Access Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to address humanitarian crises, it operates in more than 40 countries worldwide, partnering with local communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. The organization is committed to improving the lives of those affected by disaster and hardship, focusing on sustainable development and resilience.

Job Overview:
The Access Advisor is a senior member of the Sudan INGO Forum Secretariat, tasked with leading the Forum's collective engagement on humanitarian access. This role requires a dual focus on both system-level coordination and advocacy for INGOs, necessitating the ability to navigate and balance the sometimes conflicting priorities of various stakeholders, including authorities, inter-agency counterparts, and Forum members. The Access Advisor will co-chair the Humanitarian Access Working Group (HAWG) alongside OCHA, ensuring effective coordination of access strategies across Sudan. Additionally, the Access Advisor will develop and implement the Forum's Access Engagement Strategy, which articulates collective INGO priorities and positions on access issues, thereby enhancing operational alignment and maximizing humanitarian impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Co-Chairing the Humanitarian Access Working Group (HAWG): Lead and facilitate HAWG meetings, set agendas, and ensure the group functions effectively as a strategic advisory body. Provide evidence-based advice to the Humanitarian Coordinator (HC), Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator (DHC), and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) on access trends and constraints. Oversee HAWG workstreams and ensure follow-through on action plans. Develop clear escalation thresholds for access issues.
• Forum Access Engagement Strategy: Lead the finalization and implementation of the Forum's Access Engagement Strategy, addressing barriers to access and translating collective positions into practical guidance for members.
• Member Coordination and Capacity Building: Serve as the primary access focal point for Forum members, facilitating information exchange and access briefings. Coordinate training on access negotiation and International law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Humanitarian Law (IHL).
• Analysis, Monitoring, and Reporting: Maintain up-to-date access and conflict analysis, monitor trends, and provide structured updates to the Forum and Steering Committee. Draft high-quality access analyses and reports.
• Safeguarding Responsibilities: Integrate safeguarding principles into work, promoting the dignity and well-being of participants and team members.

Required Qualifications:
A graduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience is required. Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in access-focused roles within NGOs, the UN system, or other humanitarian/development actors. A strong understanding of humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law (IHL), and coordination mechanisms is essential. Proven experience in managing humanitarian access analysis, negotiation, and strategy work is necessary, along with experience representing organizations in humanitarian coordination platforms. Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, relationship-building abilities, and the capacity to manage a diverse workload in a complex environment are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a graduate degree in a relevant field or have equivalent experience that demonstrates their capability to fulfill the responsibilities of the Access Advisor role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in access-focused roles, particularly within NGOs, the UN system, or other humanitarian/development contexts. Experience in complex humanitarian or fragile environments is crucial, along with a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and operational coordination mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Knowledge of Arabic and French is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Khartoum, with potential travel to Nyala and other areas, requiring up to 40% travel to support operations in insecure locations. Accommodation will be arranged in a guesthouse through Mercy Corps or another hosting organization. The role emphasizes ongoing learning, with team members encouraged to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to strict safeguarding and ethical standards.