Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee. NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, providing assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization focuses on various sectors including education, shelter, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and aims to ensure that displaced individuals can access their rights and lead dignified lives. NRC employs thousands of staff globally and is committed to principled humanitarian action, ensuring that aid is delivered in a safe and effective manner.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Officer plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of NRC's humanitarian access and safety policies within the North East Area Office and related Field Office in Shostka, Sumska Oblast. This position is vital for ensuring that humanitarian operations can be conducted safely and effectively, despite the numerous challenges posed by conflict, violence, and bureaucratic obstacles. The HAS Officer will work closely with the HAS Coordinator to monitor and implement the organization's HAS policies, ensuring that all staff and operations adhere to safety protocols. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks, as well as fostering a culture of safety and inclusivity within humanitarian programming. The officer will frequently engage in fieldwork, providing essential support for the safe delivery of programs and ensuring the Duty of Care for NRC staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the HAS Officer include supporting the implementation of the NRC Global HAS Management System at the area level, preparing necessary reports, and executing area/field office-focused elements of the HAS Operational Plan. The officer will contribute to creating a culture that promotes a safe and principled humanitarian response and will assist in developing area/field-level HAS documents such as contingency plans and access strategies. Additionally, the officer will conduct Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) and access assessments, collaborate with management to implement mitigation measures, and conduct training sessions for staff on safety and security topics. The officer will liaise with UN agencies, NGOs, and local authorities to share security information and enhance humanitarian access. Other responsibilities include ensuring adherence to NRC policies, conducting physical verifications of HAS-related equipment, preparing reports, facilitating HAS induction sessions for new staff, conducting site assessments for rental premises, monitoring vehicle and staff movements, and promoting safeguarding principles within NRC and the communities served.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the HAS Officer position should possess a minimum of two years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development operations. A foundational understanding of humanitarian principles and their application in programmatic and advocacy responses is essential, along with knowledge of NGO safety and risk management. Previous experience working in complex contexts is highly desirable. Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience liaising with communities and authorities, as well as with NGOs, and working proficiency in the English language is mandatory, with conversational skills being an added advantage.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background required for the HAS Officer position is not explicitly stated, candidates are generally expected to have a relevant degree in fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related discipline. Educational qualifications should align with the responsibilities of the role, emphasizing the importance of understanding humanitarian principles and operational contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development operations. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex and challenging environments, demonstrating their ability to navigate security and access issues effectively. Experience in conducting security risk assessments and developing safety protocols is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is mandatory for the HAS Officer position. Candidates with working proficiency and/or conversational skills in additional languages will be considered an asset, as this can enhance communication with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Chernihiv, Ukraine, and may involve frequent field visits to ensure the effective implementation of safety and access protocols. The role is full-time and may require flexibility in working hours to respond to emergencies or urgent safety concerns. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with NRC's policies and standards, and the organization is committed to recruiting staff from diverse backgrounds to enhance its humanitarian response.