Policy, Advocacy and Communications 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 works to secure increased humanitarian funding and engagement to foster structural changes in protection and assistance. NRC is committed to creating a positive working culture that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel empowered and supported in their roles.

Job Overview:
The Policy, Advocacy and Communications Manager for the INGO Forum in Nigeria plays a crucial role in leading the Norwegian INGO Forum's (NIF) policy, advocacy, and communications portfolio. This position is responsible for coordinating collective policy positions among member organizations, driving advocacy engagement both nationally and internationally, and overseeing strategic communications to ensure that INGO priorities are consistently represented across humanitarian, development, and peace agendas. The role integrates policy and advocacy leadership with media and communication functions, aiming to deliver coherent messaging and coordinated engagement that influences decision-making processes effectively. The manager will be expected to develop and implement comprehensive strategies and action plans that align with NIF's objectives, ensuring that advocacy efforts are evidence-based and reflective of the needs and perspectives of affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Policy, Advocacy and Communications Manager include leading the development and implementation of NIF’s policy, advocacy, and communications strategies. The manager will coordinate advocacy positions among INGOs, ensuring alignment with humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding agendas. Responsibilities also include producing various policy outputs such as briefing notes, statements, and position papers, as well as providing timely policy analysis to support NIF platforms. The manager will identify advocacy opportunities at national, regional, and international levels, ensuring that Nigeria's priorities are elevated. Additionally, the role involves supporting data collection and consultative processes that inform advocacy efforts and represent member perspectives effectively. The manager will also engage with INGO operational teams to ensure evidence-based advocacy through field visits and regular interactions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must possess an advanced university degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, Communications, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related technical field, with a minimum of a master’s degree. A minimum of five years of progressive experience in advocacy, policy, media, or communications within humanitarian or development contexts is required. Strong proven experience in policy analysis, message development, and influencing strategies is essential. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to coordinate networks, engage high-level stakeholders, and represent collective positions effectively. Experience in writing media and policy outputs, familiarity with the Nigerian media landscape, and proficiency in using digital platforms to produce multimedia communications materials are also necessary. Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills, along with an understanding of Nigeria's complex emergency contexts, are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a master's degree or higher, in relevant fields such as Law, Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, Communications, Social Sciences, or International Development. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of policy and advocacy work in humanitarian and development settings.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressive experience in advocacy, policy, media, or communications, particularly within humanitarian or development contexts. Candidates should have a strong track record of leading or contributing to policy analysis, message development, and influencing strategies. Experience in coordinating networks and engaging with high-level stakeholders is essential, as is the ability to represent collective positions effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English, with excellent written communication skills, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Hausa or other local languages is considered an advantage, as it enhances the ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders in Nigeria.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Abuja, Nigeria, and it is offered as a fixed national contract. The salary and benefits are classified under grade 9 on NRC’s salary scale, which includes accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides opportunities for employees at all levels to take responsibility and contribute to the mission.