Background

Niger faces three major humanitarian crises. The first humanitarian crisis is along the Malian border in Tillabéri and Tahoua, where attacks attributed to armed Islamist groups have spilled into Niger. The second crisis is due to Boko Haram insurgencies in the Lake Chad Basin which mainly affects Diffa region, the third is the presence of 35,000 refugees in Maradi region, exacerbated by increasing cross-border violence and banditry from Nigeria. According to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) 2023, an estimated 4.3 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. 2.7 million people have been targeted by the humanitarian response plan, with around 1.5 million people in need of protection. Another situation of humanitarian interest is that Niger is a transit country for north-bound migrants and has developed into a major hub of migratory movements northwards to Algeria and Libya.

NRC set up an Area Office in Niamey in 2019 covering field offices in Tillaberi, 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) Programme Development Manager who will take the lead on the design, development and quality implementation of the LFS programme in Niger in close collaboration with the other technical program departments. The PDM will also support and manage the program implementation in close collaboration with Area Managers under the supervision of the Head of Program (HoP).

What we are looking for:

A professional with a good mastery of LFS and experience in the Sahel area, a strategic thinker with strong proposal writing, and effective team management skills.

Key skills required include stakeholder management, capacity building and training, adaptability, and collaborative spirit in a diverse and dynamic environment.

What you will do: 

In this position, you will:

• Develop Food Security strategy, technical SOPs/guidelines and Macro Logframes  (MLFAs).
• Compliance and adherence to NRC policies, CC tools, handbooks and guidelines.
• Responsible for the development and management of funding proposals, project budgets and donor reports related to Livelihood & Food Security
• Overall technical management of LFS project staff.
• Coordinate and manage Food security projects implementation (activities, budget and project documentation) in line with proposals, strategies and donor requirements.
• Follow up on compliance with contractual commitments within the core competency, ensure high technical quality and synergies in project implementation.
• Ensure that key learnings are extracted from LFS implementation and incorporated into LFS and staff development processes.
• Ensure capacity building of project staff and transfer key skills.
• Liaison and collaborate with relevant local and national authorities and stakeholders and represent NRC in relevant forums/ food security clusters/working groups.
• Promote the rights of IDPs/returnees in line with the advocacy strategy.

What you will bring:

• Minimum 4 years’ experience working as a Programme Manager/Specialist in humanitarian and recovery contexts.
• Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Food Security expertise – with a specific focus on basic economic security (Food production inputs, Tools/equipment inputs, Income generation initiatives, Social Safety Net).
• Expertise in cash-based intervention and market-based approaches including value chain analysis.
• Fluency in English & French, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of the Sahel context specifically Niger humanitarian context.
• Knowledge, experience and skills with market-based programming, are required.
• A clear interest and understanding of Protection Mainstreaming (Safe & Inclusive Programming)
• Experience with start-up or expansion of new programmes.
• Experience in team capacity building.
• 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: Niamey, Niger
• Contract: 12-month contract (possible extension, dependent on performance & funding)
• Travel: up to 50%
• 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, and 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