Humanitarian Access and Safety Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that has been operational in Ukraine since 201

• The organization has significantly scaled up its efforts in response to the ongoing conflict, particularly after the escalation in February 202
• NRC employs around 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year. NRC is dedicated to advocating for the rights of displaced individuals and is recognized for its principled humanitarian approach, focusing on communities that are hard to reach and affected by conflict.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety Manager is a pivotal role within the NRC Ukraine mission, responsible for ensuring a principled humanitarian response while maintaining safety for communities, partners, and staff. The role involves managing safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks, implementing Duty of Care, and developing strategies for humanitarian access. The manager will serve as the lead technical resource on safety and security, crisis management, and access, addressing significant challenges posed by conflict, violence, and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder service delivery to displaced populations. The position requires a collaborative leader with strong interpersonal skills to build constructive relationships with external parties and foster a supportive work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Humanitarian Access and Safety Manager include: implementing the Global HAS Management System and HAS Operational Plan; ensuring safe and principled humanitarian responses in line with Humanitarian Principles; managing staff performance, workforce planning, recruitment, and development; analyzing the humanitarian context to brief on security developments and access challenges; overseeing the development and maintenance of HAS documents, procedures, and budgets; conducting security risk assessments and access assessments; ensuring compliance with HAS Management System, HAS Policy, and crisis management procedures; and providing training and capacity development for NRC staff and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess senior management experience in a humanitarian or recovery context, 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. A proven track record in access negotiations with NGOs or UN agencies is advantageous, along with exposure to complex and volatile contexts, particularly in Ukraine, and knowledge of displacement and humanitarian needs in the region. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant educational background, typically a degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in safety and security management, humanitarian access, or crisis management may be preferred.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in senior management roles within humanitarian contexts, demonstrating a strong understanding of safety and security protocols, crisis management, and humanitarian access strategies. Experience working in Ukraine or similar conflict-affected regions is highly desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a 12-month contract that may be extended based on funding, requirements, and performance. The role involves approximately 40% travel. The position is classified as Grade 9 in NRC’s Salary Scale, which includes a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility.