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Position Title: Livelihood & Food Security Officer
Location: Maiduguri
Country: Nigeria
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been operational in Nigeria since 2015, focusing on assisting displacement-affected communities to meet their Basic Needs, improve their livelihoods, access essential services, and enhance their resilience to future shocks. NRC operates through six core competencies: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information-Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. With a workforce of 370 staff, NRC has established a presence in key locations such as Maiduguri, Yola, and Jos, enabling them to respond effectively to the needs of those affected by conflict across North-East and North Central Nigeria. Their strategic locations facilitate a greater reach and contribute to bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, focusing on equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced people and returnees. NRC also has sub-offices in Dikwa, Monguno, Biu, Mubi, Pulka, and Gwoza, enhancing their operational capacity in the region.

Job Overview:
The Livelihood & Food Security Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Livelihood and Food Security Project at the field level in Maiduguri, Borno State. This role requires a passionate individual who is committed to helping refugees and displaced persons. The officer will ensure adherence to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines while implementing the LFS project portfolio according to the established plan of action. The officer will prepare and develop status reports as required by management, ensure proper filing of documents, and promote ideas for technical improvement. The role also involves engaging with communities and community leaders about NRC activities and policies, exploring new technologies and methods to improve the quality of activities, and ensuring that projects target beneficiaries most in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The specific responsibilities of the Livelihood & Food Security Officer include coordinating food security and livelihoods activities according to strategy, proposals, budgets, and plans. The officer will ensure adherence to NRC policies and donor requirements, provision of annual operational plans into monthly and quarterly implementation plans, and Coordination with relevant partners to avoid overlaps. The officer will prepare periodic progress reports and conduct livelihood assessments, presenting results to stakeholders. Additionally, the officer will be responsible for coordinating with key stakeholders for the registration of project beneficiaries, facilitating Financial Inclusion activities, and training project beneficiaries. The role requires at least one year of experience managing program staff and implementation related to livelihood activities, understanding Data Collection and Analysis, and experience mobilizing communities and interacting with government education authorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BSc or HND in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Crop Science, or a related field. A minimum of 3 years of working experience in a related position is required, with preference given to candidates with experience in the Borno State context. Candidates should have documented results related to the position’s responsibilities, a good command of spoken English, and experience working in complex and volatile contexts. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of humanitarian, development, and protection standards and their application in the field.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a BSc or HND in relevant fields such as Agronomy, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, or Crop Science. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of livelihood and food security projects in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of working experience in a related role, particularly in humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates with experience in implementing livelihood activities, cash/voucher transfers, and managing income generation activities (IGAs) will be preferred. Experience working with local government authorities and IDP, returnee, and host communities is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is mandatory. Candidates should also be fluent in spoken Hausa, with knowledge of other local languages considered an advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for engaging with beneficiaries and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, with a contract duration of 3 months, which is renewable. The grade level for this position is Grade 5 in NRC's grading structure. The reporting line is to the Livelihoods and Food Security Coordinator. This position is open to Nigerian nationals only, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates are advised to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.