Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year, advocating for the rights of displaced individuals and calling for increased humanitarian funding to address their needs. NRC has been active in Ukraine since 2014, significantly scaling up its operations following the escalation of conflict in February 2022, and is committed to delivering integrated humanitarian responses across various sectors.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of NRC staff and operations within the country office. Reporting to the Country Office HAS Coordinator, the officer is responsible for implementing and monitoring NRC's HAS policies and procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to fostering a safe and principled humanitarian response, contributing to the organization's commitment to Safe and Inclusive Programming Minimum Standards. The HAS Officer will conduct safety drills, provide training, and maintain essential documentation related to safety protocols. The role also involves liaising with local authorities and other stakeholders to enhance security measures and ensure compliance with NRC policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HAS Officer's duties include supporting the implementation of the NRC Global HAS Management System at the country level, contributing to the development of training materials, and facilitating safety training sessions for staff and partners. The officer will conduct site assessments for new premises, ensure adherence to safety measures, and maintain communication with local authorities regarding security issues. Responsibilities also encompass preparing induction sessions for new staff, conducting regular safety drills, and promoting safeguarding principles within the organization. The officer will assist in capacity building initiatives, conduct training needs assessments, and maintain an up-to-date training tracker for all HAS-related training activities. Additionally, the officer will collaborate with other NGOs and UN agencies to share security information and best practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of two years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development operations, with a foundational understanding of humanitarian principles and their application in programmatic responses. Experience in safety and risk management, particularly in complex contexts, is essential. Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is required. The ability to communicate effectively in both Ukrainian and English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, while conversational proficiency in Russian is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, and a commitment to NRC's values and principles.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, with a preference for candidates holding a degree in a related field such as international relations, humanitarian studies, or security management. Additional certifications in safety training or risk management will be advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least two years of experience in humanitarian or development operations, with a strong emphasis on safety and security management. Previous experience working in challenging environments and complex humanitarian contexts is highly valued, as is familiarity with the operational landscape in Ukraine and surrounding regions.

Languages:
Proficiency in Ukrainian and English is mandatory for this role, with both written and verbal communication skills being essential. Candidates with conversational skills in Russian will have an added advantage, as this can facilitate better communication with local communities and authorities.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Kyiv, Ukraine. The role may involve occasional travel to field offices and areas of operation. NRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. The organization offers competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and training. Candidates are advised to submit their applications in English and ensure that they meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the job advertisement.