Africa Officer - Natural Resource Governance Institute

Background/NRGI Summary: The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is a nonprofit policy institute and grant-making organisation that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the benefit of all. Improving natural resource governance is one of the most significant development challenges of the decade and will determine the future of 1 billion people globally who live in scarcity in the midst of resource abundance. Countries with non-renewable resource wealth face both a challenge and an opportunity—when used poorly or squandered, non-renewable resource wealth can cause economic instability, social conflict and lasting environmental impacts: used well, they can create prosperity for current and future generations. NRGI is a recognised leader in the field of natural resource governance, helping people to realise the benefits of their countries' endowments of oil, gas and minerals in order to build a more stable and sustainable future. For more information, please visit www.resourcegovernance.org

Job Overview/Summary

The NRGI is looking for a suitably qualified professional for the position of Africa Officer (Nigeria Focus). The Africa Officer will be responsible, under the direction of the West Africa Manager, for delivering NRGI's Nigeria programme of work, which include overseeing grants to partner organisations, monitoring developments in relation to the oil and mining sectors and maintaining a network of contacts. The post holder is expected to develop initiatives that would enable NRGI to respond to emerging opportunities in Nigeria. Reporting to funders and assisting with fund-raising is also a requirement of the post holder. S/he will also be expected to support project work in Ghana as directed by the West Africa Manager.

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Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver projects or initiatives aimed at advancing NRGI's resource governance goals in Nigeria
• Maintain relationships with key partners and contacts, including through regular exchange of information
• Administer grants to partner organisations and ensure high quality delivery
• Engage as required in the delivery and quality of trainings and other capacity development initiatives aimed at stakeholders in Nigeria
• Monitor local developments and provide the West Africa Manager and the Regional Director with regular updates on the situation in Nigeria.
• Act as an organisational spokesperson on Nigeria as requested by the West Africa manager
• Take up project work on other countries in the region as requested by the West Africa manager

Note: These roles may be changed as deemed necessary in response to the organizational priorities and the changing contextual realities.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: West Africa Manager

Position directly supervises: No

Job Requirements:

Functional competencies:

• Excellent communication skills. Communicates sensitively, effectively and creatively across different constituencies;
• Strong initiative-taker;
• Demonstrates very good understanding and experience of communications and advocacy; Proven networking skills, and ability to generate interest in NRGI's mandate;
• Highly effective at multi-tasking;
• Focuses on impact and results for NRGI;
• Interacts effectively with all levels of the organization, including country managers, Regional
• Directors and senior management;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Identifies opportunities and builds strong relationships with colleagues and partners;
• Demonstrates exceptional ability to remain calm, in control even under pressure and tight deadlines.

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Skills and Experience

Qualifications:

• Degree or other qualification in a relevant field preferably (political science, law, economics or international affairs)

Experience:

• At least two years relevant experience in extractives in Nigeria, preferably working in a non-profit.
• Proven experience working with civil society organisations, media, and government officials
• Proven ability to plan projects and initiatives and deliver to plans
• Experience managing a network of contacts
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Experience of training and capacity building is desirable

Working Environment:

• Standard office work environment Alignment with NRGI Culture and Mission:
• All staff uphold the following organisation-wide culture and values:
• Commitment to furthering NRGI's mission and core values of integrity, intellectual rigor, respect for evidence, innovation, strategic selectivity and independence.
• Demonstrated ability to be a professional, productive member of a diverse community of people at work, working toward shared goals, with mutual respect and accountability in a fast-paced environment.
• Personal qualities of capacity for learning, reflection and self-criticism, humility and sense of humor.

NRGI's Values

Integrity: Maintaining our independence and credibility. Mindful of context, adapting to changing realities and seizing new opportunities.

Collaboration: Partnering internally and externally to affect change. Capitalizing on NRCII's comparative advantage. Valuing teamwork, diversity and inclusion. Working with and across different stakeholders. Commitment to building the field and inspiring others to act.

Passion: Commitment to social justice. Dedication, creativity and resiliency in the face of obstacles.

Rigor: Technical competence, intellectual leadership and commitment to quality. Generating and leveraging the evidence base. Interrogating our work. Innovation and initiative to push the boundaries of our field.