Background
NRC is currently working in Burkina Faso, with staff dedicated to assisting people affected by conflict. Its humanitarian interventions are based on its programming expertise in the Core Competencies of Shelter, Site Management, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), Livelihoods and Food Security, Protection from Violence, along with Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) to vulnerable displaced people.
According to the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan, Burkina Faso continues to face an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Despite substantial response efforts by the Government and partners, the humanitarian situation has not improved enough to enable the reduction of vulnerability and needs of affected populations. In 2023, new displacements were reported throughout the year, and the number of civilians affected by security incidents increased. Urgent support is needed to address needs in food security, nutrition, health, and other sectors, as well as to protect civilians. At the same time, more efforts are needed to promote solutions to help people emerge from crisis altogether and avoid aid dependence.
The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) aims to meet these objectives and was developed in consultation with the Government, targeting 3.8 million people from an estimated 6.3 million in need of humanitarian assistance. Roughly two million people (10% of the population) remain internally displaced as of 31 March 2023 (of which 53% are women and 52% are boys and girls under 18). The scale and severity of humanitarian needs have increased during 2023: according to the Government’s national humanitarian response plan 2023, all 13 regions in Burkina Faso host Internally Displaced People (IDPs), with a high concentration in the Sahel (25.7%), Centre-North (25.1%), North (13%), East (10.8%) and Boucle du Mouhoun (6.5%) regions. In addition, 39 localities are under blockade by non-state armed actors, making it difficult to deliver humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Humanitarian space to deliver assistance has drastically reduced in the past two years.
In 2025 NRC expects further deterioration of the humanitarian space, an increase in bureaucratic and administrative impediments and a growing need for humanitarian and access advocacy, both public and private.
You can learn more about NRC’s operations in Burkina Faso here.
What we are looking for:
The ideal candidate should be an enthusiastic humanitarian committed to humanitarian advocacy, a strategic thinker with strong analytical, negotiation and networking skills.
What you will do:
In this position, you will:
- Ensure the provision of high-quality analysis on the humanitarian situation of displacement-affected populations, contributing to improved NRC programmatic response and informing internal and external advocacy products.
- Support programme staff in incorporating and integrating advocacy into all aspects of NRC’s programme activities, strategy and budgeting.
- Ensure that relevant NRC Country Offices and departments (Field Operations, External Relations, Partnership & Policy) are informed and briefed on response situation and priority advocacy issues.
- Actively network with other organisations involved in the response, and lead the development of joint field-based advocacy and positions toward target audiences.
- Prepare high-quality briefings, letters, and other written materials for internal and external use, ensuring a strong evidence base in messaging and following agreed sign-off procedures.
- Revise and update the NRC Country Office advocacy strategy as necessary and draft and deliver necessary reporting documents, including Advocacy Key Messages.
- Seek fundraising opportunities for advocacy and contribute to the development of quality proposals, ensuring inclusion of research and/or advocacy activities on specific humanitarian and protection issues affecting displacement-affected where appropriate
- Together with humanitarian access staff and coordinators, participate in training and deliver training on humanitarian principles, frontline humanitarian negotiations and orientation sessions for journalists on humanitarian issues.
Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the role
What you will bring:
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience within the humanitarian field.
- Experience working in complex and volatile contexts
- Professional knowledge about protection principles and advocacy, and the use of media for public advocacy.
- Strong managerial and interpersonal skills
- Experience and knowledge of private advocacy and influencing stakeholders
- Full proficiency in English and French, both written and verbal
Context-specific skills, knowledge and experience:
- Solid understanding of international policy related to displacement
- Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities, particularly in analysis, drafting of messages, coordination, and networking
- Good understanding of media relations and experience as a spokesperson
- Deep understanding of gender justice, and application of gender analysis in the advocacy work
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Behavioural competencies
- Handling insecure environments
- Strategic thinking
- Empowering and building trust
- Working with people
- Initiating action and change
- Analysing
What we offer:
- Duty station: Ouagadougou
- Contract: 12-month contract (possible extension, dependent on performance & funding)
- Travel: up to 30%
- Salary/benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s scale with accompanying terms and conditions
- NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
- We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC
Important information about the application process:
- To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email, or click on Opportunity MarketPlace.
- When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
- Submit your application and CV in English or French, ensuring to attach your latest CV.
- Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
- We receive many applications for each vacant position, and as a result only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Send in your application by 18th October 2024.
- If you have any questions about this role, please email cwa.recruitment@nrc.nowith the job title as the subject line.
Why NRC?
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.
Watch this short video to see NRC in action.
We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:
- do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.
- join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.
- be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.