Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is Seeking an Education Core Competency Specialist – Apply Before 12 November

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is inviting applications from experienced and proactive professionals for the role of Education Core Competency (CC) Specialist in Nigeria. This position is integral to guiding the technical direction, strategic development, and quality oversight of NRC’s education programmes across the country. Reporting directly to the Head of Programme, the specialist will play a key role in enhancing the reach and impact of NRC’s education initiatives through expert leadership, collaborative partnerships, and targeted capacity-building efforts.

About the Norwegian Refugee Council

NRC is a global, independent humanitarian organization committed to aiding people displaced by conflict and disaster. Operating in over 40 countries, NRC employs more than 15,000 individuals dedicated to delivering emergency relief, championing durable solutions, and advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations.

In Nigeria, NRC is actively addressing one of the most complex humanitarian challenges, particularly in the North-East region, where over a decade of armed conflict has severely disrupted communities and access to essential services like education. As of 2025, approximately 7.8 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States need humanitarian assistance. Among them, 1.3 million children and adolescents are in urgent need of educational support. The ongoing crisis has resulted in widespread school closures, infrastructure destruction, and one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally.

Role Overview

The Education CC Specialist will serve as NRC’s technical lead on education programming in Nigeria. The role focuses on ensuring that education responses are impactful, evidence-driven, and in line with both national strategies and global humanitarian standards. This includes designing strategic frameworks, overseeing programme quality, mentoring staff, and cultivating strong partnerships to promote inclusive and sustainable education services for displaced and vulnerable youth.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and lead the strategic direction of NRC’s Education Core Competency in Nigeria, ensuring alignment with regional and global priorities.
• Guide the development of technical tools, macro-logframes, and standards to ensure high programme quality.
• Support the drafting of funding proposals, preparation of budgets, and donor reporting processes.
• Monitor and integrate emerging sectoral trends and donor interests into NRC’s education interventions.
• Ensure compliance with grant obligations while maintaining consistent technical excellence across programmes.
• Offer on-the-ground technical guidance to field teams to improve the delivery and impact of educational activities.
• Document and disseminate lessons learned to refine strategies, strengthen staff skills, and inform future programming.
• Represent NRC in sectoral coordination mechanisms, working groups, and external advocacy forums.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Education, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum five years of senior-level technical experience in education programming within crisis-affected settings.
• Proven capacity to design and manage education projects, including experience in budget oversight and proposal development.
• Familiarity with youth-focused interventions, market-based education solutions, and integration of psychosocial support.
• Prior work experience in insecure, conflict-prone environments, and an understanding of the humanitarian coordination landscape.
• Strong skills in mentoring, capacity development, and remote training delivery.
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and analytical capabilities.
• Proficiency in English is required.
• Knowledge of the Nigerian context or broader Central/West African region is advantageous.

Working Conditions and Benefits

• Location: Abuja, Nigeria
• Contract Type: Fixed-term
• Travel: Up to 30% domestically
• Salary: Position falls under NRC’s Grade 9 pay scale with associated benefits

NRC promotes a respectful, inclusive, and creative work culture. Employees are encouraged to innovate, collaborate openly, and take initiative. NRC practices equal opportunity employment and invites applications from all qualified individuals regardless of background, identity, or status.

Commitment to Safeguarding

NRC places safeguarding at the core of its mission. All staff are expected to:

• Treat all individuals with respect and dignity
• Contribute to a secure and supportive environment
• Avoid any behavior that constitutes abuse, harassment, or exploitation
• Report concerns promptly in line with NRC’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct

Programme Impact in Nigeria

NRC’s education efforts in Nigeria aim to address both immediate and long-term needs by offering a combination of formal and non-formal learning opportunities. These programmes include training teachers, rehabilitating school infrastructure, and encouraging community involvement. The goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and quality learning environment that fosters long-term reintegration and resilience among children and youth affected by conflict.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications, along with an up-to-date English CV, through NRC’s online recruitment portal by 12 November 2025. Internal candidates should apply through the organization’s internal career system.

Applications that do not fulfill the outlined qualifications will not be reviewed. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

For further information, please email [email protected], referencing the job title in the subject line.

Make a meaningful impact. Join NRC and support children and communities as they rebuild their lives after displacement.