Humanitarian Access Working Group Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff members, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that their needs are met in crises. NRC Afghanistan, in particular, has been active in the region since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, adapting its strategies to address the evolving humanitarian landscape and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the country.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access Working Group Coordinator will play a pivotal role in leading and coordinating the Humanitarian Access Working Group (HAWG) in Afghanistan. This position requires a seasoned leader with a strong background in humanitarian access, advocacy, and negotiation. The Coordinator will be responsible for fostering collaboration among various humanitarian actors, ensuring compliance with humanitarian principles and international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, and providing strategic guidance to the NRC Access Focal Point. The role involves developing and executing work plans endorsed by the Humanitarian Country Team, addressing emerging access issues, and representing the HAWG before donors and stakeholders. The Coordinator will also be expected to contribute to the development of policies and strategies that enhance humanitarian access in a complex and volatile environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Humanitarian Access Working Group, ensuring effective collaboration among NGOs and humanitarian actors.
• Co-lead the Humanitarian Access Working Group, facilitating discussions and decision-making processes.
• Foster collaboration among humanitarian actors to enhance access to affected populations.
• Provide humanitarian advocacy and negotiation support to ensure compliance with humanitarian principles.
• Review and revise the Humanitarian Country Team Access Strategy and the Humanitarian Access Working Group Engagement Strategy.
• Develop and execute the Humanitarian Access Working Group work plan, ensuring alignment with the broader humanitarian response.
• Monitor the implementation of guidance and advisory development, ensuring effective execution of work plan activities.
• Represent the Humanitarian Access Working Group in meetings with donors, authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate efforts to address emerging access issues across various clusters and coordination platforms. 1
• Engage with the Afghan humanitarian community to understand and address the challenges faced in maintaining principled humanitarian access.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in conflict/post-conflict humanitarian work, particularly in volatile environments. They should have technical knowledge of humanitarian access and experience managing and advising on access dilemmas that hinder effective humanitarian assistance. Familiarity with industry access tools, resources, and methodologies is essential, along with a solid understanding of humanitarian principles. The ideal candidate should have experience in drafting and implementing policy and strategic guidance, as well as strong analytical, coordination, and stakeholder management skills. Exposure to high-risk, insecure, and complex contexts is crucial, along with knowledge of the Afghan humanitarian community's response.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian access, negotiation, or related areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in humanitarian access coordination, ideally with a focus on high-risk settings. Experience in leading forums or contributing to coordination efforts is highly desirable. A proven track record of working in complex humanitarian environments, particularly in Afghanistan or similar contexts, will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Afghanistan is considered a strong asset, as it will facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role may require approximately 10% travel. The position is classified as Grade 9 in NRC’s International Salary Scale, which includes a competitive compensation and benefits package. NRC is committed to diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes a culture of empowerment, encouraging employees to share ideas and take responsibility in their roles.