The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is inviting applications from qualified candidates for the position of Protection of Family Links Field Officer 2 in Abuja, Nigeria. This opportunity is suitable for professionals with a background in Social Work, Social Sciences or related fields who are interested in humanitarian protection, family tracing and assisting people separated from their relatives.
The successful candidate will support the ICRC’s Protection of Family Links activities, which help people affected by armed conflict, violence, migration and other humanitarian emergencies restore or maintain contact with their family members. The role involves responding to enquiries, supporting case management, maintaining accurate records and communicating with affected individuals and families.
Candidates with relevant professional experience, strong communication skills and fluency in English and Hausa are encouraged to review the official vacancy announcement and submit their applications before the closing date.
ICRC Recruitment 2026: Job Overview
| Job Title | Protection of Family Links Field Officer 2 |
| Organisation | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) |
| Location | Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria |
| Job Category | Humanitarian Protection / NGO Jobs |
| Employment Type | Full-time, fixed-term contract |
| Contract Duration | One year, renewable |
| Educational Qualification | University degree in Social Work or Social Sciences |
| Required Experience | At least three years in a similar field |
| Languages | English and Hausa |
| Application Deadline | 2 November 2026 |
| Application Method | Online through the official ICRC careers portal |
About the International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross is a humanitarian organisation that works to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. Its activities include supporting vulnerable communities, promoting respect for international humanitarian law and helping families affected by conflict find out what has happened to missing relatives.
One important part of this work is the Protection of Family Links programme. Emergencies can separate family members, interrupt communication and leave relatives without information about the whereabouts or safety of their loved ones. The programme helps people restore contact, exchange family news and, where possible, reconnect with relatives.
Professionals working in this area must handle sensitive information carefully, communicate respectfully with affected families and follow established procedures for managing cases. The Protection of Family Links Field Officer position therefore requires a combination of interpersonal skills, sound documentation practices and an understanding of humanitarian work.
Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants interested in the ICRC Protection of Family Links Field Officer 2 position should review the full job description to determine whether they meet the stated requirements. The listed qualifications and experience include the following:
- Educational qualification: A university degree in Social Work or Social Sciences.
- Professional experience: At least three years of experience in a similar field.
- English language skills: Good written and spoken English for preparing documentation, communicating with colleagues and handling professional correspondence.
- Hausa language skills: Good written and spoken Hausa to communicate effectively with families and other relevant individuals.
- Additional local languages: Knowledge of other local languages may be an advantage, depending on the communities and cases being supported.
- Computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint for preparing reports, maintaining records and organising information.
- Local knowledge: Understanding of the culture, social environment and geographical area relevant to the assignment.
- Work authorisation: A valid permit to work in Nigeria, as specified in the vacancy announcement.
Applicants should ensure that their CV clearly demonstrates their relevant education, work experience, language abilities and computer skills. Any additional qualifications or eligibility conditions specified in the official vacancy notice should also be taken into account.
Key Responsibilities of the Protection of Family Links Field Officer
The Field Officer will contribute to humanitarian activities aimed at helping separated families maintain or restore contact. The role involves working with affected people, managing information and supporting the implementation of the ICRC’s Protection of Family Links activities.
1. Supporting Family Tracing Activities
The officer will support activities related to people who have lost contact with family members because of conflict, violence or other humanitarian circumstances. This may include gathering relevant information, documenting enquiries and following established procedures for handling tracing requests.
2. Responding to Family Enquiries
Families affected by separation may require information, guidance and assistance. The officer will help receive and respond to enquiries, communicate with affected individuals and ensure that cases are handled respectfully and according to the organisation’s procedures.
3. Managing Case Files and Documentation
Accurate documentation is essential in humanitarian protection work. The role includes reviewing case files, updating records and ensuring that information is organised appropriately. Careful record management helps support follow-up activities and continuity in case handling.
4. Supporting the Restoration of Family Links
The officer will contribute to activities designed to help separated relatives restore contact where possible. Depending on the case and applicable procedures, this work may involve coordinating follow-up actions and supporting family reunification-related activities.
5. Interpreting and Communicating
English and Hausa language skills are important for communicating with affected families and colleagues. The officer may need to interpret information between the two languages to support clear communication and help ensure that enquiries and responses are understood correctly.
6. Coordinating with Humanitarian Teams
The position also involves working with relevant colleagues and humanitarian teams to support case follow-up, information sharing within authorised procedures and the effective delivery of Protection of Family Links activities.
Important: The responsibilities described above summarise the work associated with the advertised role. Applicants should consult the official vacancy announcement for the complete list of duties and reporting arrangements.
Skills That Can Strengthen Your Application
In addition to meeting the formal requirements, candidates should ensure their CV highlights skills relevant to humanitarian protection and case management.
- Communication: Demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with people from different backgrounds.
- Case documentation: Highlight experience maintaining files, recording enquiries, preparing reports or managing confidential information.
- Language proficiency: Clearly state your English and Hausa proficiency and mention any other relevant local languages you speak.
- Computer literacy: Include practical experience using Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Cultural awareness: Explain relevant experience working with local communities or in culturally diverse environments.
- Confidentiality: Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of protecting sensitive personal information.
- Teamwork: Include examples of working with colleagues, community representatives or humanitarian organisations to support people in need.
Keep your application truthful and focused on your actual experience. Do not claim professional qualifications, language abilities or humanitarian experience that you do not possess.
How to Apply for ICRC Recruitment 2026
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through the official ICRC recruitment portal. Follow the steps below to review the opportunity and apply:
- Visit the official vacancy page: Open the ICRC recruitment link provided below.
- Read the full job description: Review the eligibility criteria, responsibilities, contract details and any additional instructions.
- Prepare your CV: Clearly present your educational qualifications, relevant work experience, language skills and computer proficiency.
- Check your supporting information: Ensure that your employment history and other details are accurate and consistent.
- Complete the online application: Follow the instructions on the official careers portal and fill in the required information.
- Review before submission: Check your application for errors and confirm that all required fields and documents have been completed.
- Submit before the deadline: Complete the process early enough to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.
Applicants should use this official page to confirm the vacancy’s current status and follow the application instructions provided by ICRC.
Application Deadline
The reported application deadline for the Protection of Family Links Field Officer 2 position is 2 November 2026.
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy page and submit their applications before the stated deadline. Do not wait until the last day, as incomplete applications or technical problems could prevent timely submission.
This is a welcome idea.