Application Guide

How to Apply for Information Management and Data Analysis Consultant Education Under Threat in West and Central Africa

at Norwegian Refugee Council

🏢 About Norwegian Refugee Council

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to protecting the rights of displaced people worldwide. What makes NRC unique is its focus on education in emergencies, ensuring that children affected by conflict can continue learning. Working here means contributing to life-saving advocacy and evidence-based policy change.

About This Role

This role involves cleaning and analyzing secondary data on attacks on education, school closures, and displacement in West and Central Africa. You will produce a master dataset, analytical summary, and publication-ready visuals to support the 2026 Education Under Attack Advocacy Brief. Your work will directly influence advocacy efforts to protect education in conflict zones.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing incoming datasets from partners, then cleaning and harmonizing data in Excel. You'll spend time producing charts and maps for the advocacy brief, and later present preliminary findings to the team. The role is deadline-driven, with regular check-ins via video call.

🎯 Who Norwegian Refugee Council Is Looking For

  • Experienced in humanitarian data analysis with at least 3 years in information management or assessments.
  • Proficient in Excel and data cleaning, with a knack for producing clear, impactful charts and maps.
  • Familiar with Education in Emergencies (EiE) and humanitarian datasets like ACLED or UNOCHA.
  • Skilled in GIS software (QGIS or ArcGIS) and able to create basic maps for advocacy.

📝 Tips for Applying to Norwegian Refugee Council

1

Tailor your resume to highlight data cleaning and visualization projects, especially those related to conflict or education.

2

Include a portfolio link or attach samples of charts, graphs, or maps you've produced for advocacy.

3

Mention any experience with Education in Emergencies or familiarity with attacks on education data.

4

Use the cover letter to explicitly connect your data skills to NRC's advocacy mission.

5

Double-check that your application addresses the remote nature of the role and your ability to work independently.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your technical skills in data cleaning, analysis, and visualization (Excel, GIS).', "Show understanding of the Education Under Attack context and NRC's advocacy goals.", 'Provide a concrete example of how your data work influenced a policy or advocacy outcome.', 'Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read NRC's 2024 Education Under Attack report to understand the advocacy brief format.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Education in Emergencies Working Group and key datasets (e.g., ACLED, GCPEA).
  • Review NRC's global strategy and country operations in West and Central Africa.
  • Look into the specific challenges of data collection in conflict zones in that region.
Visit Norwegian Refugee Council's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you approach cleaning messy, secondary data from multiple sources?
2 Can you walk us through a time you created a data visualization that drove advocacy action?
3 What GIS tools have you used, and can you show a map you've created?
4 How do you ensure data accuracy and attention to detail under tight deadlines?
5 Why are you interested in Education in Emergencies and NRC's work in West and Central Africa?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing Education in Emergencies or the specific region.
  • Overlooking the requirement for publication-ready visuals; ensure your portfolio includes polished examples.
  • Failing to demonstrate remote work readiness or experience managing independent projects.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 22, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Norwegian Refugee Council!