Job Overview / Summary
The Advocacy and Community Liaison Officer will contribute to the development and execution of advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and community liaison strategies designed to enhance program visibility, foster government collaboration, promote community involvement, and strengthen policy impact. This role will function as a pivotal bridge between IRC, local communities, governmental stakeholders, partners, and other key actors to facilitate seamless coordination, effective representation, and community-driven program implementation.
This position will advance advocacy efforts by producing evidence-based insights, conducting stakeholder analyses, engaging with policymakers, establishing community feedback systems, and cultivating strategic partnerships. Additionally, the Advocacy and Community Liaison Officer will help reinforce accountability to affected populations, foster constructive community relationships, and strengthen IRC’s influence with critical external stakeholders.
The role will collaborate extensively with programming, MEAL, protection, communications, and field teams to integrate community perspectives, on-the-ground realities, and programmatic evidence into advocacy priorities and external engagement strategies.
Oversee a comprehensive range of critical duties encompassing project management, team leadership, and strategic planning to ensure organizational success. Key responsibilities include developing and executing project plans, allocating resources efficiently, and monitoring progress to meet established deadlines and objectives. Additionally, the role involves leading cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and promoting a high-performance culture through mentorship and clear communication. Accountability for budget management, risk assessment, and compliance with industry standards is also required, along with the ability to analyze performance metrics and implement data-driven improvements.
Program management involves overseeing project lifecycles, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality outcomes. Technical quality requires maintaining rigorous standards, conducting thorough reviews, and implementing best practices to enhance system reliability and performance. Strategy entails developing long-term roadmaps, analyzing market trends, and making data-driven decisions to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
Contribute to the execution of advocacy initiatives and community engagement plans in accordance with the country program’s strategic priorities.
Effectively engage with government ministries, community leaders, civil society organizations, and humanitarian actors to foster productive partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
Facilitate effective coordination and dialogue between IRC field teams and external stakeholders at the state and community levels to ensure seamless collaboration and alignment.
Assist in documenting humanitarian requirements, community issues, and program outcomes to shape advocacy communications.
Facilitate community consultations, stakeholder forums, and engagement sessions to ensure inclusive dialogue and collaborative decision-making.
Strengthen and maintain functional community feedback and accountability mechanisms at all program locations to ensure consistent responsiveness and effectiveness.
Monitor and assess evolving humanitarian, political, and community situations to ensure alignment with IRC’s programming and advocacy objectives.
Facilitate the incorporation of protection mainstreaming, accountability frameworks, and community engagement initiatives throughout all program activities.
Serving as IRC’s representative in designated coordination meetings and external engagements, as tasked.
Responsible for designing and implementing programs to meet specified objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Requires expertise in program planning, development, and execution, with a focus on efficiency and measurable outcomes. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential to assess needs, identify gaps, and optimize program effectiveness. Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools is necessary to oversee timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Collaboration with stakeholders is critical to gather input, secure buy-in, and enhance program success. Must demonstrate the ability to monitor progress, evaluate results, and implement improvements as needed.
Provide strategic contributions to proposal development initiatives through comprehensive context analysis, detailed stakeholder mapping, and targeted advocacy-related insights.
Assist in crafting advocacy briefs, developing strategic talking points, creating donor engagement materials, and producing external communication assets.
Collaborate with government and non-government stakeholders to uncover strategic partnership and collaboration opportunities.
Develop visibility and engagement materials that effectively showcase program impact and amplify community voices.
Assist in organizing and executing donor visits, high-level field visits, and stakeholder engagement initiatives, including strategic planning and coordination.
Staff Performance Management and Learning & Development professionals are responsible for cultivating a high-performing workforce through strategic performance evaluations, tailored learning initiatives, and continuous skill enhancement programs. They design and implement frameworks to assess employee productivity, identify training needs, and foster professional growth opportunities that align with organizational objectives. Additionally, these specialists analyze performance metrics, recommend interventions to address gaps, and collaborate with leadership to ensure workforce capabilities meet evolving business demands. Their role encompasses the development of competency-based training modules, mentorship strategies, and career progression pathways to maximize individual and collective potential.
Strengthen staff and community structures by enhancing their capacity in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, accountability, and community liaison approaches.
Offer comprehensive technical assistance to field teams regarding effective community engagement and representation methodologies.
Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among departments and field offices.
Staff members are expected to demonstrate a thorough comprehension of and strict compliance with IRC policies, safeguarding principles, and accountability standards.
Assist in developing educational materials, guidelines, and insights gleaned from advocacy initiatives and community outreach efforts.
Conduct research, perform analysis, and contribute to the generation of insights through systematic learning processes.
Perform comprehensive stakeholder analysis and develop detailed mapping to strengthen advocacy initiatives and optimize engagement strategies.
Facilitate the gathering and systematic recording of client experiences, community input, and program results to strengthen advocacy efforts.
Examine the influence of contextual changes, policy shifts, and humanitarian concerns on populations that are particularly at risk.
Prepare reports, briefing documents, situation analyses, and advocacy materials to support organizational objectives.
Support evidence-based advocacy initiatives by collaborating with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and technical teams to collect pertinent program data and derive meaningful insights.
The position involves facilitating collaboration among teams and serving as a liaison for external stakeholders. Responsibilities include organizing workflows, managing communications, and representing the organization in meetings or events. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are essential for success in this role. Proficiency in project management tools and prior experience in a coordination or representation capacity are preferred.
Cultivate and sustain productive partnerships with governmental bodies, local leaders, civil society groups, funding partners, United Nations entities, and a diverse range of stakeholders.
Serving as IRC’s representative across coordination platforms, community engagements, and stakeholder forums, with responsibilities assigned as needed.
Assist in the coordination of advocacy initiatives, including events, campaigns, policy discussions, and community engagement efforts.
Elevating IRC’s standing and credibility by actively engaging with stakeholders and representing the organization with professionalism and integrity.
Enhance coordination and partnership with IRC and local community organizations to foster program adoption and accessibility.
Key collaborative connections involve maintaining strong professional interactions with stakeholders across various departments and external partners to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with organizational goals. This role requires the ability to liaise effectively with leadership, team members, and clients to facilitate clear communication, resolve conflicts, and promote a cohesive working environment. Building and sustaining these relationships is essential for driving productivity, fostering innovation, and achieving strategic objectives.
The role is accountable to the Advocacy and Communications Coordinator, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and seamless integration of advocacy initiatives with communication strategies.
Indirect/Technical Reporting involves collaboration with the Field Coordinator, as well as with Program Coordinators, MEAL, Protection, and Field Management teams.
The role involves direct oversight of staff members, such as Community Volunteers or Assistants, where applicable.
Key External Contacts:
We are currently seeking a dynamic Programs Team member to design, implement, and oversee a variety of initiatives that align with our organizational goals. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills, the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, and a proven track record of delivering measurable results. Responsibilities include developing program strategies, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with at least three years of experience in program coordination or a related role, is required. Familiarity with industry best practices, exceptional communication abilities, and proficiency in relevant software tools are essential. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The MEAL team is tasked with overseeing monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning processes to ensure project effectiveness and transparency. Responsibilities include developing and implementing robust data collection and analysis methodologies, generating insightful reports, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in data management tools, and experience in designing monitoring frameworks. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, a commitment to ethical standards, and the ability to communicate findings effectively to diverse stakeholders.
We are seeking a dedicated Protection Team member to safeguard our assets, personnel, and information from potential risks. The ideal candidate will possess strong vigilance, quick decision-making skills, and the ability to enforce security protocols effectively. Responsibilities include monitoring surveillance systems, conducting thorough inspections, responding to incidents, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Proficiency in risk assessment, emergency response procedures, and crisis management is essential. Candidates must demonstrate physical fitness, mental resilience, and a commitment to maintaining a secure environment. Prior experience in security, law enforcement, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory for motivated individuals.
We are seeking a dynamic Health and Nutrition Team to drive our organization’s mission forward. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field, along with relevant certifications such as RD or RDN. Prior experience in a health-focused role is essential, and knowledge of current dietary guidelines and trends is highly valued. Responsibilities include developing and implementing nutrition programs, conducting workshops, and providing individualized dietary counseling to clients. Additionally, the team will collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance patient outcomes and promote wellness initiatives across the community. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required to engage with diverse audiences effectively.
The communications team is responsible for developing and executing strategic messaging to enhance the organization’s public image, ensuring consistency across all channels. They collaborate with various departments to create content that aligns with the company’s goals and values while managing media relations and crisis communications. Additionally, they oversee social media presence, monitor brand reputation, and analyze engagement metrics to refine outreach strategies. Proficiency in writing, editing, and multimedia production is essential, along with experience in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. Strong project management and analytical skills are also required to meet deadlines and measure campaign effectiveness.
The Grants Unit is responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of grant administration, from the initial identification of funding opportunities to the final reporting and close out of awarded grants. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. Key responsibilities include evaluating grant applications, ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to secure and manage grant funds effectively. Additionally, the unit plays a critical role in developing and maintaining relationships with funding organizations, tracking grant expenditures, and preparing detailed financial and performance reports to meet both internal and external obligations.
We seek a skilled professional to oversee and optimize supply chain and operations processes, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and seamless coordination across all stages. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in logistics, inventory management, procurement, and process improvement, with a strong ability to analyze data and implement strategic solutions. Responsibilities include managing supplier relationships, coordinating production schedules, monitoring performance metrics, and identifying opportunities to enhance productivity and reduce waste. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field is required, along with proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, leadership qualities, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential for success in this role.
Field Management Teams are responsible for overseeing field operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations, and driving operational efficiency across multiple sites. They coordinate with regional managers, corporate teams, and external stakeholders to maintain smooth workflows, resolve on-site issues, and implement strategic initiatives. Additionally, they monitor performance metrics, conduct audits, and provide leadership to field personnel to uphold safety standards, quality control, and productivity targets. This role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams in dynamic environments.
Regionally and globally dispersed roles encompass a wide array of responsibilities spanning multiple locations and markets. These positions demand adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across different time zones and operational frameworks. Candidates must exhibit proficiency in navigating diverse regulatory landscapes, aligning with both local and international business objectives. Strong project management capabilities, cultural sensitivity, and fluency in multiple languages are often essential. Additionally, the role requires a keen understanding of global market dynamics and the capacity to drive cohesive strategies in a decentralized environment.
We seek a dynamic Regional Advocacy Team to champion our mission through strategic engagement and grassroots outreach. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of building influential relationships with key stakeholders, driving policy initiatives, and mobilizing community support. Responsibilities include designing and executing advocacy campaigns, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align messaging, and analyzing regional trends to inform strategic decisions. Proficiency in public speaking, persuasive communication, and data-driven advocacy is essential, along with a deep understanding of regional political landscapes. A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field is required, and prior experience in advocacy, government relations, or nonprofit sectors is highly preferred. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and deliver measurable outcomes is critical.
Global Communications and Advocacy Units are responsible for developing and executing strategic messaging to enhance the organization’s reputation and influence. They craft compelling narratives to engage stakeholders, manage media relations, and oversee crisis communication efforts. Additionally, they collaborate with cross-functional teams to align communication strategies with organizational goals, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across all platforms. Their work includes monitoring public sentiment, conducting media analysis, and providing expert guidance to senior leadership on communication best practices.
Key External Contacts
Government Ministries and Agencies are responsible for formulating, implementing, and overseeing public policies across various sectors, ensuring compliance with national laws and regulations. These entities play a crucial role in delivering essential services to citizens, managing resources efficiently, and promoting sustainable development. They collaborate with stakeholders, including international organizations, private enterprises, and civil society, to address complex challenges and achieve strategic objectives. Additionally, they conduct research, analyze data, and prepare reports to inform decision-making processes and enhance governance. Key requirements for roles within these organizations typically include relevant educational qualifications, professional certifications, and demonstrated experience in public administration, policy analysis, or related fields. Employees are expected to uphold ethical standards, demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, and exhibit a commitment to fostering transparency and accountability in their work.
Dynamic leaders and organizational frameworks drive community initiatives, fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainable progress. These leaders are responsible for mobilizing stakeholders, aligning resources, and ensuring inclusive participation to address local needs effectively. They cultivate strong networks, establish transparent governance, and implement strategies that enhance community resilience and well-being. Proven leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to equity and diversity are essential for guiding collective action toward shared goals.
Civil Society Organizations play a pivotal role in fostering community development, advocating for social justice, and promoting sustainable change. These entities collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and grassroots groups, to address pressing societal challenges. They design and implement programs focused on human rights, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, often relying on donor funding and volunteer contributions. To excel in this dynamic environment, professionals in this sector must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to ethical practices. Proficiency in project management, grant writing, and stakeholder engagement is essential, along with the ability to measure and report impact effectively.
The United Nations (UN) system comprises specialized agencies, funds, and programs dedicated to advancing global development, humanitarian assistance, human rights, and international cooperation. These entities collaborate on issues such as poverty alleviation, climate action, health emergencies, education, and gender equality, operating across multiple countries with diverse mandates. Candidates for roles within UN Agencies are typically required to possess advanced academic qualifications, relevant professional experience, and fluency in multiple languages, particularly English and French, along with strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills. Responsibilities may include policy development, program management, stakeholder engagement, and reporting on impactful initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) collaborate with local partners to design, implement, and evaluate programs aimed at addressing pressing global challenges such as poverty, human rights, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. These organizations seek professionals who possess strong analytical abilities, cross-cultural communication skills, and a deep commitment to social impact. Responsibilities typically include conducting needs assessments, managing project budgets, coordinating with stakeholders, and reporting on progress to donors and beneficiaries. Many positions require experience in project management, fundraising, advocacy, or fieldwork within diverse cultural contexts. Fluency in multiple languages, adaptability to challenging environments, and proficiency in monitoring and evaluation frameworks are often essential prerequisites.
Development partners and donors play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by providing essential funding, resources, and strategic guidance to fuel sustainable growth and impact. These collaborators are integral to strengthening our organizational capacity through financial contributions, in-kind donations, and valuable expertise, enabling us to expand programs and enhance operational efficiency. A successful candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment with our goals and fostering long-term partnerships. Strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills are required to effectively coordinate initiatives, report progress, and secure commitments that drive measurable outcomes. Familiarity with fundraising strategies, donor reporting, and compliance with regulatory standards is essential to maintaining transparency and accountability in all engagements.
Talented individuals adept at fostering media relationships and serving as brand ambassadors are sought to join our dynamic team as Media Representatives. Responsibilities include cultivating and maintaining strong connections with journalists, influencers, and industry stakeholders to secure favorable coverage, while also acting as a liaison between our organization and external media outlets. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, a deep understanding of media landscapes, and the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences. A proven track record in media relations, public relations, or a related field is required, along with proficiency in leveraging social media platforms and digital tools to amplify brand visibility. Strong organizational acumen and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment are essential.
Community-based organizations are dedicated to addressing local needs and fostering positive change within neighborhoods, often focusing on underserved populations. These organizations typically rely on grants, donations, and volunteer support to fund their initiatives, which may include advocacy, education, healthcare access, or social services. They serve as vital connectors between residents and essential resources, empowering communities to address systemic challenges collaboratively. Professional roles within these organizations often require a deep commitment to social justice, cultural competency, and strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Seeking a highly skilled professional to fill this pivotal role, candidates must possess a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar capacity, along with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is mandatory, and applicants should demonstrate strong analytical abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities effectively. Additionally, candidates must hold a relevant certification or degree in the specified field, exhibit outstanding communication skills, and possess the capability to collaborate seamlessly within a team-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will bring a proactive mindset, adaptability to evolving challenges, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism.
Education:
A Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Mass Communication, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Law, or a closely related discipline is required.
A master’s degree represents a valuable asset in this context.
Candidates must possess prior professional experience, having held relevant positions for a minimum of three years, ideally within a corporate, managerial, or technical capacity. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, software, or methodologies is essential, along with a proven track record of achieving measurable results. Experience in collaborative environments, cross-functional project execution, or leadership roles is highly advantageous.
A minimum of three to five years of professional experience in advocacy, community engagement, stakeholder coordination, humanitarian programming, or a closely related discipline is required.
Professional experience collaborating with non-governmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations, governmental bodies, or humanitarian agencies.
Experience within humanitarian settings in either the Northeast or Northwest regions of Nigeria are particularly advantageous.
Proven expertise in collaborating with governmental entities, local communities, and strategic partners has been successfully demonstrated.
Technical Proficiency: Proven expertise in relevant technical domains, including software development, systems administration, or data analysis, as evidenced by prior roles or projects.
Exceptional ability to champion initiatives and cultivate meaningful relationships with stakeholders.
Proven expertise in crafting comprehensive reports, delivering compelling presentations, and maintaining clear, effective communication across all levels.
Proficiency in humanitarian principles, adherence to accountability frameworks, and integration of protection measures are essential.
Adept at fostering and managing impactful community interactions and collaborative initiatives.
With a proven track record in coordinating initiatives, serving as a liaison, and fostering strategic partnerships, the ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in managing collaborative relationships and driving alignment among stakeholders.
Proven capability to evaluate contextual shifts and policy advancements.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in crafting clear, comprehensive documentation and compelling narratives.
Demonstrates a proven track record in leadership and management capabilities, showcasing the ability to guide teams effectively, drive organizational objectives, and foster a productive work environment. Exhibits strong decision-making skills, strategic planning expertise, and the capacity to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams toward achieving collective goals. Maintains accountability for team performance while cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Proven ability to adapt to dynamic business challenges and lead initiatives that align with company vision and operational excellence.
Effective collaboration and the ability to cultivate meaningful professional connections are essential for this role. Building rapport with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders is a key component of success in this position.
Demonstrated capacity to thrive in both autonomous and collaborative settings within diverse multicultural teams.
Possesses exceptional ability to organize tasks efficiently and coordinate multiple responsibilities with precision and clarity, ensuring seamless workflow and optimal productivity.
Demonstrates exceptional skill in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in high-pressure environments.
Maintains an elevated standard of professionalism, ethical conduct, and diplomatic acumen in all interactions.
Expertise in analytical problem-solving and strategic critical thinking is essential.
Languages: Proficiency in English and Spanish is required; additional languages are considered advantageous. Candidates should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills in at least one language and demonstrate the ability to adapt communication styles to diverse audiences.
Proficiency in English is essential.
Proficiency in Hausa, Kauri, or additional local languages serves as a beneficial qualification.
Computer and other technical prerequisites include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace applications (Docs, Sheets, Slides). Candidates must possess strong typing skills with a minimum speed of 40 words per minute and familiarity with collaboration tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. Additional requirements encompass basic knowledge of data entry, file management, and troubleshooting common hardware or software issues. Experience with project management platforms like Asana or Trello is advantageous but not mandatory.
Requires strong familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Skilled in leveraging digital communication and collaboration tools for effective teamwork and project management is essential.
Exceptional proficiency in creating and managing digital documentation, along with a keen ability to generate comprehensive reports.
Proficiency in utilizing social media platforms and digital engagement tools is considered a valuable asset.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
3 - 5 years
