Durable Solutions and Self-Reliance Adviser at Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

What we are looking for

The Durable Solutions Adviser will be responsible for supporting NRC to identify, design and implement programming that contributes to durable solutions for displacement affected people in Nigeria, including refugees, returnees, internal displaced persons, and host communities. This role will actively engage with other organisations to explore ways to promote durable solutions through programming and advocacy, providing guidance and support as useful.

• Design, mainstream and implement solutions strategies that align with the NRC Nigeria core competencies and country strategy.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance and adherence to NRC policies, guidance, and procedures in relation to durable solutions and self-reliance while contributing to the development of policies, strategies, tools, and new approaches with a focus on innovation and piloting.
•  Ensuring Country and Area programmes have a clear understanding of durable solutions for displaced populations, relevant to Nigeria context.
• Working with the country programme to develop/update a strategy and detailed plan for advocacy and programming goals around durable solutions.
• Ensure NRC is well-represented in key internal and external durable solutions platforms and that information is shared with relevant regional, country and area programme colleagues.
• Responsible for ensuring that best practices related to durable solutions and self-reliance programmes or initiatives are identified, documented, and disseminated both within the country and region

What you will do

• Map current programming that has the potential to contribute to durable solutions for IDPs, returnees, and refugees.
• Work collaboratively with NRC Technical Units to map relevant theories of change against pathways to durable solutions.
• Develop a measurement framework to track and analyse progress towards durable solutions.
• Provide training and guidance to NRC and relevant partner staff on how programming and advocacy can mutually support beneficiaries’ preparedness for durable solutions.
• Train staff and act as a resource for country programmes and partners about durable solutions programming, including providing advice on programme design and integration of global standards outlined in the IASC Durable Solutions Framework and UNHCR Refugee and Protection Mixed Migration: A 10 Point Plan of Action.
• Support the project design/planning processes to ensure programming addresses and is responsive to the changing needs of displaced populations, especially related to livelihood and protection programming that builds greater resilience.
• Lead NRC efforts to integrate programming across borders and facilitate the provision of services across NRC locations and sectors.
• Serve as NRC liaison to durable solutions forums/platforms in the Country Office.
• Ensure that NRC is represented consistently and effectively in the various durable solutions working groups and fora at various levels.
• Support country programmes in developing implementation plans which include focused considerations for durable solution in each context. This includes working to prepare contingency plans for responding to population movements.
• Engage with other local partner organisations to understand operational and contextual realities, challenges, and opportunities, as well as their perceptions of and ideas about durable solutions.
• Collaborate with partner organisations as appropriate in the development of strategies and approaches to inform programme design and advocacy messaging that promotes durable solutions.
• Support the NRC area offices and country programmes to identify funding opportunities to support durable solutions work and, in coordination with country programs, develop strategic donor relationships.
• Ensure proposals incorporate a durable solutions lens where appropriate.

What you will bring

• At least five years in humanitarian settings, including three years’ experience in a senior level project or programme management position.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (law, social sciences, or related disciplines). An advanced academic qualification will be an added advantage.
• Clear understanding of durable solutions issues, legal frameworks and professional standards in humanitarian and displacement contexts. Knowledge of relevant legal and policy frameworks, international and domestic laws, with focus on International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights.
• Previous experience working in protracted emergencies including in complex and volatile contexts.
• Ability to coordinate tasks and work processes and work with short deadlines.
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal.

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in durable solutions.
• Experience in Nigeria or similar contexts desirable.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian programming and aid system architecture.
• Proven success with programme design, proposal development and funding acquisition.
• Demonstrated capacity to effectively engage and collaborate with local government and civil society actors toward common objectives.
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to develop. positive relationships with local and remote team members at multiple levels in the organization.
• Ability to work successfully independently and with multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply analytical thinking to evidenced, justified recommendations.

What we offer

• Duty station: Abuja (family duty station)
• Contract: 12 months
• Salary/benefits: grade 8 on NRC’s regional 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