Humanitarian Access and Safety Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental humanitarian organization that has been operational for 75 years, dedicated to creating safer and more dignified lives for refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC advocates for the rights of displaced populations and provides assistance across various sectors, including shelter, education, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, livelihoods, legal assistance, and water, sanitation, and hygiene. With approximately 6000 employees, NRC operates in multiple countries across four continents, and it runs the world's largest standby roster, NORCAP, which consists of 650 professionals ready for deployment within 72 hours during crises. NRC began its operations in Iran in 2012 and currently delivers humanitarian assistance in 10 provinces, focusing on education, food security, livelihoods, WASH, shelter construction, and legal assistance. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts to improve the rights of displaced individuals in Iran, particularly in support of the estimated 3.6 million Afghans residing in the country.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety Officer position is crucial for the day-to-day implementation of NRC's Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) functions. The role is designed to ensure that humanitarian responses are conducted in a principled and safe manner for the communities, partners, and staff involved. The officer will support the implementation of the NRC Global HAS Management System at the area level, prepare necessary reports, and execute elements of the HAS Operational Plan tailored to the area or field office. The officer will contribute to fostering a culture of safety and principled humanitarian response, develop area-specific HAS documents, and maintain an understanding of the local humanitarian context to inform management decisions. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and local authorities, to enhance humanitarian access and protect the operational space for humanitarian work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Humanitarian Access and Safety Officer include supporting the implementation of the NRC Global HAS Management System at the area level, preparing reports, and executing area-focused elements of the HAS Operational Plan. The officer will contribute to a culture of safe and principled humanitarian response, develop area-specific HAS documents, and maintain an understanding of the local humanitarian context. Responsibilities also include assisting with Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), conducting drills and training for staff on safety and security topics, liaising with external actors for security information, ensuring adherence to NRC policies, preparing HAS induction sessions for new staff, conducting site assessments for new premises, monitoring vehicle and staff movements, facilitating training for alternative communication systems, and promoting safeguarding principles. The officer will also represent NRC in external forums and contribute to improving humanitarian access across the area.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development operations. Candidates should have a foundational understanding of humanitarian principles and their application in programmatic and advocacy responses, as well as experience in safety and risk management. Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is essential. The officer must possess strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in complex contexts, demonstrating a commitment to the values and principles of NRC.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a relevant educational background, typically a degree in a field related to humanitarian studies, international relations, or a similar discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian access, safety management, or related areas may be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least two years of experience in humanitarian or development operations, with a proven track record of working in complex and insecure environments. Experience in liaising with communities, authorities, and NGOs is also essential, as is familiarity with security risk management and humanitarian access strategies.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kerman, Iran, with a duty station that includes field visits (approximately 40%) to provinces where NRC operates. The contract includes a 3-month probation period with the possibility of extension. The salary is based on NRC's grade structure, specifically grade 5 of the organizational grading system. NRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding principles in its operations.