Government Liaison Adviser INGO Forum Nigeria Abuja

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The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is seeking a highly qualified, resilient, and dynamic professional to take up the role of Government Liaison Adviser INGO Forum. The purpose of the role is to promote efforts in humanitarian access and coordination through engagement with government agencies and relevant stakeholders to improve the enabling operational environment of INGOs in Nigeria.

• Proactive agenda setting; facilitating a space for NGO collaboration; enabling sharing of information and analysis for effective decision-making.

• High level representation of INGO interests in external meetings and planning efforts nationally. 

• Able to appreciate political necessity and policy issues in localization and the application of principles to programming.

• Stay abreast of political developments and humanitarian trends in Nigeria, identify developments in the policy and political space which impact the Forum's membership and priorities and advise on Forum's engagement as appropriate.

•  Ensure sufficient capacity and knowledge to support policy analysis and strategic planning around the humanitarian architecture and operational issues; ensuring local perspectives inform the Forum's work.

• Develop and update guidelines for Forum membership on key bureaucratic challenges.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position. 

What you will bring

• Experience in coordination within a humanitarian/recovery context.

• Experience working in complex and volatile contexts.

• Documented results in related responsibilities.

• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, and fluency in one or more languages spoken in North-West Nigeria, particularly Hausa, is an advantage. 

• Experience working for a humanitarian coordination body.
• Strong capacities to develop relationships with Nigerian government counterparts that can yield positive results
• University degree in conflict and development, international relations, international humanitarian law or related technical field.
• 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
• Strong data analytical and interpretation skills.
• 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 humanitarian setting.

• Duty station:  Abuja, Nigeria 

• Contract: fixed national contract 

• Travel: N/A

• Salary/benefits: grade 8 on NRC's 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.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

• 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  with the job title as the subject line.

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 contribute to the development of policy aiming to protect the rights of the displaced and we call for increased humanitarian funding and engagement on processes that will generate structural changes in protection and assistance in the region.

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.

For more details on the association's organization, statutes, charter, and services offered to its members, see

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