Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing aid and support to refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is committed to defending the rights of these vulnerable populations and ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to rebuild their lives. NRC emphasizes a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion within its workforce, aiming to create a supportive environment for all employees. The organization has a strong focus on safeguarding principles, ensuring that all staff members contribute to a safe and dignified environment for those they serve. NRC is recognized for its high-quality aid delivery and advocacy efforts in some of the world's most challenging contexts, working tirelessly to tackle crises where others may not be able to. With a diverse team of professionals, NRC fosters an atmosphere of professional growth and innovation, encouraging employees to take on responsibilities and engage in open dialogue with management.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of NRC staff and operations in the area. This position is responsible for managing safety and security risks, developing humanitarian access strategies, and facilitating principled humanitarian programming. The HAS Coordinator will work closely with the Area Manager and the HAS Manager, contributing to the overall safety culture within the organization. The role requires a deep understanding of the local security context, including the ability to analyze and forecast security developments that may impact NRC operations. The HAS Coordinator will also be involved in capacity building for staff, ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained and prepared to respond to security challenges. This position is integral to the Area Management Group and requires collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance humanitarian access and protect the operational space for NRC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HAS Coordinator will implement the NRC Global HAS Management System at the area level, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures. Key responsibilities include preparing reports, executing area-focused elements of the HAS Operational Plan, and contributing to a culture of safe and principled humanitarian response. The Coordinator will manage direct reporting staff, overseeing their performance management processes and supporting their professional development. Additionally, the HAS Coordinator will maintain an up-to-date understanding of the security and humanitarian context in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, regularly briefing area management on key developments. The role involves leading the drafting of context analyses for crisis situations, collaborating with program teams for emergency response activations, and developing area-level HAS documents such as contingency plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The Coordinator will also conduct Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) and access assessments, ensuring that relevant mitigation measures are implemented. Training and capacity building for NRC staff and partners will be a significant aspect of this role, as well as representing NRC in external forums related to security and humanitarian access.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the HAS Coordinator position should possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a humanitarian or recovery context. A solid understanding of humanitarian principles and their application in programmatic responses is essential, along with experience in NGO safety and risk management. Previous experience working in complex contexts and familiarity with access negotiations are highly desirable. Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is required. Candidates with prior training experience will have an added advantage. A working proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, while knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with demonstrated analytical abilities and attention to detail, are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the HAS Coordinator position typically includes a degree in a relevant field such as international relations, humanitarian studies, security management, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian access, safety, or security management may be preferred. Candidates should have a strong academic foundation that supports their understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian operations and the challenges faced in conflict-affected areas.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a humanitarian or recovery context. This experience should include a solid understanding of humanitarian principles, safety and risk management, and the ability to navigate complex security environments. Candidates should demonstrate a history of working effectively in challenging contexts and possess experience in liaising with communities, authorities, and NGOs. Familiarity with risk management processes and the ability to analyze security situations are essential for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is critical in a humanitarian context. Candidates should be able to articulate complex security and access issues clearly in both written and verbal forms. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders, facilitating better engagement and understanding of the local context.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Jerusalem and is classified as Grade (07) Step (01). The contract duration is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on the needs of the position, available funding, and performance. The salary and benefits are aligned with the Jerusalem Duty Station standards. The HAS Coordinator will report directly to the Area Manager and will be part of the Area Management Group. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. All applications must be submitted through the NRC website, and candidates are required to provide a resume and a cover letter in English. NRC has a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and expects all employees to uphold these principles.