Humanitarian Access Adviser

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 and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. NRC's mission is to promote and protect the rights of displaced people, and it works tirelessly to deliver high-quality aid in some of the world's most challenging environments. The organization values diversity and inclusion, striving to create a workplace that reflects the communities it serves and fosters a culture of respect and empowerment for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access Adviser position in Yemen is a senior-level role that encompasses both internal advisory responsibilities for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and co-chairing the Humanitarian Access Working Group (HAWG). This dual role requires a strong understanding of humanitarian programming and access, as well as the ability to navigate complex operational environments. The Adviser will spend 50% of their time supporting NRC's internal operations and the other 50% co-chairing the HAWG alongside the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The Adviser will be instrumental in driving collective action to address humanitarian access barriers, ensuring that quality assistance reaches populations in hard-to-reach areas and responding effectively to new emergencies. This position also involves providing technical support and operational guidance to NRC's Country Management Group (CMG) and ensuring that humanitarian access strategies are effectively implemented across the organization. The Adviser will play a critical role in shaping NRC's response strategies, advocating for humanitarian principles, and ensuring that the organization's operations are conflict-sensitive and contextually appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Humanitarian Access Adviser will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: enhancing humanitarian access for NRC operations by providing technical support on tools and strategies; advising on the NRC Global Humanitarian Access Management System at the country level; supporting the CMG and director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director in influencing stakeholders to protect humanitarian space; developing and maintaining access components of country HAS documents, procedures, guidance, and tools; overseeing and conducting annual access severity mapping and other assessments; leading efforts to secure access from local authorities and external stakeholders; providing capacity building to NRC staff and partners on humanitarian engagement and access negotiations; developing stakeholder analysis and access networks; representing NRC in external forums such as the HAWG and Civil-Military Coordination; and ensuring adherence to NRC policies and procedures, particularly regarding humanitarian access.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Humanitarian Access Adviser position must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of three years of experience in a senior role within a humanitarian or recovery context. They should demonstrate a strong understanding of humanitarian programming and access, as well as international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law and principles. Previous experience in the region or area of operations is preferred, along with a background in complex contexts and access negotiations with NGOs or UN agencies. Candidates should also have experience in coordination, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and navigating sensitive policy environments. Remote management experience is considered an added value, and candidates must have working proficiency in English, both written and verbal, while proficiency in Arabic is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, which may encompass areas such as international relations, humanitarian studies, law, or social sciences. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian access and programming, as well as the legal frameworks that govern humanitarian action.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a senior role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in humanitarian programming and access, with a strong understanding of the operationalization of humanitarian principles in challenging environments. Experience in the region or area of operations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with access negotiations and coordination with UN agencies and other stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, with both written and verbal skills being essential for effective communication. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it can facilitate engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian operations in Yemen.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Sana'a, with field visits to various locations including Aden, Taiz, Lahj, Abyan, Hodeida, Hajjah, and Amran, as well as other Southern Provinces. The contract is fixed-term for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance. The role involves approximately 40% travel to area offices and project locations. The salary and benefits are classified under Grade 8 on NRC's grading structure. NRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative thinking and provides employees at all levels with opportunities to contribute ideas and take responsibility.