Humanitarian Affairs Officer at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) - MY NGO JOBS

Location: Sokoto, Nigeria (with frequent travel to Zamfara) Contract Type: 1-Year Definite Contract (Possibility of extension) Application Deadline: January 1, 2026 (5:00 PM) Organization: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – OCA

Championing the Rights of the Displaced

In the complex humanitarian landscape of Northwest Nigeria, medical care alone is often not enough to address the root causes of suffering. Armed conflict, food insecurity, and displacement create systemic barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from accessing life-saving services. As a Humanitarian Affairs Officer, you will be the voice of those in distress, using rigorous analysis and strategic advocacy to ensure that human rights are upheld and that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most.

Job Summary

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer is a strategic role responsible for analyzing the local and regional context to inform MSF’s operational response and advocacy initiatives. You will support the management team by collecting high-quality field data, building influential networks, and developing advocacy strategies designed to improve the protection and humanitarian situation of communities in Sokoto and Zamfara.

Key Responsibilities

Context Analysis & Strategic Advocacy

In-depth Research: Lead data collection and research on national and international developments related to medical and humanitarian crises to guide organizational decision-making.
Strategy Development: Collaborate with the Head of Mission and HQ departments to design and implement cohesive advocacy plans that address human rights and protection gaps.
Advocacy Material: Author technical briefing notes, talking points, and strategic position papers to raise awareness of humanitarian issues among key stakeholders.

Field Intelligence & Protection Monitoring

Contextual Monitoring: Maintain a granular understanding of the humanitarian climate in Sokoto, Zamfara, and neighboring states, focusing on service delivery gaps and displacement trends.
Testimony Collection: Conduct qualitative interviews with patients to document protection challenges and healthcare barriers, ensuring their stories support operational shifts and advocacy.
Incident Analysis: Monitor and follow up on “red flag” incidents, ensuring that protection referral pathways are identified and accessible for those in need.

Stakeholder Engagement & Networking

Relationship Management: Act as a liaison with local authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and traditional leaders to facilitate secure access to populations in need.
Mapping & Coordination: Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of governmental and humanitarian actors to improve regional coordination.
Capacity Building: Organize and lead briefings and training sessions for MSF staff to strengthen the organization’s collective understanding of humanitarian affairs.

Requirements & Qualifications

Academic Foundation: A University Degree in Law, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field is mandatory.
Engagement Experience: Proven professional experience interacting with high-level stakeholders, including government officials, UN bodies, and international NGOs.
Linguistic Mastery: Exceptional written and verbal English skills are required. Fluency in Hausa is essential, and the ability to speak Fulani is a significant advantage.
Technical Knowledge: Strong familiarity with food security and nutrition dynamics in Northwest Nigeria is highly desirable.
Soft Skills: Advanced analytical thinking, strategic vision, and the ability to work intensely during humanitarian emergencies outside of standard hours.

Why This Role is Vital

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer transforms clinical data into social action. In Northwest Nigeria, MSF’s medical missions are often the only hope for people facing extreme malnutrition and insecurity. This role is essential because it identifies why people are suffering—whether due to blocked aid, lack of referrals, or targeted violence—and works to remove those obstacles so that medical teams can operate safely and effectively.

Benefits of Joining MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières)

Global Impact: Work for one of the world’s most respected independent medical humanitarian organizations.
Professional Growth: Gain unique experience in high-stakes advocacy and context analysis within a complex emergency setting.
Inclusive Culture: Join a team that promotes diversity and equal opportunity, with a strong commitment to ethical conduct and core humanitarian values.
Salary Expectations: MSF provides a competitive NGO salary and benefits package commensurate with the level of responsibility and the humanitarian sector.

About the Organization

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, and natural disasters. Since 1996, we have worked in Nigeria to offer aid based solely on need, irrespective of race, religion, or political affiliation. Our mission is guided by a strict Code of Conduct and a commitment to medical ethics, ensuring that our work remains neutral, impartial, and focused on the dignity of every individual we serve.

Application Instructions

How to Apply: Interested candidates must complete a two-step application process:

Online Form: Complete the mandatory application form here: APPLY NOW
Email Submission: After completing the form, send your CV, Cover Letter, and credentials to [email protected].

Subject Line: You MUST use exactly: “HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS OFFICER”.
Important: Only one submission per candidate will be considered. MSF does not provide relocation or transportation allowances for the recruitment process.

Tips for Applicants

Emphasize Language Skills: Since Hausa is essential and Fulani is an asset, be sure to highlight your proficiency in these languages, especially your ability to conduct sensitive interviews in local dialects.
Highlight Stakeholder Experience: Provide concrete examples of when you have successfully negotiated access or shared data with government or UN representatives.
Demonstrate Analytical Depth: In your cover letter, show that you understand the specific malnutrition and food security challenges currently facing Northwest Nigeria.