Political Adviser III at ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

The Purpose

• Under the supervision of the Head of Delegation (HoD), the Political Adviser 3 advises the delegation on political developments and changes in the overall environment, conflict and security dynamics.
• S/he identifies, maintains and broadens high-level relations with stakeholders and facilitates the management’s access to a wide network of contacts.
• His/her overall responsibility is to design and deliver effective engagement strategies with Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders in collaboration with other departments.
• S/he contributes to widening/ consolidating the ICRC’s network of relevant and meaningful interlocutors in close coordination with the management of the delegation.

Your Role

• Monitors, analyses and advises the delegation on political issues, the conflict and security situation in Nigeria, including the views and policy objectives of national authorities, opposition leaders, think-tanks, international organizations, NGOs, and the diplomatic community.
• Builds, maintains, and expands a high-level network of contacts, including government officials, parliamentarians, political opposition, and other key stakeholders. Facilitates access for management as needed.
• Supports the Delegation management in its strategic engagement and dialogue with relevant Nigerian authorities and embassies, Identifying areas of convergence between ICRC and Nigerian policy interests, incl. through concept notes, analysis, and stakeholder mapping.
• Contributes strategically to internal coordination mechanism of ICRC prevention/operation, working with Management and Coordinators to strengthen its external influence and diplomatic role.
• Organizes briefings on political context and cultural sensitivities for delegation staff.
• Produces analytical reports, briefing notes, and other documentation to support political engagement and inform internal stakeholders.
• Contributes to the delegation’s operational priorities and humanitarian diplomacy efforts in Nigeria
• Maintains a network of high-level governmental official across the various tribal/power groups and identities, ensuring the ICRC acceptance and support
• Regularly provides the HoD/Senior management with relevant analysis on major political/security/socio-economic developments with regards to internal power dynamics.
• Highlight major developments and their consequences for the ICRC operations and perception/acceptance in the country
• Follow-up on important issues on behalf of the HoD notably with the government authorities on privileges and immunities, ICRC status, mandate and exemptions.
• Participates to the management of security with the Field Security and Criss Management (FSCM) and her/his team to contribute to ICRC overall acceptance and respect.
• Supports the management of the delegation in grasping the complex tribal dynamics reflected at the government level and help navigating those.

Your profile: Education & Experience

• University Degree (preferably a master’s degree)
• 6–10 years’ professional experience as a manager or programme officer in similar fields, organizations or governmental structures.
• Confirmed strong skills in political analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement and reporting within a similar field of activity.
• Ability to explore and maintain a relevant network of contacts, and proven experience in cultivating networks.
• Strong sense of diplomacy
• Excellent communication skills (English - written and oral)
• Applicant must have a valid working permit to work in Nigeria.

What We Offer

• Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment.
• Competitive employment package with medical insurance and ICRC pension plan.
• In-house training opportunities for personal development.
• A full-time, Fixed-term contract.
• The opportunity to join an ICRC talent pool, be considered for future assignments elsewhere and experience different contexts, fields, and challenges.