Policy, Advocacy and Communications Manager – Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF)

In the complex landscape of the Lake Chad Basin crisis, the power of a single voice is amplified when it speaks for the collective. This role is the strategic engine behind the Nigeria INGO Forum, ensuring that the combined expertise of dozens of international organizations is translated into high-level policy change and life-saving advocacy. By joining the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in this capacity, you become the lead architect of messages that reach the desks of national ministers and global diplomats, directly influencing the protection and rights of millions of displaced persons.

Job Summary

The Policy, Advocacy and Communications Manager is a senior leadership position responsible for directing the unified voice of the International NGO community in Nigeria. You will synthesize field-based evidence into sophisticated advocacy strategies, coordinate high-level policy positions across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, and oversee strategic communications that elevate Nigerian priorities on the global stage.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advocacy & Policy Leadership

• Framework Development: Design and execute the NIF’s overarching policy and advocacy roadmaps, ensuring they align with the fast-evolving needs of the Nigerian humanitarian context.
• Collective Positioning: Act as the lead editor and strategist for unified INGO outputs, including briefing notes, position papers, and high-stakes talking points for the Steering Committee and Country Directors.
• Nexus Coordination: Ensure that advocacy efforts remain coherent across the humanitarian-development-peacebuilding spectrum, avoiding silos and maximizing long-term impact.

Influence & Representation

• Global & Regional Elevation: Identify critical windows of influence within the African Union, Lake Chad Basin platforms, and international summits to present evidence-based Nigerian priorities.
• Evidence-Based Influencing: Bridge the gap between the field and the boardroom by conducting site visits and engaging operational teams to ensure advocacy is rooted in real-time ground realities.
• Network Management: Facilitate consultative processes among NIF members to reach consensus on sensitive political and humanitarian issues, maintaining a unified front.

Strategic Communications & Media

• Media Stewardship: Oversee the Forum’s visibility strategy, managing relationships with the Nigerian and international press to ensure accurate and impactful coverage of humanitarian needs.
• Digital & Multimedia: Direct the production of compelling digital content and multimedia assets that translate complex policy data into accessible narratives for diverse audiences.

Professional Requirements

• Academic Excellence: An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) in International Relations, Law, Political Science, Journalism, or a related field.
• Proven Track Record: At least 5 years of progressive experience leading advocacy and policy initiatives within complex humanitarian or development environments.
• Communication Mastery: Exceptional writing and editing skills in English, with a portfolio of high-level policy outputs and successful media campaigns.
• Political Acumen: A deep understanding of the Nigerian socio-political landscape and the ability to navigate sensitive environments with diplomacy.
• Nexus & Localization: Strong familiarity with humanitarian-development-peace nexus approaches and a demonstrated commitment to the localization agenda and partnership with local CSOs.
• Language: Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Hausa or other local languages is a distinct advantage.

Why Join the Norwegian Refugee Council?

• Leadership Impact: Drive the agenda for a forum representing over 50 of the world’s leading NGOs.
• Professional Culture: Join a values-driven organization (Dedicated, Innovative, Inclusive, Accountable) that empowers employees at every level.
• Competitive Package: This position is at Grade 9 on the NRC salary scale, offering a stable national contract and comprehensive benefits.
• Inclusive Growth: We champion diversity and provide a platform where your initiative and “out-of-the-box” thinking are actively encouraged.

About the Organization

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a world-leading, independent humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting those forced to flee. For decades, we have provided protection and durable solutions to refugees and internally displaced persons in over 30 countries. In Nigeria, we serve as the host for the Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF), an essential platform that coordinates the collective action of international non-governmental organizations. We believe in the power of evidence-based advocacy to change lives, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of exploitation or abuse, ensuring our teams work in a safe, respectful, and empowered environment.

Application Details

• Location: Abuja, Nigeria
• Contract Type: Fixed-term National Contract
• Application Deadline: January 20, 2026

How to Apply: Interested professionals should visit the NRC recruitment portal to complete their profiles. Please ensure your CV and cover letter are in English and clearly reflect how your experience meets the technical requirements of this high-level role. Apply via NRC Recruitment Portal

Tips for Applicants

The NRC is looking for a “resilient and dynamic” professional. Your CV should not just list duties; it should highlight impact. Quantify your advocacy successes—for example, mention specific policy shifts your work contributed to or high-level forums you successfully influenced. Given the “nexus” focus of this role, clearly articulate your understanding of how humanitarian aid and long-term development intersect in the Nigerian context.