We propose a solution to the \eta - problem in supergravity ( SUGRA ) hybrid inflation using a Nambu-Goldstone-like shift symmetry within a new class of models . The flatness of the tree-level inflaton potential is ensured by shift symmetry invariance of the Kähler potential , while a small symmetry breaking term in the superpotential gives rise to a slope of the potential at loop-level . In the proposed class of inflation models , potentially dangerous couplings between the inflaton and the moduli sector are avoided . We also discuss under which conditions the predicted spectral index can be in agreement with the best-fit-value of the latest WMAP observation n _ { \text { s } } \sim 0.96 , corresponding to a hilltop-type inflaton potential at loop-level .