Assistant Coordinator, Humanitarian Diplomacy at Nigerian Red Cross Society

JOB PURPOSE

The Assistant Coordinator, Humanitarian Diplomacy will lead on all aspects of Humanitarian Diplomacy for the Nigerian Red Cross Society. The post holder will be responsible for creating and implementing plans to influence policies and decisions for the benefit and enhancement of National Society. The Assistant Coordinator, Humanitarian Diplomacy will actively lobby and advocate for specific outcomes with major National and International organizations in Abuja (like MDAs, NGO, ECOWAS, AU, UN, etc) and will position the Nigerian Red Cross Society as partner of choice and agent of humanitarian change within Nigeria.

The Assistant Coordinator, Humanitarian Diplomacy will work closely with the Secretary General (SG) and provide in-depth information to develop advocacy content and activities.

 JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead under the guidance of the Secretary General, the diplomatic engagements of the National Society
• Represent the NRCS on behalf of the SG at various platforms and international organizations to advocate for the position of the National society
• Lead on planning and delivering Humanitarian Diplomacy and advocacy for the National Society 
• Act as the Humanitarian Diplomacy focal point for the National Society advising NRCS on Humanitarian Diplomacy approaches and tools
• Position NRCS leadership among key institutions and forums to achieve maximum influence
• Research and identify decision-makers and power structures, and develop engagement plans
• Identify key policy opportunities and processes (such as those within key international policy frameworks and related platforms for the NRCS, Inter-Agency initiatives, etc), events, conferences and forums 
• Lead on National Society’s participation, including positioning NRCS and representation, preparation for the meetings, organizing side events, briefing colleagues and following up on actions and next steps
• Develop and deliver advocacy plans in line with NRCS’s principles and strategic priorities, including identifying opportunities, developing key messages, identifying policy targets and entry points and representing NRCS at key fora
• Lead on policy engagement on relevant topics such as Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals, Disaster Risk Reduction and set traction indicators 
• Engage with key stakeholder institutions in Nigeria, including governmental and inter-governmental bodies (e.g. UN, ECOWAS) to influence policies in support of humanitarian principles and NRCS strategic priorities
• Prepare and promote policy position papers and briefs on relevant topics
• Coordinate with Movement and external partners on policy and advocacy efforts to ensure strategic use of Movement capacities and resources
• Coordinate with and support NRCS Branches and Divisions to ensure alignment of messaging and approaches.
• Foster knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices on Humanitarian Diplomacy via a network of Movement actors and stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• First Degree in Law (LLB, BL) from a reputable institution
• Possesses relevant professional
• Member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
• Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
• At least 7 years of work experience within the same or related position
• Work experience in the international humanitarian and development sector
• Extensive experience in Humanitarian Diplomacy, advocacy, policy and strategy
• Proven track record of influencing policy or decision-making in line with agreed strategic priorities
• Successful experience in the development of policy campaigns, including
• strategy-building, inter-governmental advocacy, and evidence building
• Experience supporting multidisciplinary and complex programs
• Experience in building strategic partnerships with tangible outcomes
• Experience in the UN system, ECOWAS, AU, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other governmental and intergovernmental organizations and/or development banks
• Experience in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is preferred 
• Fluency in English, French and Arabic