Livelihoods and Food Security Project Manager

Our organization and the context in Nigeria

NRC has been present in Nigeria since 2015 and has been working to help displacement affected communities meet their basic needs, improve their livelihoods, access essential services, and enhance their resilience to future shocks through our six Core Competencies (CCs): Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information-Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS), Camp Management and Camp Coordination (CCCM), and Protection from Violence. NRC provides immediate assistance during the onset of emergencies through the rapid response mechanism (RRM).With a workforce of 370 staff and presence in key locations such as Maiduguri (in Borno State), Yola (in Adamawa state) and Jos (in Plateau state), NRC is able to respond to the needs of those affected by the conflict across North-East, and North Central Nigeria.

Find here more info about the mission of NRC in Nigeria.

Role and responsibilities

The Livelihood and Food Security Project Manager is responsible for effectively implementing the NRC LFS portfolio at the area level and representing NRC at coordination forums, as delegated by the Area Manager. This position is a key member of the Area Management Group.

Main areas of responsibilities are:

• Programme Development
• Project Management
• Capacity Building
• Representation, Coordination, and Advocacy

More specifically, the new Project Manager will:

• Manage the Area Office LFS CC project team
• Ensure compliance with NRC policies, guidance, and procedures
• Contribute to the development of LFS CC strategies for the country and area; participate in project development
• Coordinate and manage LFS project implementation, including activities, budget, spending plans, workplans, reports, and project documentation, in accordance with proposals, strategies, and donor requirements
• Implement technical direction and ensure high technical quality of projects
• Provide regular progress reports to the Area Manager and CC Specialist
• Ensure that projects target program participants who are most in need of protection; explore and assess new and better ways to assist
• Develop and manage the project budget (in cooperation with the LFS CC Specialist) and coordinate across CCs
• Ensure recruitment and capacity building of project staff and transfer key skills
• Liaise and collaborate with relevant local authorities and other key stakeholders
• Promote the rights of IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) and returnees in line with the advocacy strategy

We look for someone that has the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, rural development, agriculture, livelihoods, economics, or other related disciplines
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working as a Project Manager in a humanitarian and/or recovery context and managing livelihoods and food security interventions
• Proven experience in working with agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, income generation, financial inclusion, and value chain development, with strong experience in using Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) as a modality
• Experience in food security and livelihood assessments, including field data collection and analysis
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts
• Traceable experience in working with local CSOs (Civil Society Organizations) in areas of identification supervision, sub-granting, and capacity building
• Good experience in managing multiple projects in a challenging environment
• Strong ability to work with diverse groups/individuals, ranging from local partners, local authorities, humanitarian community, and to the private sector. Proven ability in staff, donor contract, and budget management
• Knowledge of own leadership skills/profile
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, as well as excellent report writing skills

Preferably you also have:

• Knowledge of the context in Adamawa State is an advantage
• Team leadership, including performance management of direct reports
• Experience with community mobilization and engagement
• Experience in establishing relationships and coordinating with government and traditional leaders
• Sound written and oral presentation skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and establish collegial relations
• Willingness to travel and work in hard-to-reach areas under strenuous conditions
• Good cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Experience with start-up or expansion of new programmes
• Experience with cash and markets in programme design and implementation
• Knowledge of NGOs operations and humanitarian sector dynamics in Adamawa State is a plus

Behavioural competencies necessary for this role are:

• Handling insecure environments
• Strategic thinking
• Empowering and building trust
• Influencing
• Initiate action and change
• Analytic thinking

More info on this role here!

What we offer

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

• 12 months contract-possible renewal
• Grade 8 on NRC salary scale
• Location: Yola, Nigeria
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields

Deadline to apply: 5th July 2023.

***This position is open only to nationals of Nigeria.***

To apply as an internal candidate, click on the suitcase icon “I am an employee” on the top right of the page to be redirected to NRC’s internal career site.

Reach out to [email protected] to contact the recruitment team; quote the full name of the advert on your subject line. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile.