Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. NRC operates in multiple countries, focusing on providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovative teamwork. NRC emphasizes safeguarding and has a zero-tolerance policy against exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries. The organization has a significant presence in the Central Sahel region, particularly in Niger and Burkina Faso, where it addresses the challenges posed by conflict and humanitarian crises.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Manager is a pivotal role within the NRC's Central Sahel Multi-Country Office (MCO), primarily based in Niamey, Niger. This position is responsible for leading the technical aspects of safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, crisis management, and humanitarian access across both Niger and Burkina Faso. The HAS Manager will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and the Regional Head of HAS to ensure that safety and security risks are effectively managed, and that humanitarian access strategies are developed and implemented. The role requires a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and the ability to navigate complex operational environments. The HAS Manager will also be involved in capacity building, ensuring that the organization can respond effectively to crises while maintaining a principled approach to humanitarian programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The HAS Manager will serve as a core member of the Multi-Country Management Group (MCMG) and support Crisis Management Teams for Niger and Burkina Faso. Key responsibilities include leading the quality control and coherence of HAS deliverables across both countries, such as Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), contingency plans, medical emergency plans, and incident reporting. The manager will support and strengthen principled access strategies, engage in access negotiations, and ensure consistent incident management practices. Additionally, the HAS Manager will provide technical input to program criticality decisions, support partner duty-of-care frameworks, conduct field visits to Area Offices, and actively participate in the development and implementation of the Country Strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of experience in a senior role with managerial responsibility within a humanitarian or recovery context. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, along with a strong understanding of humanitarian principles, NGO safety and risk management, and civil-military coordination. Previous experience in complex contexts and access negotiations with NGOs or UN agencies is essential, and qualifications in humanitarian access negotiations are considered an added value. Experience as a trainer is also beneficial. A valid driver’s license is required for this position.

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, or security management. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and the legal and ethical frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a senior managerial role within a humanitarian or recovery context. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in complex and challenging environments, particularly in the Sahel region, and should demonstrate experience in risk management and access negotiations.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and French is mandatory for this role, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration in the diverse operational contexts of Niger and Burkina Faso. Additional language skills relevant to the region may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The duty station for this position is Niamey, Niger, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on funding and performance. The contract type is mobile, and the position is classified as Grade 9 on the NRC Salary Scale. NRC is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. The organization offers various benefits, including opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.