Humanitarian Access and Safety Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. 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 affected by crises. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the necessary aid and support to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote human dignity and provide assistance in the most challenging environments, advocating for the rights of those in need and working towards sustainable solutions for displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) function is crucial for ensuring that humanitarian responses are conducted safely and effectively for staff, partners, and communities. In Yemen, the operational context is particularly complex, necessitating robust security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security-risk-management" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risk management and clear internal communication. The appointed Humanitarian Access and Safety Adviser will play a pivotal role in enhancing compliance with global humanitarian standards and building sustainable capacity at the country level. This position is designed to provide senior technical oversight, quality assurance, and structured capacity building for the Yemen Country Office's HAS function, while also mentoring the Country HAS Manager. The adviser will be responsible for ensuring that humanitarian operations are conducted in alignment with NRC's values and principles, promoting a culture of safe and principled humanitarian action.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Humanitarian Access and Safety Adviser include providing senior technical oversight and quality assurance for the implementation of NRC's Global Humanitarian Access and Safety Management System in Yemen. The adviser will offer advisory and review support for the development of access strategies led by the Country HAS Manager and Access colleagues, fostering a systematic approach to engagement and coordination. Additionally, the adviser will promote a culture of safe, principled, and risk-informed humanitarian action in accordance with NRC values and Humanitarian Principles. The role involves line-managing and supporting the Country HAS Manager, focusing on mentoring, capacity strengthening, accountability, and professional development. The adviser will ensure compliance with NRC's global HAS policies, procedures, Minimum Operating Standards (MOS), and Access Minimum Standards (AMS). Strengthening the quality, consistency, and timeliness of HAS analysis, documentation, and reporting to stakeholders is also a critical responsibility. Furthermore, the adviser will provide advisory support to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and Country Management Group on HAS-related risks, systemic gaps, and compliance issues, while fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the HAS function through coaching and structured follow-up.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of experience in Access and/or Security Management within humanitarian or recovery contexts, with prior work experience at the country (field) level being advantageous. Experience or qualifications in humanitarian access and negotiations are essential, along with advanced knowledge of principles and practices in humanitarian action, NGO safety and risk management, humanitarian access, and civil-military coordination. A strong understanding of Humanitarian Principles and their application in programmatic and advocacy responses is required, as well as experience in risk management for implementing partners. Previous experience in complex and volatile contexts is necessary, along with remote management experience and a background in people development and capacity building. Familiarity with the cultural sensitivities of Yemen is also beneficial, and candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, with an adaptable and flexible approach.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian access, security management, or related disciplines may be preferred. Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the humanitarian sector and the challenges faced in crisis situations.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in humanitarian access and safety management, with a strong emphasis on field-level work. Experience in complex and volatile environments, particularly in Yemen, is highly desirable. The role requires a proven track record of implementing access strategies and managing security risks in humanitarian contexts, as well as experience in mentoring and capacity building.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Working proficiency in Arabic, both written and verbal, is highly preferred, as it will facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Yemen, with duty stations in either Aden or Sanaa. The contract duration is for 12 months, with an expected travel commitment of 40% within the country. The salary and benefits are classified under Grade 9 on NRC's grading structure. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and empowers employees at all levels to take responsibility and initiative.