Embassy of Ireland, Abuja, Nigeria

The Embassy of Ireland manages all aspects of Ireland's relationship with Nigeria, with non-resident accreditations to Ghana, Senegal and ECOWAS. Ireland is a major donor to the humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad Region affecting Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad. The Embassy wishes to recruit a humanitarian development officer to support, inform and shape the Embassy's humanitarian work. The position requires a deep knowledge of the region and humanitarian work, a high degree of professionalism, third level education, good oral and written communication in English and French, good organisational skills, and the ability to be flexible as demands and priorities change.

Roles and Responsibilities (for full details see candidate booklet)

• Monitor the level and nature of humanitarian crisis and report regularly on developments
• Participate in regular meetings on humanitarian issues in Nigeria 
• Monitor the level and source of international funding, highlight key successes and challenges and identify lessons which can be used to inform Ireland's future support in Nigeria and the region.
• Liaise regularly with the Nigeria UN Humanitarian Country Team and with OCHA in-country. Act as liaison for Ireland with the Nigeria Humanitarian Pooled Fund.
• Liaise directly with the HQ on funding options and ensure that programmes are carried out in line with Ireland's Humanitarian Assistance Policy and within the terms agreed when financing was provided. This may include contact with Irish posted staff on Rapid Response duty.
• Advise diplomatic staff on developments with a view to maintaining a high profile for the Embassy on humanitarian issues.
• Undertake monitoring visits to the field to assess progress by partners (UN, Red Cross and NGOs) in implementing humanitarian and development programmes supported by Ireland. Share monitoring findings with colleagues in Abuja and HQ
• Within Nigeria, prepare briefs for visits to State level for the HOM/DHOM and liaise with Federal and State government officers on a work programmes for the visits.
• Support preparations for high level visits from Ireland to view Irish-supported humanitarian programmes.
• Prepare occasional papers on development and humanitarian subjects as requested by the HOM or colleagues in HQ.

Profile

Essential criteria

• Degree in a discipline of relevance to the role of Humanitarian Development Officer (Level 8);
• Post-graduate Degree in a relevant discipline (Level 9);
• Fluency in English and French;
• Minimum of seven years relevant work experience;
• Strong knowledge of the Lake Chad Region;
• Independent means of transport;
• The legal right to work in Nigeria;
• High degree of integrity and trust;
• Effective communication, networking and reporting skills (including understanding, reporting and communicating complex information);
• Initiative and Team Work (capacity to motivate staff; innovate; participate in / lead teams aimed at process or organisational reform); and
• Good representational, networking and influencing skills.

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of the Development Sector;
• Knowledge of the Irish humanitarian policy;
• Office administration experience;
• Database management skills;
• Experience working in an International Organisation, Diplomatic Mission or other International Environment.

How to Apply

1. Email humanitarianvacancyabuja[at]dfa[dot]ie to receive the candidate booklet; and

2. Follow the instructions in the candidate booklet, emailing the necessary documents to the address provided

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. It is important to note that canvassing will automatically disqualify applicants.

The closing date is midnight Monday 8 May 2017. Completed applications will be acknowledged. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

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