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 59 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 https://ingoforum.ng/.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee.

If you are those people, the INGO Forum in Nigeria is looking for an enthusiastic and passionate Northwest Coordinator to join our team in Sokoto, Sokoto State. The Northwest Coordinator will facilitates effective coordination and collaboration among International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) operating in the North-West region of Nigeria. This role enhances information exchange, supporting inter-sectorial coordination, and engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities, UN agencies, donors, and local/national NGOs. The coordinator will also lead efforts in capacity strengthening, advocacy, and analysing and addressing access constraints, ensuring that the perspectives of INGOs and affected populations are incorporated into decision-making processes.

Generic responsibilities

• Compliance with and adherence to NRC and NIF approved policies and procedures and to and donor policies, guidance, and procedures.
• 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.

Specific responsibilities 

• Information exchange: Facilitate structured and effective information exchange among INGO Forum members and external partners (NNGOs, UN, Government, donors, etc.). Participate in key humanitarian and development planning events, ensuring INGO inputs.
• Coordination: Support (inter-sectoral) (in-person) coordination in North-West Nigeria among INGOs and other actors. Stays informed of key developments in the policy and regulatory environment, providing relevant advice on opportunities for engagement.
• Advocacy: Identify advocacy priorities in collaboration with NIF (Deputy) Director and NIF Policy Advisor and support related engagement.
• Co-chairing & tool management: Support co-chairing of the North-West Coordination Forum alongside UNICEF, regularly updating relevant tools such as the 3W, mapping coordination mechanisms, and contact lists.
• Strategic planning & reporting: Support the updating of the Humanitarian Needs Overview and supports activity overviews and funding tracking.
• Capacity building: Support capacity building of state actors to strengthen state-level coordination.
• Access mapping: Collaborate with NIF access team and other actors to identify, analyse, and address access constraints in North-West Nigeria.
• Humanitarian data collection: Collaborate closely with INGOs and other actors to gather data on the humanitarian situation in the region, informing NIF leadership and members accordingly.
• Government engagement: Work with the (Deputy) Director and NIF government engagement team to strengthen engagement with government entities.

Critical interfaces

Relevant interfaces for this position are:

• NIF Director and Deputy Director
• Policy Advisor
• State government entities and security agencies
• Communication and media team
• Government engagement team
• NIF Working Groups (Logistics, Finance, HR/Admin)
• INGOs
• United Nations
• Government
• Donors
• National/local NGOs
• Civil society

Professional competencies

• 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.

Context/Specific skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience working with humanitarian/development actors and government institutions in North-West Nigeria.
• Desired: Existing, influential relationships with Nigerian government and stakeholders in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina states.
• University degree in conflict and development, international relations, international humanitarian law, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of security and socio-political dynamics in North-West Nigeria.
• Strong data analytical and interpretation skills.
• Commitment to international humanitarian standards and principles.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and experience in humanitarian settings.

Behavioural competencies 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently in fast-paced environments.
• Excellent writing, editing, and analytical abilities.
• Proven ability to build relationships and facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to present and represent collective views to various stakeholders.

What’s in it for you? 

Join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility:

Additional Information: 

Duty Stations: Sokoto, Sokoto State. Nigeria

Duration of contract: 12 months.

Grade Level: Grade 7 in NRC’s grading structure.

Reporting line: Director INGO Forum

Travel:  50%

This position is open to Nigeria Nationals only. We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline. Female candidates are strongly advised to apply.