Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established in 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. With a presence in around 31 countries and approximately 14,000 staff members, NRC employs a rights-based approach to advocate for the rights of displaced individuals as outlined in national and international laws. The organization is committed to principles of humanity, neutrality, independence, and impartiality, striving to secure acceptance from local stakeholders for its activities and ensuring access for humanitarian operations. NRC also engages with various actors to promote the rights of vulnerable populations and achieve durable solutions for those affected by crises. NRC Geneva leads the organization's representation with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and UN agencies, coordinating donor engagement with Swiss donors and the UN.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Officer plays a crucial role in supporting humanitarian access, safety, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security within the designated area. Reporting to the Area Manager and receiving technical support from the HAS Manager, the officer is responsible for implementing and monitoring NRC's HAS Policy, plans, procedures, and processes across the Area Office and related Field Offices. This position requires a strong field presence to ensure the safe and principled delivery of programs and uphold the Duty of Care for NRC staff. The officer will contribute to a culture of safety and inclusivity in humanitarian responses, develop area-specific HAS documents, and provide supervision and support to HAS Assistants. The role also involves maintaining an understanding of the humanitarian context, conducting security risk assessments, and liaising with various stakeholders to enhance humanitarian access and protect the operational space.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the HAS Officer include supporting the implementation of the NRC Global HAS Management System at the area level, preparing necessary reports, and executing elements of the HAS Operational Plan. The officer will contribute to developing area-specific HAS documents, including contingency plans and access strategies, while supervising HAS Assistants and providing performance feedback. Regular briefings on security developments and access challenges will be conducted to inform management decisions. The officer will assist in conducting Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), training staff on safety and security topics, and liaising with UN agencies and NGOs to share security information. Additional responsibilities include preparing HAS induction sessions for new staff, conducting site assessments for rental premises, monitoring vehicle and staff movements, and facilitating training for staff on emergency procedures. The officer will also promote safeguarding principles and ensure adherence to NRC policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the HAS Officer position should possess a minimum of two years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development operations. A foundational understanding of humanitarian principles and their application in programmatic responses, as well as experience in safety and risk management, is essential. Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is required, along with a working proficiency in English, both written and verbal. Experience in liaising with communities, authorities, and NGOs is also necessary, along with the ability to handle insecure environments and effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the HAS Officer position typically includes a degree in a relevant field such as international relations, humanitarian studies, security management, or a related discipline. Candidates with additional certifications or training in safety and security management, humanitarian access, or related areas will be considered favorably.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least two years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development operations, particularly in complex contexts. Experience in safety and risk management, as well as a solid understanding of humanitarian principles, is crucial for success in this role. Previous experience working in insecure environments and with diverse stakeholders is highly valued.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. NRC emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding and expects all employees to treat everyone with respect and dignity, contributing to a safe environment and reporting any incidents of exploitation or harassment. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards inaction against such issues. The role may require international travel and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective humanitarian access and safety.