Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. In the Middle East, NRC has over 3,000 staff members focused on aiding those affected by conflict in countries such as Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya, and Palestine. The organization is committed to addressing the needs of vulnerable displaced populations through its core competencies, which include Shelter, Education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihoods and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). NRC's mission is to promote the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring they receive the necessary support and protection in times of crisis.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Manager plays a pivotal role in managing safety and security risks within the organization, building capacity among staff, and implementing the Duty of Care in direct coordination with the People and Organisation department. This position is essential for developing humanitarian access strategies and facilitating principled humanitarian programming. The HAS Manager will report directly to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and will be technically overseen by the Regional Head of HAS. As a core member of both the Country Management Group and the Crisis Management Team, the HAS Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the organization adheres to humanitarian principles while navigating the complexities of the Syrian context. The role requires a proactive approach to fostering a culture of safety and compliance, ensuring that all operations align with the organization's strategic priorities and global initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HAS Manager will be responsible for implementing the NRC Global HAS Management System at the country level, preparing necessary reports, and executing the country HAS Operational Plan in alignment with strategic priorities. Key responsibilities include fostering a culture of safety and principled humanitarian response, managing direct reporting staff through performance management processes, and overseeing workforce planning, recruitment, staff induction, and development. The HAS Manager will maintain a comprehensive understanding of the humanitarian context in Syria, regularly briefing country management on security developments, access challenges, and emerging threats. Additionally, the role involves developing and maintaining country HAS documents, procedures, guidance, and tools, conducting Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), ensuring compliance with NRC’s HAS Management System, training NRC staff and partners, and building relationships with external actors to enhance humanitarian access.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 4 years of experience within the humanitarian field, with at least 3 years in a senior role with managerial responsibilities. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required. Applicants should have a strong understanding of the Humanitarian Principles and their application in programmatic and advocacy responses, as well as experience in NGO safety and risk management, humanitarian access, and civil-military coordination. Previous experience working in complex contexts and participating in access negotiations with NGOs or UN agencies is essential, with a preference for candidates who have experience within the Syria context. Experience as an international HAS Manager or similar in a humanitarian NGO is required, along with experience in working with civilian and military interlocutors and CIVMIL coordination. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of humanitarian project cycle management and have proven experience in supporting the safe delivery of humanitarian operations. Qualifications in humanitarian access negotiations and prior experience as a trainer are considered an added value.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is mandatory for this position. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian access, safety, and security management will be viewed favorably. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in humanitarian principles, risk management, and programmatic responses to crises.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3 years in a senior managerial role. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex humanitarian contexts, particularly in roles that involve safety and security management, humanitarian access negotiations, and program implementation. Experience in the Syrian context is highly desirable, as it will provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced in the region.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Working proficiency in Arabic is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian operations. Candidates who possess additional language skills relevant to the region may also be viewed favorably.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Damascus, Syria, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role may require travel within areas of operation, estimated at 20-30%. The position is classified as Grade 9 within the NRC salary structure. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity. The organization fosters a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility for their work. Candidates should be aware that NRC has a zero-tolerance policy regarding exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and all employees are expected to contribute to a safe working environment.