INGO Forum Director

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 staff members, 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 secure increased humanitarian funding and engagement to foster structural changes in protection and assistance. NRC values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity, and promotes a positive working culture that empowers its staff.

Job Overview:
The INGO Forum Director position is a critical role within the Norwegian Refugee Council, aimed at supporting the INGO Forum and its members in delivering humanitarian and development aid, as well as peacebuilding initiatives in the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states of Nigeria. The director will facilitate information exchange, coordination, and advocacy among forum members, ensuring effective representation and decision-making between Abuja and the northeast response. The role may also involve supporting the forum in other locations as needed, emphasizing proactive agenda setting, collaboration among INGOs, and high-level representation of INGO interests in external meetings. The director will manage the Admin & Liaison Technical Officer and may oversee the northwest office's strategic and day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with host agency procedures and supporting budgeting and grant management efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The INGO Forum Director will be responsible for several key duties, including:

• Setting proactive agendas and facilitating collaboration among INGOs to enhance information sharing and decision-making.
• Representing INGO interests in external meetings and national planning efforts, guiding common advocacy and policy engagement.
• Managing the Admin & Liaison Technical Officer to ensure alignment with NIF objectives.
• Providing strategic and operational management of the northwest office, including personnel, budget, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security oversight.
• Ensuring compliance with host agency procedures for the northeast office operations.
• Supporting the Director in budgeting, budget management, grant management, and accountability processes.
• Advocating for staff well-being and being responsive to their needs.
• Navigating political necessities and policy issues related to humanitarian access and programming principles.
• Deputizing for the Forum Director as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the INGO Forum Director position must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field or an undergraduate degree complemented by significant field experience. They should have 5-7 years of experience in humanitarian or development aid, particularly in complex emergencies or insecure areas. Demonstrable knowledge of key thematic areas such as access, humanitarian principles, and community participation is essential. The ability to build relationships and facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders is crucial, along with fluency in English (both written and spoken) and strong writing and editing skills. Knowledge of French is considered an added value. Candidates should also exhibit excellent analytical abilities, the capacity to work independently in fast-paced environments, and the ability to represent collective views to various stakeholders. Prior experience with INGO consortia/forums and influencing policy change is desirable, as is familiarity with the Nigerian context or previous work experience in Nigeria or West Africa.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the INGO Forum Director position includes an advanced degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, humanitarian studies, or development studies. Alternatively, candidates with an undergraduate degree who have significant field experience in related areas may also be considered. The emphasis is on a strong academic foundation that supports the complex nature of humanitarian work and the ability to navigate the challenges associated with it.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development aid, particularly in contexts characterized by complex emergencies or access constraints. Experience working in insecure areas is highly valued, as is familiarity with the Nigerian context or previous work in Nigeria or West Africa. Candidates should have a proven track record of building relationships and facilitating dialogue among diverse stakeholders, as well as experience in administration and coordination of coalition or secretariat functions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with strong writing and editing skills being essential. Knowledge of French is considered an added advantage, as it may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders and partners in the humanitarian sector.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, and is offered as a fixed national contract, specifically for Nigerian nationals. The contract duration is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. The role involves significant travel (approximately 60%) to field locations and capital cities. The salary and benefits are aligned with NRC's grade 10 salary scale, which includes accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization fosters a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility in their roles.