Advocacy Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist 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 dedicated to advocating for the rights of displaced persons and aims to influence policies that enhance humanitarian funding and structural changes in protection and assistance. NRC has been active in Nigeria since 2015, focusing on helping displacement-affected communities meet their basic needs and improve their resilience to future shocks.

Job Overview:
The Advocacy Manager position at NRC is a strategic role that involves leading and managing the organization's advocacy efforts in Nigeria. The successful candidate will be responsible for connecting humanitarian responses to durable solutions, enabling local civil society to influence policies that affect displaced communities. This role requires a strategic thinker who can design advocacy strategies that integrate NRC's programmatic evidence with the priorities of its partners. The Advocacy Manager will ensure that advocacy initiatives are informed by the expertise of NRC's partners and the evidence gathered from NRC's programs, as well as research from NorCap and IDMC. The position demands a collaborative approach to advocacy, working closely with program staff to ensure coherence between advocacy and program implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Advocacy Manager will have a range of responsibilities, including: identifying and coordinating NRC's advocacy responses to prioritized issues both nationally and internationally; developing and implementing a country-specific advocacy and communication strategy that aligns with NRC's overall country strategy; ensuring linkages between programs and advocacy by collaborating with program staff; providing high-quality protection analysis on key humanitarian and displacement trends; preparing evidence-based policy briefing papers and public-facing advocacy products; developing strong relationships with NRC's partners to understand their priorities and identify opportunities for joint advocacy efforts; advising on advocacy and policy strategies while assessing potential risks associated with NRC's positions; and ensuring adherence to sign-off procedures for advocacy initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Advocacy Manager position must possess a Bachelor's degree in Political Sciences, Journalism, Law, Human Rights, Public Communications, English, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in advocacy within humanitarian contexts or development/human rights is required. Candidates should have professional knowledge of humanitarian and protection principles, experience working with Nigerian civil society organizations, and a background in complex and volatile contexts. Strong communication and media skills, including internal communications and community engagement, are essential. Experience in managing teams and working within senior management teams is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Political Sciences, Journalism, Law, Human Rights, Public Communications, or English. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of advocacy work in humanitarian contexts and for effectively communicating with various stakeholders.

Experience:
The Advocacy Manager should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in advocacy, particularly in humanitarian contexts or in development and human rights sectors. This experience should include working with civil society organizations, managing advocacy initiatives, and navigating complex environments. Candidates should also demonstrate a history of successful collaboration with partners and stakeholders in advocacy efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in one or more languages spoken in Nigeria is considered an advantage, as it enhances communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and is offered as a fixed national contract for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. The role may require travel of up to 40% to various operational areas within Nigeria. The salary will be determined according to NRC's salary scale, specifically at grade 9, along with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a culture of innovation and responsibility, encouraging employees to share ideas and take initiative.