The Federal Government has called on qualified Nigerians and other eligible professionals to apply for leadership roles within the United Nations humanitarian system.
The call was made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which invited interested persons to express interest in joining the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) Talent Pipeline.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the initiative is aimed at identifying and preparing highly qualified individuals for senior leadership roles within the United Nations system.
According to the statement, the RC/HC Talent Pipeline is designed to build a pool of skilled professionals who can serve as Resident Coordinators or Humanitarian Coordinators in different countries across the world.
“The RC/HC Talent Pipeline is designed to identify and prepare individuals for leadership positions, while broadening and diversifying the pool of eligible candidates,” the statement said.
The Ministry added that the selection process will pay close attention to gender balance and fair geographical representation to ensure diversity and inclusion.
Resident Coordinators and Humanitarian Coordinators play a critical role in the United Nations system. They are the most senior UN officials at the country level and are responsible for coordinating the work of UN agencies, funds, and programmes in their host countries.
In countries facing conflict, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises, the Humanitarian Coordinator leads international efforts to respond to emergencies, protect civilians, and deliver life-saving assistance.
The Ministry explained that professionals selected into the Talent Pipeline will receive structured support and training to strengthen their leadership, coordination, and humanitarian skills.
“These opportunities are meant to prepare candidates for future leadership responsibilities within the UN system,” the statement said.
However, the Ministry made it clear that being admitted into the RC/HC Talent Pipeline does not mean automatic appointment into a UN position.
It stressed that candidates who successfully join the pipeline must still apply separately to the United Nations Resident Coordinator Assessment Centre, which is responsible for evaluating and selecting individuals for appointment.
“Admission into the RC/HC Talent Pipeline does not automatically constitute appointment,” the Ministry noted.
The Ministry also clarified the application process for different categories of applicants.
According to the statement, current United Nations staff members are required to obtain formal nominations from their respective governments before applying.
However, professionals who are not currently working with the UN are allowed to apply directly, without the need for government nomination.
This provision opens the door for experienced professionals from the public sector, private sector, civil society organisations, and academia to participate.
The Ministry encouraged members of the public who have the required experience, leadership skills, and commitment to humanitarian service to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We encourage all eligible professionals with leadership capacity and dedication to multilateral cooperation, humanitarian action, and sustainable development to submit their applications within the stipulated time frame,” the statement said.
Nigeria has a long history of participating in multilateral organisations, including the United Nations. Over the years, many Nigerians have served in various international roles, contributing to peacekeeping, development, and humanitarian efforts across the globe.
The Federal Government’s call for applications reflects its continued support for Nigerian participation in global governance and international development.
The RC/HC system was reformed by the United Nations in 2019 as part of broader efforts to improve coordination and effectiveness at the country level.
Under the reformed system, Resident Coordinators are independent of any single UN agency and report directly to the UN Secretary-General. This change was aimed at ensuring stronger leadership, better coordination, and more effective delivery of development and humanitarian assistance.
The RC/HC Talent Pipeline was created to support this reform by identifying and preparing a steady pool of qualified leaders who can step into these demanding roles when needed.
Candidates in the pipeline are assessed based on their leadership experience, ability to work in complex environments, and commitment to the values of the United Nations.
They are also expected to demonstrate strong skills in diplomacy, coordination, communication, and crisis management.
Humanitarian Coordinators, in particular, often work in challenging settings affected by armed conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and natural disasters. Their role includes working closely with governments, donors, non-governmental organisations, and affected communities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that participation in the Talent Pipeline provides professionals with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global humanitarian and development goals.
It also offers exposure to international best practices and strengthens Nigeria’s presence within the UN system.
In recent years, global humanitarian needs have continued to rise due to conflicts, climate change, economic instability, and public health emergencies. The United Nations has repeatedly called for strong leadership at the country level to respond effectively to these challenges.
By encouraging qualified Nigerians to apply, the Federal Government is positioning the country to play a more active role in addressing global humanitarian and development issues.
Interested applicants are advised to carefully review the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and details of the Talent Pipeline framework.
The Ministry directed prospective candidates to the official United Nations website for full information on the programme.
Further details are available on the UN Sustainable Development Group website at: unsdg.un.org/2030-agenda/leadership/resident-coordinator-humanitarian-coordinator-rchc-talent-pipeline.
As the application process opens, stakeholders say the initiative presents a valuable opportunity for Nigerian professionals with international experience and leadership skills to contribute to global peace, development, and humanitarian action.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it remains committed to supporting qualified Nigerians seeking to serve in international organizations and advancing the country’s role in multilateral cooperation.
