Background

The humanitarian context in the cross-border area between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger continues to deteriorate. The deteriorating security situation led some thousands of people from the Sahel, North Central and East regions to flee to neighbouring towns. In addition, the presence of non-state armed groups and improvised explosive devices made roads inaccessible and hampered activities. The violence is having a serious impact on fragile livelihoods and people’s ability to support themselves and is challenging already weak basic social services. More and more people are fleeing their homes in search of safety in nearby fields or villages, sometimes repeatedly. 2,6 million people are internally displaced in Burkina Faso (UNHCR dashboard on May 2023). In Burkina Faso, the Sahel and Centre-Nord regions are the most affected and have the largest number of displaced people even though the displacement tendencies are worsening also in the East and Boucle de Mohun Region. The large-scale displacement has a strong impact on already scarce natural resources, with negative consequences for both the displaced population and host communities, increasing the risk of undermining social cohesion and population protection.

In Burkina Faso, humanitarian access to populations in need and access to basic social services remains a major problem. We are witnessing a shrinking humanitarian space in the areas where humanitarian activities are concentrated.

NRC established humanitarian operations in Burkina Faso in 2019 not only to contribute to the Livelihoods and Food Security challenges faced by displaced populations but also host communities. NRC is looking for a Livelihood and Food security Specialist who will take the lead on the design, development and implementation of the LFS programme in Burkina Faso.  The LFS program focuses on immediate Food Security needs and supports the rehabilitation of the livelihoods of people affected by displacement through agricultural production, the development of income-generating activities and the creation of economic opportunities for women and young people depending on the circumstances. LFS programming will focus on bridging the gap between the emergency response and medium to long-term support, creating an enabling environment that promotes self-reliance. The emergency response will rely mainly on the findings of the RRM rapid needs assessment and the response feasibility analysis (Do No Harm, risk analysis, market survey, physical and security access, NRC expertise, etc.). Simultaneously, in areas where a certain stability allows for a longer presence, LFS team will use a “Needs Based Approach and vulnerability analysis” to better guide the response analysis, decision making and response planning to guarantee a smoother transition from emergency to recovery.

Click here to learn more about NRC operations in Burkina Faso.

What you will do: 

In this position, you will:

• Adapt NRC programme approaches to livelihood provisioning and livelihood protection to the specific contexts to support self-sufficiency in vulnerable displacement-affected families and communities – initial analysis suggested that the approaches will focus on food distribution, food production inputs and income generation activities.
• Develop proposals, project reviews and modifications, including budgets.
• Support Area Managers, LFS Project Managers and LFS Project Coordinators to develop and follow work plans and spending plans.
• 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 M&E staff, design and implement appropriate M&E system, methodologies and tools (including baseline, mid-and end-evaluations) for livelihoods programming in order to measure quality programming and evaluate impact, cost-effectiveness and relevance of specific activities.
• Lead on conducting household vulnerability assessments, household food security and livelihoods analysis and market assessments

What you will bring:

• Minimum 4 years of experience within a humanitarian/recovery context
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Minimum 2 years of Livelihoods and Food Security expertise (as Specialist or Project Manager), with a specific focus on basic economic security (Food Assistance, Food and Agricultural System, Business, Entrepreneurship, and Employment).
• Knowledge and skills in market analysis, cash-based interventions and market-based programmes
• Fluency in French and professional proficiency in English is required, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of the Sahel context
• Experience with start-up or expansion of new programmes
• Experience in team capacity building
• Knowledge, experience and skills with market-based programming, is required
• Knowledge and experience with both household food security and livelihoods analysis is required
• Experience in developing professional networks, partnerships and external representation is required
• Experience designing relevant assessments and multi-sectoral needs assessments and analysis is required

What we offer:

• Duty station: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
• Contract: 12-month contract (possible extension, dependent on performance & funding)
• Travel: up to 40%
• Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s 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.

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 14th January 2024.

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.

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.