Civil-Military Coordination Officer

Job Posting Organization:
NORCAP is a part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), a global humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people who have been forced to flee their homes due to crises and climate change. Established to improve aid effectiveness, NORCAP collaborates with humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding partners to provide targeted expertise and develop solutions to unmet needs. The organization operates in various countries, focusing on reducing vulnerability and creating opportunities for affected populations. NORCAP emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, and it is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Civil-Military Coordination Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This position is essential for enhancing humanitarian access and civil-military coordination in complex and high-risk environments. The officer will engage with military actors, coordinate with humanitarian partners, and analyze access constraints to facilitate safer humanitarian operations. The role requires a proactive approach to negotiation and information exchange, ensuring that humanitarian efforts are effectively supported amidst the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis in the region. The officer will be based in Jerusalem, with potential travel to Gaza or the West Bank, and will be engaged in a 6-month assignment, reporting directly to the Head of Access and Civil-Military Coordination Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Civil-Military Coordination Officer will be responsible for conducting OCHA’s civil-military engagement with Israeli military authorities, which includes participation in the Joint Coordination Board and the Civil-Military Coordination Center. The officer will support humanitarian access and effective information exchange with military counterparts, adapting engagement strategies based on evolving operational dynamics. Key responsibilities include maintaining the Humanitarian Notification System (HNS), processing and tracking humanitarian movement notifications, and ensuring compliance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The officer will also establish and maintain relationships with humanitarian partners to troubleshoot access-related issues, facilitate information sharing, and maintain dialogue with military actors in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Additionally, the officer will prepare regular analyses on humanitarian access and civil-military coordination matters, produce reports, and advocate for humanitarian issues with military organizations to facilitate access.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in humanitarian access, civil-military coordination, or related fields. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a highly fluid environment. The officer should demonstrate excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to plan and organize effectively at both individual and team levels. Familiarity with OCHA United Nations Civil-Military Coordination or Global Access Training is considered an asset. The ability to train others, remain calm under pressure, and adapt to challenging situations is crucial. Willingness to work outside regular hours and travel to field locations, including high-risk areas, is also required.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, typically including a degree in international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for candidates with extensive experience in humanitarian contexts. Educational qualifications should reflect a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and civil-military coordination.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 5 years of professional experience in humanitarian access, civil-military coordination, or related fields. Experience working in Middle Eastern countries, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successfully navigating complex humanitarian environments and engaging with military and humanitarian actors.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic or Hebrew is considered an asset, as it enhances communication and engagement with local partners and military actors in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a 6-month assignment, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that may require flexibility in working hours. NORCAP is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.