INGO Forum Deputy Director – Maiduguri, Nigeria at Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

In the heart of one of the world’s most complex humanitarian environments, the ability to harmonize the efforts of dozens of international organizations is a critical lifesaver. This leadership role serves as the strategic bridge between high-level policy in the capital and the operational realities across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states. By joining the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in this capacity, you will empower the collective humanitarian community to speak with one voice, ensuring that aid is delivered effectively, principled access is maintained, and the rights of displaced populations are defended at the highest levels of government and diplomacy.

Job Summary

The INGO Forum Deputy Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Forum’s activities in Northeast Nigeria. You will be responsible for facilitating high-level coordination among member organizations, bridging the communication gap between Abuja and the field, and leading collective advocacy efforts to ensure a principled and impactful humanitarian response in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Coordination & Information Sharing

• Collective Agenda Setting: Proactively identify emerging humanitarian trends and challenges to set the Forum’s technical and strategic agendas in the Northeast.
• Information Exchange: Curate a space for member-to-member collaboration, ensuring that high-quality analysis and field data are shared to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Capital-Field Liaison: Act as the primary conduit between the Abuja-based secretariat and the operational teams in the BAY states to ensure national policies reflect field realities.

Representation & High-Level Advocacy

• Principled Representation: Serve as the unified voice for INGO interests in external planning forums, government meetings, and humanitarian coordination platforms.
• Access & Policy Influence: Strategically guide members through delicate negotiations regarding humanitarian access, ensuring that international principles are upheld in constrained environments.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Champion collective advocacy positions that influence both local practice and national policy change.

Operational Leadership & Management

• Secretariat Oversight: Directly manage the Admin and Liaison technical staff, ensuring their activities align with the Forum’s regional objectives.
• Office & Compliance Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Maiduguri-based office, including personnel, budgets, and security, while ensuring full adherence to host agency procedures.
• Strategic Deputization: Support the Forum Director in grant management, financial accountability, and budgeting, standing in as the primary leader for the Forum when required.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Academic Background: An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) in International Development, Project Management, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Humanitarian Expertise: 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in the aid sector, with a significant portion spent in complex emergencies or conflict-affected regions.
• Thematic Knowledge: Strong understanding of humanitarian access, protection principles, and community-led participation frameworks.
• Sector Familiarity: Prior experience working within a secretariat, coalition, or INGO consortia is highly desirable.
• Contextual Insight: Deep knowledge of the Nigerian humanitarian landscape or previous experience in West Africa is a major advantage.
• Language Proficiency: Full professional fluency in English (written and verbal). Proficiency in French is a valuable asset.

Essential Skills

• Diplomacy & Facilitation: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical Writing: Superior ability to edit and produce high-level reports, briefing notes, and policy statements under tight deadlines.
• Independent Leadership: The resilience to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with minimal supervision.

Why Join the NRC & INGO Forum?

• Strategic Influence: Lead the coordination of over 50 international organizations in a critical humanitarian theater.
• Leadership Development: This is a Grade 10 role on the NRC scale, offering high-level responsibility and visibility.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive national contract, including health and safety support and a culture that prioritizes staff well-being.
• Innovation: We encourage “out-of-the-box” thinking and empower our leaders to take the initiative at every level.

About the Organization

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent, non-profit humanitarian organization that provides life-saving assistance and protection to refugees and displaced persons in over 30 countries. In Nigeria, the NRC hosts the Nigeria INGO Forum (NIF), an essential platform for coordination, information sharing, and advocacy among international non-governmental organizations. We are dedicated to building a positive working culture where employees feel valued and empowered. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding any form of exploitation or abuse and are committed to the safety and dignity of the people we serve and our staff.

Application Details

• Location: Maiduguri, Borno State (with 60% travel to Abuja and other field sites).
• Employment Type: Fixed-term National Contract (12 months, renewable).
• Application Deadline: January 20, 2026.

How to Apply: Interested and qualified Nigerian nationals are invited to submit their applications through the NRC recruitment portal: Apply via NRC Recruitment Portal

Tips for Applicants

The NRC is looking for a “resilient and dynamic” leader. In your application, focus on demonstrating your diplomatic impact. Provide specific examples of times you facilitated a consensus among groups with differing opinions or how you navigated a delicate political situation to ensure humanitarian access. Mentioning your experience with budget oversight and grant management will also be key, as this role involves significant administrative stewardship.