INGO Forum Access Advisor at iMMAP

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Status: International Consultant

Background
The INGO Forum in Nigeria was formed in late 2014 to develop a collaborative platform for effective and principled INGO interaction, engagement and coordination for humanitarian, recovery and development interventions in Nigeria. Since inception, the INGO Forum has become a critical platform for ensuring effective information sharing and analysis; leadership on advocacy and policy engagement; and liaison with government/donor/UN engagement and engagement ensuring the perspectives of INGOs and affected populations are ultimately included in decision-making processes.

The INGO Forum is governed by a core membership of 54 members (and 7 observers) with new member applications pending approval on a regular basis, The INGO Forum is governed by an elected Steering Committee of five Country Directors and a Chair that works alongside a full-term Secretariat. Since November 2020, the INGO Forum is administratively hosted by iMMAP in Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja as well as Maiduguri.

Description of Duties

• The Access Advisor will Coordinate BAY state and deep field level Access meetings and engagements, with travels to Abuja for key meetings as necessary and briefings to the HCT. This position reports to the Deputy Director of the Nigeria INGO Forum and works closely with the Director and Policy Advisor.
• Collaborate closely with REACH, iMMAP, OCHA, INSO and other data analysis units on key humanitarian issues that require monitoring and analysis.
• Promote the application of IHL and the operationalization of humanitarian principles.
• Identify opportunities for strengthening access measures, as well as opportunities for promoting community acceptance and accountability to the affected population
• Ensure that linkages between other access initiatives are established and maintained.
• Co-chair the Access Working Group in general coordination meetings, working closely with OCHA’s Access officer to ensure relevant messages from the AWG are relayed in other meetings including the HCT.
• Lead prioritization and analysis of access-related information from relevant stakeholders including patterns and trends through the joint production of monthly information and quarterly trends reports.
• Draft and design AWG and access related updates, policy briefs, and other similar materials.
• Facilitate structured and effective information exchange both between internal INGO partners, and with external partners (NNGOs, UN, Government, Media, International community, etc).
• Stay informed on political, humanitarian and security contexts, while providing structured updates to the INGO Forum as it relates to Access regionally and nationally.
• Facilitate effective information flow between field-level realities in NE Nigeria and capital-level coordination in Abuja.
• Ensure attention to special protection issues that arise with the project; particularly those involving vulnerable groups, sensitive topics, protection of sources and confidential data.
• Undertake regular visits to the deep field and consistent liaising with key stakeholders to share relevant information and stay informed.
• Help organize and facilitate workshops and other capacity development, as necessary.
• Promote the rights of beneficiaries in line with the advocacy strategy

Requirements
Generic Professional Competencies:

• Experience from working within technical expertise area in a humanitarian/ recovery context
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Core competency expertise
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal

Context/ Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Advanced university degree in conflict and development, international relations, international humanitarian law or related technical field (minimum master’s degree).
• Five years cognate experience in a similar role within an NGO (local or international), with humanitarian access functions.
• Experience with developing and implementing access related strategic objectives.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian coordination system and the mandates of the actors involved.
• Knowledge of International Humanitarian Laws.
• Good knowledge of the social, economic and political dynamics in North-East Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel region in general
• Strong data analytical and interpretation skills.
• Commitment to international humanitarian standards and principles.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and experience in humanitarian setting.
• Knowledge of and contacts in Nigerian Media.