Expert Adviser for Strategy and Planning in Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS)

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding humanitarian principles and ensuring that aid reaches those in need, regardless of their circumstances. NRC's mission is to protect the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, advocating for their needs and working towards durable solutions for their situations. The organization emphasizes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where all employees can contribute to its mission effectively.

Job Overview:
In the role of Expert Adviser for Strategy and Planning in Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS), you will serve as a vital strategic partner to the Global HAS Director and the Global HAS Management Team. Your primary responsibility will be to support the development and implementation of global HAS policies, procedures, strategies, and plans that enable NRC to maintain principled humanitarian access in its operational areas. This position requires a forward-thinking approach to create coherent and aligned plans that support NRC's Global Strategy. You will work closely with various global functions to ensure seamless strategic integration, which is essential for the successful delivery of NRC's mission. Your expertise will help shape global HAS strategies that are not only effective but also uphold humanitarian principles, ensuring that NRC can operate safely and efficiently in challenging environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
As an Expert Adviser, you will have a range of responsibilities that include: managing directly reporting staff and overseeing their performance management processes; ensuring alignment of goals with country strategies; workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development; supporting the induction and mentoring of Regional Heads of HAS and Global HAS colleagues; leading alignment efforts with relevant NRC departments to facilitate coordination across thematic areas such as Duty of Care, Access, Emergency Response, and Local Partnership; providing strategic support to various NRC entities on HAS-related matters; contributing to the quality control of HAS policy and strategy documents; supporting the preparation of internal and external HAS reports; participating in crisis management teams; promoting a culture of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-risk-management" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risk management; developing tools and guidance on humanitarian access; collaborating with the Global Lead Humanitarian Access on policy integration; and conducting field missions for safety and security audits. You will also be responsible for developing and recommending policies for operational management of safety and security threats and ensuring lessons learned are documented for future actions.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess a Master’s Degree-level education and have a minimum of eight years of experience in humanitarian access, safety, and security, particularly with international NGOs, the UN, or the private sector (excluding military or private security). Candidates should demonstrate excellent experience in program operations and implementation in the field, a solid understanding of humanitarian principles, NGO safety and risk management, and civil-military coordination. Additionally, substantial experience in developing and implementing plans, policies, and procedures is required, along with strong report writing and communication skills. Proficiency in English is essential, and additional language skills in Arabic, French, or Spanish are preferred. Professional qualifications in international affairs, International law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Humanitarian Law, social science, or security/risk management are advantageous, as is prior experience at the regional or global level.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian access and safety in various operational contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience in humanitarian access, safety, and security. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in high-risk environments and possess a deep understanding of the challenges faced in humanitarian operations. Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures at both operational and strategic levels is essential, as is familiarity with the dynamics of working in conflict-affected areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills in Arabic, French, or Spanish are considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role, particularly in diverse operational contexts where these languages are spoken.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at the NRC Head Office in Oslo, with potential travel to NRC Representative Offices in Berlin, Brussels, and London, as well as other approved countries and regional offices. The contract is permanent, with travel requirements estimated at 10-15%. The salary is classified as Grade 10 on NRC’s Resident salary scale, accompanied by standard terms and conditions. NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity in its workforce, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. The organization promotes a culture of innovation and encourages employees to share ideas and take responsibility within their roles.