Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee due to conflict and crises. Founded in 1946, NRC has grown to operate in multiple countries, providing aid and support to millions of people in need. The organization has a strong presence in Mali, where it has been active since 2013, with a coordination office in Bamako and field offices in regions such as Mopti, Tombouctou, Gao, and Menaka. NRC's mission is to ensure that displaced individuals receive the necessary support and protection, focusing on areas such as education, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, legal assistance, and protection against violence. The organization is committed to delivering principled humanitarian responses in challenging environments, despite facing significant security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and access constraints.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Manager is a pivotal role within the NRC, responsible for leading the technical resources on safety, security, crisis management, and access in Mali. This position requires close collaboration with the Access Manager and the Humanitarian Access Working Group co-lead to ensure that NRC teams can operate safely and effectively in complex environments. The HAS Manager will manage safety and security risks, build staff capacity, and embed Duty of Care practices in coordination with the People and Organisation team. This role is crucial for developing humanitarian access strategies that facilitate principled programming and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most. Reporting to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and receiving technical oversight from the Regional Head of HAS, the HAS Manager will be a trusted voice within leadership, actively participating in the Country Management Group (CMG) and the Crisis Management Team (CMT). This position offers a unique opportunity to influence humanitarian operations in a responsible and ethical manner while supporting colleagues and communities in some of the most challenging contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HAS Manager will lead the HAS team by setting objectives, harmonizing systems, and ensuring regular communication among HAS staff across the country. Responsibilities include collaborating with the People and Organisation Manager and the Country Director to uphold Duty of Care standards, working with the CMG on emergency preparedness and contingency planning, and providing sustained support during critical incidents as a key member of the CMT. The HAS Manager will enhance humanitarian access by providing technical support on tools and strategies, assist teams in developing access strategies and engagement plans, and promote a culture of learning related to HAS through training initiatives. Additionally, the role involves managing access, safety, and security incidents, participating in business development and project cycle management, supporting partnership focal points in capacity building, and representing NRC in external forums such as security coordination groups. The HAS Manager will also coordinate with the Country Logistics team to ensure that NRC drivers receive defensive driving training and perform any other tasks related to HAS as delegated by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of experience in a senior role with managerial responsibility in a humanitarian or recovery context. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, along with a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and their application in programmatic and advocacy responses. Experience in NGO safety and risk management, humanitarian access, and civil-military coordination is essential. Previous experience in complex contexts, particularly in access negotiations with NGOs or UN agencies, is highly valued. Qualifications in humanitarian access negotiations and prior training experience are considered an added advantage. A valid driver's license is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, which provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the specific challenges faced in crisis situations. This educational background should ideally be complemented by additional training or certifications related to humanitarian access, safety, and security management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in a senior role with managerial responsibilities within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have experience working in complex environments, including previous roles that involved access negotiations and risk management. Experience in remote management and working in high-risk contexts is also beneficial, particularly if it is in a different country from where this position will be based.

Languages:
Proficiency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages. Additionally, working proficiency in at least one national language is preferred, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Bamako, Mali, with a contract duration of 24 months, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The salary is graded at level 9 on NRC’s Mali National salary scale. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization emphasizes a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and innovation, providing employees with opportunities to contribute ideas and take initiative. NRC also prioritizes safeguarding and expects all employees to uphold principles of respect, dignity, and safety in their interactions with colleagues and communities.