Humanitarian Specialist - Lagos, Nigeria

Position Overview

Reporting to the Area Humanitarian Manager, this role involves supporting the development and coordination of strategic humanitarian partnerships with various organizations, government entities, and community leaders. The position facilitates humanitarian projects and programs within assigned countries or provinces by managing initiatives and operations aligned with the area’s 5-Year Humanitarian Plan. The main goal is to help individuals and families meet basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, sanitation, and education, promoting their economic, emotional, and physical self-sufficiency while aiding disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational assistance for Church humanitarian activities within designated regions according to the 5-Year Area Humanitarian Plan and global priorities.
• Collaborate with internal Church departments, NGOs, government officials, and community stakeholders to manage project lifecycles, resource procurement, and maintain accountability through consistent evaluation and monitoring.
• Deliver technical analysis for assigned humanitarian programs while supporting budgeting, project management, communications, regulatory compliance, and logistical functions.
• Contribute to humanitarian reporting and evaluation for leadership, and deliver training on best practices to area staff and volunteers.
• Employ emerging technologies, including global project management and communication platforms, to enhance humanitarian operations.
• Potentially oversee other humanitarian specialists and volunteers as assigned.
• Coordinate member-focused humanitarian initiatives when applicable and support specialized sectors of humanitarian expertise for a global audience within Welfare and Self-Reliance Services.
• Assist with project planning, partnership cultivation, and development of digital or written materials for distribution throughout the Church and Welfare and Self-Reliance Department.
• Conduct training and consulting for employees and volunteers as invited by area leadership, identifying external support resources for both Church-wide and area-specific efforts.

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage the humanitarian project lifecycle for targeted geographic areas, ensuring implementation of the 5-Year Plan and alignment with global priorities.
• Maintain and foster relationships with Church divisions, NGOs, and government officials to achieve humanitarian goals.
• Report on and analyze the progress of humanitarian initiatives for area and总部 leadership.
• Lead and train one or two humanitarian staff members and available volunteers.
• Oversee applications of technology and communication tools relevant to humanitarian work.
• Operate independently with general strategic guidance, taking initiative, mentoring others, and making informed decisions with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 11 years combined professional and operational experience, including at least 2 years in a management role with proven success managing large budgets and collaborating with senior executives.
• Bachelor’s degree in international development, business, project management, social development, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of Welfare and Self-Reliance Services principles and humanitarian standards, with the ability to apply them effectively in addressing complex challenges.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building trustful relationships with mid-level and senior leaders within the Church and external organizations, upholding professionalism and integrity.
• Excellent problem-solving, negotiation, change management, and communication skills, with full proficiency in English.
• Quick adaptability to new systems and processes; proficient with databases, spreadsheets, word processing, internet, and email communications.
• Experience delivering training to employees and volunteers both on-site and remotely, in individual and group settings.
• Leadership and administrative experience within the Church, including understanding the cultural influences in the area of responsibility.
• Ability to work collaboratively; willing to travel up to 40% of the time.