Advocacy and Community Liaison Officer

AI summary

IRC is hiring an Advocacy and Community Liaison Officer based in Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria. The role links IRC with communities, government, and partners to strengthen advocacy, accountability, and community-centered programming. Responsibilities include stakeholder engagement, coordination, evidence generation, and supporting advocacy and visibility materials.

• Field-based advocacy and community liaison role in Maiduguri, Borno
• Focus on stakeholder engagement, coordination, and accountability
• Supports advocacy strategy, evidence generation, and visibility materials
• Requires strong coordination with government, partners, and communities

Original source description

Advocacy and Community Liaison Officer at International Rescue Committee (IRC) ⏲ Sep 10, 2026, 7:08 AM ⋕ View all NGO & Humanitarian / Nonprofit Organizations jobs The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home. We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Advocacy and Community Liaison Officer Job Requisition ID: JR00003701 Location: Maiduguri, Borno Job Overview / Summary The position will serve as a critical link between IRC, communities, government stakeholders, partners, and other relevant actors to ensure effective coordination, representation, and community-centered programming. The position will work closely with programming, MEAL, protection, communications, and field teams to ensure that community voices, field realities, and program evidence inform advocacy priorities and external engagement strategies. The Advocacy and Community Liaison Officer will also contribute to strengthening accountability to affected populations, promoting positive community relations, and enhancing IRC’s positioning with key external stakeholders. The role will support advocacy initiatives through evidence generation, stakeholder mapping, policy engagement, community feedback mechanisms, and strategic relationship management. The Advocacy and Community Liaison Officer will support the design and implementation of advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and community liaison strategies aimed at strengthening program visibility, government engagement, community participation, and policy influence. Major Responsibilities: Program Management, Technical Quality, and Strategy: Support the implementation of advocacy and community engagement strategies aligned with country program priorities. Representing IRC in relevant coordination meetings and external engagements as assigned. Ensure community feedback and accountability mechanisms are strengthened and functional across program locations. Monitor and analyze humanitarian, political, and community developments relevant to IRC programming and advocacy priorities. Support community consultations, stakeholder meetings, and engagement forums. Contribute to the documentation of humanitarian needs, community concerns, and program impact to inform advocacy messaging. Support the integration of protection mainstreaming, accountability, and community participation across programs. Support coordination and communication between IRC field teams and external stakeholders at state and community levels. Facilitate effective engagement with government ministries, community leaders, civil society organizations, and humanitarian actors. Program Development: Support the development of visibility and engagement materials highlighting program impact and community voices. Support the development of advocacy briefs, talking points, donor engagement materials, and external communication products. Contribute to proposal development processes by providing context analysis, stakeholder mapping, and advocacy-related inputs. Assist in identifying strategic partnership and collaboration opportunities with government and non-government stakeholders. Contribute to donor visits, high-level field visits, and stakeholder engagement planning and coordination. Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development: Support capacity strengthening of staff and community structures on advocacy, stakeholder engagement, accountability, and community liaison approaches. Contribute to learning documentation, best practices, and lessons learned from advocacy and community engagement activities. Support staff understanding and adherence to IRC policies, safeguarding principles, and accountability standards. Promote teamwork, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across departments and field locations. Provide technical support to field teams on community engagement and representation approaches. Research, Learning and Analysis: Conduct stakeholder analysis and mapping to support advocacy and engagement strategies. Support evidence-based advocacy by coordinating with MEAL and technical teams to gather relevant program data and insights. Analyze contextual developments, policy trends, and humanitarian issues affecting vulnerable populations. Support data collection and documentation of client stories, community feedback, and program outcomes for advocacy purposes. Contribute to reports, briefing notes, situation analyses, and advocacy products. Coordination & Representation: Maintain effective working relationships with government agencies, community leaders, civil society organizations, donors, UN agencies, and other stakeholders. Strengthening IRC’s visibility and reputation through professional engagement and representation. Representing IRC in coordination platforms, community meetings, and stakeholder forums as delegated. Facilitate communication and collaboration between IRC and community structures to support program acceptance and access. Support the organization of advocacy events, campaigns, policy dialogues, and community engagement activities. Job Requirements: Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Mass Communication, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Law, or related field. Master’s degree is an added advantage. Work Experience: Demonstrated experience: engaging with government stakeholders, communities, and partners. Experience: working with NGOs, INGOs, government institutions, or humanitarian organizations. Experience: in Northeast or Northwest Nigeria humanitarian context is highly desirable. 3–5 years’ experience: in advocacy, community engagement, stakeholder coordination, humanitarian programming, or related field. Demonstrated Technical Skills: Strong community engagement and facilitation skills. Understanding of humanitarian principles, accountability frameworks, and mainstreaming protection. Strong documentation and storytelling abilities. Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills. Ability to analyze contextual and policy developments. Strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills. Experience: in coordination, representation, and partnership management. Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies: Strong organizational and coordination skills. High level of professionalism, integrity, and diplomacy. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multicultural environments. Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Languages: Knowledge of Hausa, Kanuri, or other local languages is an added advantage. Fluency in English required. Computer/Other Tech Requirements: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience: using online communication and collaboration platforms. Strong digital documentation and reporting skills. Ability to use social media and digital engagement tools is an advantage. Key Working Relationships: Indirect/Technical Reporting: Field Coordinator, Technical collaboration with Program Coordinators, MEAL, Protection, and Field Management teams. Position directly Supervises: N/A (or Community Volunteers/Assistants where applicable) Position Reports to: Advocacy and Communications Coordinator Key External Contacts: Programs Team Supply Chain and Operations Grants Unit Field Management Teams Health and Nutrition Team Protection Team MEAL Team Communications Team Region/Global: Regional Advocacy Team Global Communications and Advocacy Units Key External Contacts: Media Representatives Civil Society Organizations Community-Based Organizations. INGOs and NGOs UN Agencies Community Leaders and Structures Government Ministries and Agencies Donors and Development Partners How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply online Application Deadline: 18th September, 2026. View all Jobs in Nigeria Borno State