Livelihood and Food Security Specialist

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Position Title: Livelihood and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security Specialist
Location: Niamey
Country: Niger
Deadline Date: 27/2/2025

Job Details

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 committed to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to help those in need, particularly in crises where others cannot operate, and to promote human dignity through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Livelihood and Food Security (LFS) Specialist position at NRC Niger is pivotal in leading the design, development, and implementation of the LFS program in the country. This role requires close collaboration with other technical program departments and Area Managers, under the supervision of the Head of Program (HoP). The Specialist will focus on three main areas: Livelihood Provisioning to meet basic needs, Livelihoods Protection to safeguard productive assets, and Livelihoods Strengthening to promote recovery and resilience among affected households and communities. The Specialist will also be responsible for mentoring and building the capacity of LFS staff and local partners, ensuring that optimal strategies, systems, policies, and tools are in place for effective program delivery. This position demands a strategic approach to adapt NRC's climate change and environment strategy into LFS programming, ensuring sustainability and contextual relevance. The Specialist will also engage in fundraising and resource mobilization to expand the LFS portfolio, collaborating with local actors and partners to enhance program impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The LFS Specialist will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: leading the technical development of the LFS core competency; ensuring quality assurance and strategic direction for the program; mentoring and training LFS staff and local partners; providing specialist advice and guidance to the LFS team and other stakeholders; adapting NRC's climate change strategy into LFS programming; implementing cash and market approaches; conducting regular project site visits to assess program quality; designing and implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems; overseeing quality control of LFS data reporting; developing tools and methodologies for community engagement; conducting context and needs analyses; ensuring best practices are documented and disseminated; and leading coordination efforts with local actors, partners, and donors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, with at least 3 years of expertise specifically in Livelihoods and Food Security. They should have documented results related to the responsibilities of the position, knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions, and market-based programs. Additionally, candidates should have a clear understanding of their leadership skills and profile, as well as fluency in both English and French, both written and verbal.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background required for the position is not explicitly stated, it is generally expected that candidates hold a relevant degree in fields such as international development, humanitarian studies, agriculture, economics, or a related discipline that supports the functions of the LFS Specialist role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience within a humanitarian or recovery context, with a strong emphasis on Livelihoods and Food Security. Candidates should have experience working in complex and volatile environments, demonstrating their ability to adapt and respond to challenging situations effectively. Experience in multiple NRC LFS focus areas and technical knowledge in thematic areas such as food security assessments, market-based programming, and integrated risk reduction is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Niger context may be considered an asset, enhancing the Specialist's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 12 months, classified at Grade 9 in NRC's scale. The location is Niamey, with travel involved to project sites. Candidates must have the legal right to work in Niger, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships. The organization encourages female candidates to apply and promotes a work culture that empowers all employees to share ideas and take responsibility.