responsibilities, showcasing their ability to operate effectively in challenging settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in one or more languages spoken in North-West Nigeria, particularly Hausa, is considered an advantage and will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and is offered as a fixed national contract. The salary is classified as grade 8 on NRC’s salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion without discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a work culture that encourages innovative ideas and empowers employees at all levels to take initiative and responsibility.