Context
While the political and overall context in Nigeria has shifted significantly recently, the humanitarian and development aspects have been subject to continuous and significant challenges. Protracted and new displacements continue to be a major issue— thus, solutions programming needs to identify the specific challenges and address these with suitable measures. Durable Solutions projects implemented at NRC have also acknowledged these linkages and look to address the root causes of displacement, yet displacement remains highly political.
According to NRC’s global strategy 2022 – 2026, responses aim to help people permanently resolve their displacement situation and have access to the resources they need to be self-reliant in the meantime. We engage with the three pathways to durable solutions: safe and dignified return and reintegration, local integration, and resettlement. The first two are a central focus in our response from the onset of a displacement crisis onwards, and particularly in situations of protracted displacement. Through our programmatic response, policy engagement, and advocacy, we work to achieve a situation where people no longer have specific assistance and protection needs linked to their displacement and can enjoy their rights without discrimination.
Nigeria is one of the 16 priority countries identified as part of the UN Action Agenda and work of the UN Special Adviser on Solutions to Internal Displacement.
What we are looking for
The Durable Solutions Adviser will be responsible for supporting NRC to identify, design and implement programming that contributes to durable solutions for displacement affected people in Nigeria, including refugees, returnees, internal displaced persons, and host communities. This role will actively engage with other organisations to explore ways to promote durable solutions through programming and advocacy, providing guidance and support as useful.
1. Design, mainstream and implement solutions strategies that align with the NRC Nigeria core competencies and country strategy.
Responsible for ensuring compliance and adherence to NRC policies, guidance, and procedures in relation to durable solutions and self-reliance while contributing to the development of policies, strategies, tools, and new approaches with a focus on innovation and piloting.
2. Ensuring Country and Area programmes have a clear understanding of durable solutions for displaced populations, relevant to Nigeria context.
3. Working with the country programme to develop/update a strategy and detailed plan for advocacy and programming goals around durable solutions.
4. Ensure NRC is well-represented in key internal and external durable solutions platforms and that information is shared with relevant regional, country and area programme colleagues.
5. Responsible for ensuring that best practices related to durable solutions and self-reliance programmes or initiatives are identified, documented, and disseminated both within the country and region.
What you will do
- Map current programming that has the potential to contribute to durable solutions for IDPs, returnees, and refugees.
- Work collaboratively with NRC Technical Units to map relevant theories of change against pathways to durable solutions.
- Develop a measurement framework to track and analyse progress towards durable solutions.
- Provide training and guidance to NRC and relevant partner staff on how programming and advocacy can mutually support beneficiaries’ preparedness for durable solutions.
- Train staff and act as a resource for country programmes and partners about durable solutions programming, including providing advice on programme design and integration of global standards outlined in the IASC Durable Solutions Framework and UNHCR Refugee and Protection Mixed Migration: A 10 Point Plan of Action.
- Support the project design/planning processes to ensure programming addresses and is responsive to the changing needs of displaced populations, especially related to livelihood and protection programming that builds greater resilience.
- Lead NRC efforts to integrate programming across borders and facilitate the provision of services across NRC locations and sectors.
- Serve as NRC liaison to durable solutions forums/platforms in the Country Office.
- Ensure that NRC is represented consistently and effectively in the various durable solutions working groups and fora at various levels.
- Support country programmes in developing implementation plans which include focused considerations for durable solution in each context. This includes working to prepare contingency plans for responding to population movements.
- Engage with other local partner organisations to understand operational and contextual realities, challenges, and opportunities, as well as their perceptions of and ideas about durable solutions.
- Collaborate with partner organisations as appropriate in the development of strategies and approaches to inform programme design and advocacy messaging that promotes durable solutions.
- Support the NRC area offices and country programmes to identify funding opportunities to support durable solutions work and, in coordination with country programs, develop strategic donor relationships.
- Ensure proposals incorporate a durable solutions lens where appropriate.
Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.
What you will bring
- At least five years in humanitarian settings, including three years’ experience in a senior level project or programme management position.
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (law, social sciences, or related disciplines). An advanced academic qualification will be an added advantage.
- Clear understanding of durable solutions issues, legal frameworks and professional standards in humanitarian and displacement contexts. Knowledge of relevant legal and policy frameworks, international and domestic laws, with focus on International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights.
- Previous experience working in protracted emergencies including in complex and volatile contexts.
- Ability to coordinate tasks and work processes and work with short deadlines.
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal.
Context/ Specific skills, knowledge, and experience:
- Demonstrated expertise in durable solutions.
- Experience in Nigeria or similar contexts desirable.
- Strong understanding of humanitarian programming and aid system architecture.
- Proven success with programme design, proposal development and funding acquisition.
- Demonstrated capacity to effectively engage and collaborate with local government and civil society actors toward common objectives.
- Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop. positive relationships with local and remote team members at multiple levels in the organization.
- Ability to work successfully independently and with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to apply analytical thinking to evidenced, justified recommendations.
What we offer
- Duty station: Abuja (family duty station)
- Contract: 12 months
- Salary/benefits: grade 8 on NRC’s regional salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions
- NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
- We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
Please apply before the 8th August 2024.
Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC
Important information about the application process
- Internal candidates only: please click on the suitcase icon labelled “I am an employee” to be redirected to NRC’s internal careers site.
- When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
- Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
- Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.
- If you have any questions about this role, please email cwa.recruitment@nrc.no with the job title as the subject line.
Why NRC?
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.
Watch this short video to see NRC in action.
We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:
- do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts
- join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility
- be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity
Learn more about NRC