About the Context
Nigeria continues to face one of the most complex and protracted humanitarian crises globally. After more than a decade, the conflict in the Lake Chad Basin persists, marked by ongoing violence, and cyclical displacement, particularly across the Northeast. The crisis is increasingly shaped by the convergence of conflict, climate shocks, economic fragility, and protection risks—creating a layered and evolving vulnerability profile that challenges traditional humanitarian response models.
In Northeast Nigeria (Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states), an estimated over 2.3 million people remain internally displaced, while approximately 7.3 million people need humanitarian assistance in 2026. Despite areas of relative stabilization, security conditions remain volatile. Access constraints persist, with significant portions of Borno State classified as hard-to-reach, limiting consistent delivery of assistance and protection services.
Beyond the Northeast, displacement dynamics have become increasingly national in scope. In the Northwest, banditry, kidnapping, and criminal violence continue to drive large-scale displacement and cross-border movements into Niger. In the North Central region - particularly in Plateau, Benue, and parts of Nasarawa - intercommunal violence linked to competition over land, resources, and identity continues to generate recurrent displacement and deepen protection concerns.
In 2025, NRC’s teams assisted approximately 350,000 people directly through a multi-sectoral response across the displacement cycle NRC’s programming includes Cash assistance, emergency response, Education, Shelter, WASH, legal assistance, and efforts aimed at promoting protection, resilience, and pathways to durable solutions. The organization plays a key role in humanitarian coordination, including hosting the INGO forum and leading the Housing, Land and Property (HLP) Working Group.
Find out more about NRC https://www.nrc.no/ and Watch this short video to see NRC in action https://vimeo.com/736782633
What we are looking for
NRC is seeking for a Country Director with solid leadership experience, a proven track record in programming and fundraising, and the ability to position NRC as a trusted partner among donors.
In this role, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of NRC’s country operations, ensuring effective programme delivery, strong representation—including active engagement in inter-agency coordination—and alignment with organizational priorities. You will also drive resource mobilization, advocacy, and the development of high-performing teams to deliver impactful, accountable humanitarian responses.
What you will do
Analyse the political and humanitarian context and adapt the NRC programme ensuring relevance to the evolving context in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin
Prioritize continuous improvement and innovation to ensure the highest quality of humanitarian and protection programming with a focus on timely delivery
Motivate and coach staff to create effective teams, with particular attention to ensuring an efficient and empowered Country Management Group
Promote accountability, the highest standard of ethics, including safeguarding, and adherence to the Humanitarian Principles
Responsible for all NRC advocacy efforts in the country and ensure that contributions are made to NRC regional and global advocacy efforts
Develop and enforce policies to promote and maintain diverse staff at all levels
Provide vision, promote ideas, gain agreement and act as a role model
Serve as a proactive member of the Regional Management Group, promote collaboration with other COs and the Regional office and contribute to the development of the Central and West Africa Region as a whole
Actively engage with other COs, engaged in the Nigerian refugee response to ensure holistic advocacy and programming
Ensure that all staff retention and rotation is discussed with Regional Director.
Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position NRC Job Description Country Director Nigeria.pdf
What you will bring
1.Professional Competencies
Minimum 5 years’ experience from working as a Senior Manager/Country Director in humanitarian/recovery context
Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities
Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal
Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience:
Knowledge of the context in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin
Experience from advocacy work
Experience with change management processes
2.Behavioural competencies
Handling insecure environment
Planning and delivering results
Working with people
Analysing
Communication with impact and respect
Coping with change
Leadership Profile-
Build meaningful relations
Act with integrity
Empower people
Deliver results
What we offer
| The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people. At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Together, we save lives and rebuild futures. Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to: • treat everyone with respect and dignity • contribute to building a safe environment for all • never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH) • always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH |
