Humanitarian Safety Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF) was established in 2014 to facilitate collaboration among international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in Nigeria for humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts. It serves as a vital platform for information sharing, advocacy, and engagement with authorities, donors, and the UN, ensuring the inclusion of INGO perspectives and those of affected populations in decision-making. Governed by a core membership of 53 members and nine observers, it operates under a Steering Committee comprised of five Country Directors and a Chair, supported by a Secretariat.

Job Overview:
As the Humanitarian Safety Adviser (HSA), your purpose in this role is to lead the establishment and day-to-day operationalisation of NIF's Humanitarian Safety Unit (HSU) for the North-East and North Central regions, providing NIF member organisations with a principled, member-owned safety coordination mechanism. This role is crucial in ensuring that humanitarian operations are conducted safely and effectively, allowing for the delivery of aid to those in need while minimizing risks to personnel and resources. The HSA will be responsible for planning and facilitating safety coordination meetings, developing safety information products, maintaining databases of operational incidents, and providing training for humanitarian personnel. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying safety needs and ensuring that NIF member organizations are well-prepared to respond to challenges in the field.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, convene and facilitate humanitarian safety coordination meetings and roundtables for NIF member organisations across the North-East and North Central regions to strengthen operational awareness, promote information sharing, and support coordinated humanitarian response.
• Work closely with the Information Management Technical Adviser to develop, validate and disseminate periodic safety information products, including the 6Ws database and quarterly operational reports, to support evidence-based planning by member organisations, while maintaining appropriate records of dissemination.
• Maintain a database of operational incidents voluntarily reported by member organisations, analyse trends, and produce information that supports humanitarian preparedness and operational decision-making.
• Identify capacity development needs and coordinate the planning and delivery of HEAT, SSAFE or equivalent safety training for humanitarian personnel in collaboration with member organisations and accredited training providers.
• Serve as NIF's focal point for engagement with UNDSS under the Enhanced Saving Lives Together (SLT) framework and support the development of collaborative information-sharing arrangements and joint preparedness initiatives.
• Provide advisory support on bureaucratic and administrative processes affecting humanitarian operations, working closely with the Government Engagement Adviser and maintaining constructive liaison with relevant government authorities to facilitate humanitarian activities in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Represent NIF in humanitarian coordination platforms relating to operational access and humanitarian coordination, ensuring that the operational concerns of member organisations are appropriately reflected.
• Provide technical guidance and quality assurance to the Humanitarian Safety Officer to promote consistent methodologies, reporting standards and service delivery across all operational areas.
• Monitor humanitarian, operational and contextual developments that may affect humanitarian activities and provide timely analytical updates to NIF leadership to support informed decision-making. 1
• Ensure attention to protection issues arising from HSU work, particularly the handling of vulnerable-group information, sensitive sources, and confidential incident data. 1
• Help organise and facilitate workshops and other capacity-development activities for member safety focal points, as necessary. 1
• Ensure compliance with security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures and policies as determined by NRC country leadership.

Required Qualifications:
A minimum of 5 years of non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian/recovery assistance programs. Experience working in complex and volatile contexts. Documented results in related responsibilities. Proven communication, interpersonal, representation, negotiation and skills. Advanced knowledge in communications technology, including satellite communications, cell phone, etc. Computer skills – database knowledge essential, wireless networking. Strong capacities to develop relationships with Nigerian government counterparts that can yield positive results. Knowledge of the humanitarian coordination system and the mandates of the actors involved. Good understanding of the security environment and economic, socio-political dynamics in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region in general. Sound working knowledge of the UN Security Management System, the Saving Lives Together (SLT) framework, and OCHA-led access coordination architecture. Sound knowledge of International law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Humanitarian Law and civil-military coordination principles and practice as applied in Nigeria. Commitment to and understanding of international humanitarian standards and principles. Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment. Exceptional interpersonal skills and experience in a humanitarian setting.

Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as conflict and development, Sociology, international relations, international humanitarian law or related technical field. A university degree in a relevant discipline is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian work.

Experience:
Minimum five years' cognate experience working for an NGO (Local or International or UN Agency). This experience should include direct involvement in humanitarian coordination, safety management, or related fields, demonstrating a solid understanding of the operational challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in Nigeria.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. Fluency in one or more languages spoken in Northern Nigeria, particularly Hausa, is considered an advantage. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and communities, enhancing the ability to navigate the cultural and social dynamics of the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Maiduguri, Nigeria, with a contract duration of 8 months and the possibility of extension. The salary is graded at Grade 8 on the NRC Nigeria National Salary Scale. NRC is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides opportunities for employees at all levels to take initiative and contribute to the mission. The role is classified as a national position, and the organization emphasizes safeguarding and the importance of creating a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries.