Livelihoods & Food Security (LFS) Officer

In the wake of displacement and crisis, the ability to produce food and earn a living is the first step toward reclaiming dignity. As a Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS) Officer with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), you will be at the forefront of rebuilding self-reliance for displaced families and host communities. By implementing sustainable agricultural practices and innovative income-generating strategies, you help turn the cycle of dependency into a future of resilience in the complex environment of Plateau State.

Location: Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Position Type: Full-Time

Application Deadline: January 16, 2026

Sector: Agriculture / Humanitarian Recovery

Job Summary

The LFS Officer is responsible for the technical and operational execution of food security interventions, ranging from climate-smart agriculture to cash-based assistance. You will translate broad project strategies into actionable monthly plans, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive high-quality support that is both culturally appropriate and economically viable. This role is a blend of field-based agricultural extension, team leadership, and strategic coordination with humanitarian partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination & Implementation

• Strategic Planning: Convert annual operational goals into detailed monthly and quarterly work plans, ensuring activities stay within budget and on schedule.
• Agricultural Excellence: Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the most viable crop varieties, livestock breeds, and value-addition opportunities for local farmers.
• Cash & Voucher Assistance: Oversee the implementation of Cash for Work (CfW) programs and the distribution of conditional grants for small business start-ups.
• Compliance: Ensure all field activities strictly adhere to NRC global policies and specific donor requirements.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

• Community Liaison: Lead the identification and registration of project beneficiaries, ensuring the most vulnerable are prioritized through transparent selection criteria.
• Synergy & Coordination: Represent NRC in local coordination meetings to synchronize efforts with other NGOs and government agencies, preventing duplication of aid.
• Mentorship: Supervise, train, and provide technical guidance to a dedicated team of Food Assistants, fostering their professional growth.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation & Technical Support

• Training Delivery: Facilitate hands-on training for beneficiaries in Selection, Planning, and Management (SPM) of micro-enterprises and modern farming techniques.
• Climate Smart Initiatives: Integrate Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) principles into project cycles to help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions.
• Impact Reporting: Prepare high-quality periodic progress reports and maintain a meticulous archive of project documentation for institutional learning.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s Degree or HND in Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Crop Science, or a related field.
• Humanitarian Expertise: At least 3 years of experience in a food security or livelihoods role within a recovery context.
• Technical Mastery: Proven experience in managing livestock production, income-generating activities (IGAs), and cash/voucher transfer programs.
• Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English and Hausa. The ability to speak an additional local language from Plateau State is a significant advantage.
• Contextual Knowledge: Deep understanding of the socio-economic and security landscape of Plateau State is highly preferred.
• Core Competencies: Ability to work autonomously in insecure or volatile environments while maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

Why This Role Matters

Plateau State presents a unique set of challenges where agricultural heritage meets the pressures of displacement. Your role as an LFS Officer ensures that aid isn’t just a temporary fix, but a foundation for long-term food security. Whether you are helping a widow start a poultry business or training a young farmer in irrigation techniques, your work is the engine of recovery for thousands of households.

Benefits of Applying

• Impact: Lead life-changing interventions in one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations.
• Professional Development: Gain experience in complex, “nexus” programming that bridges emergency relief and long-term development.
• Supportive Culture: Work within a team that values independence, initiative, and safety in challenging environments.
• Salary: Competitive salary and benefits package in line with NRC’s international grading system.

About the Organization

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global leader in the protection of rights for people forced to flee. Since our founding, we have worked in over 30 countries to provide life-saving assistance and advocate for durable solutions. NRC is independent and non-governmental, driven by the belief that all people—regardless of their background—deserve to live in safety and with the opportunity to build a better life. In Nigeria, we are committed to providing multi-sectoral support to those affected by conflict and displacement.

Tips for Applicants

1. Emphasize Extension Work: If you have worked as an Agricultural Extension Agent, highlight how you translated technical jargon into practical advice for rural farmers.
2. Highlight Context: Mention your experience working in “complex and volatile” areas; NRC values staff who are resilient and security-aware.
3. Specifics on Cash: Be ready to discuss your experience with “conditional cash grants” and how you ensured they were used effectively by beneficiaries.

How to Apply

Ready to make a difference in Plateau State? Please submit your application through the official NRC Oracle Cloud portal: NRC Careers – LFS Officer.

Organization: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)