Livelihoods and Food Security Specialist Niger

Background

According to the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) 2023, an estimated 4.3 million people need humanitarian aid in the country. 3 million people have been targeted by the humanitarian response plan. NRC set-up an Area Office in Niamey in 2019 covering field offices in Tillabéri, Maradi, Tahoua and has been established as a full-fledged country programme since June 2023 to contribute to the protection challenges faced by displaced populations.

NRC is looking for a Livelihood and Food Security (LFS) Specialist who will lead the design, development, and quality implementation of the LFS programme in Niger in close collaboration with the other technical program departments. The Specialist will also support the program implementation in close collaboration with Area Managers under the supervision of the Head of Program (HoP). The LFS Specialist as part of a technical matrix structure has the overall technical responsibility of the Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS) Core Competence (CC) in Niger. This position has a threefold focus:

1. Livelihood Provisioning / Meet Basic Needs: provide first-line response to ensure that immediate survival food needs are met, and livelihoods assets restored.
2. Livelihoods Protection:  avert erosion of productive assets and protect affected households against further effects of risks and crisis by ensuring risks are identified and anticipatory actions to protect livelihoods taken. 
3. Livelihoods strengthening: Support affected households and communities promoting recovery and resilience through participation in livelihood opportunities that contribute to their self-reliance and durable solutions.

The purpose of the Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS) Specialist position is the technical development of the LFS core competency, strategic direction and quality assurance, as well as ensuring the technical capacity of LFS staff, local partners and the development of funding proposals. The LFS Specialist is responsible for mentoring, training and capacity building of staff and local partners in the LFS technical capacity. The LFS Specialist is responsible for providing specialist advice and guidance to the LFS team, local partners, Head of Programme and CC specialists at operation level in ensuring that optimal LFS programme strategies, systems, policy, tools and practices are in place. The Specialist is also responsible for further development of partnerships with local actors.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for someone who can think strategically and work well with partners, one who values teamwork and collaboration, has a positive attitude, and is eager to learn from others.

What you will do: 

In this position, you will:

• Adapt NRC climate change and environment strategy into LFS programming, ensuring contextual relevance and sustainability.
• Lead the implementation of safe and inclusive programming (SIP) minimum standards throughout programmes, with capacity building, guidance and inter-departmental engagement 
• Propose and implement innovative solutions tailored to the Niger context to contribute to build resilience through livelihoods and food security and integrated programming.
• Adapt NRC programme approaches to livelihood provisioning and livelihood protection to the specific contexts to support self-relience in vulnerable displacement-affected families and communities.
• Regularly visit project sites with LFS staff to assess quality and relevance of the response and to provide on the job learning to staff. As necessary, advise reorientation of activities and work plans to ensure that project objectives are achieved
• In coordination with monitoring, evaluation and learning MEL staff, design and implement appropriate MEL system, methodologies and tools (including baseline, mid-and end-evaluations) for livelihoods programming to measure quality programming and evaluate impact, cost-effectiveness and relevance of specific activities
• Develop and pilot tools and methodologies to support communication with beneficiaries and community engagement in the targeted areas
• Collaborate with all Core Competency Departments for integrated and timely responses to identified needs.
• Lead household vulnerability, food security, climate impact, and market assessments, ensuring data-driven decisions.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the role

What you will bring:

• Minimum 3 years of experience within a humanitarian/recovery context
• Minimum 2 years of Livelihoods and Food Security expertise (as Specialist or Project Manager), with a specific focus on basic economic security (Food production inputs, Tools/equipment inputs, Income generation initiatives, Social Safety Net).
• Knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions and market-based programmes
• Fluency in French both written and verbal. English is an added advantage.
• Experience with start-up or expansion of new programmes
• Experience in drafting and encouraging implementation of policy/strategic guidance, and developing practical tools and resources
• Experience in capacity assessment and team capacity building
• Experience in working with and developing local partners
• Knowledge, experience and skills in market-based and integrated programming
• Knowledge and experience with both household food security and livelihoods analysis
• Experience in developing professional networks, partnerships and external representation
• Experience designing relevant assessments and multi-sectoral needs assessments and analysis
• Experience and ability to work in a matrix structure

What we offer:

• Duty station: Niamey
• Contract: 12-month contract (possible extension, dependent on performance & funding) 
• Travel: up to 30% 
• Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s scale.
• 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. 

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process:

• To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email, or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
• 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 or French, ensuring 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.
• We receive many applications for each vacant position, as a result only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Send in your application by 7th August 2024.
• If you have any questions about this role, please email [email protected] 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.