Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and disasters. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to become a leading organization in the humanitarian sector, operating in over 30 countries worldwide. With a mission to help millions of people in need, NRC focuses on providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is committed to fostering a supportive culture that encourages professional growth, innovation, and open dialogue among its employees. NRC emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and has a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation and abuse, ensuring a safe environment for all stakeholders involved in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring that NRC's humanitarian response is principled and safe for both the communities served and the staff involved. This position is vital in navigating the complex security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security landscape that often hinders humanitarian efforts, including conflicts, environmental challenges, and bureaucratic obstacles. The HAS Officer will work closely with the sector manager and the HAS manager to implement and monitor NRC's policies, plans, and procedures related to humanitarian access and safety. The role requires frequent field presence to support the safe execution of programs and ensure the duty of care for NRC personnel. The officer will also contribute to creating a culture of safe and principled humanitarian response by developing relevant documentation and maintaining an understanding of the local humanitarian context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the HAS Officer include supporting the implementation of NRC's global HAS management system at the area level, preparing necessary reports, and executing operational plans focused on humanitarian access and safety. The officer will contribute to a culture of safe humanitarian response, assist in developing emergency plans, access strategies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintain awareness of the security context to inform decision-making. Additionally, the officer will conduct risk assessments, provide training to staff on access and safety topics, liaise with UN agencies, NGOs, and local authorities to share and gather security information, and ensure compliance with NRC policies and procedures. Specific responsibilities also include preparing and facilitating HAS orientation sessions for new staff, conducting site assessments for new office locations, monitoring vehicle and personnel movements, and supporting incident reporting and management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of two to three years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development operations. A fundamental understanding of humanitarian principles and their application in programming and advocacy, as well as experience in complex contexts, is essential. Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Word and Excel, is required. The candidate must have professional proficiency in French, both written and spoken, and experience liaising with communities and authorities, as well as NGOs. Knowledge of English and/or Zarma is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a related field. Candidates with additional certifications or training in security management or humanitarian access will be viewed favorably.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least two to three years of experience in humanitarian operations or development work. Experience in security risk management, humanitarian access negotiations, and working in challenging environments is highly desirable. Previous roles that involved direct engagement with communities and local authorities will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the region. Proficiency in English and/or Zarma is considered beneficial and may enhance the candidate's ability to perform effectively in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Maradi, Niger, and may require travel to various field locations. The role is full-time and involves a significant amount of fieldwork to ensure the safety and security of NRC operations. The organization is committed to recruiting internationally and values diversity in its workforce. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with NRC's policies and standards, ensuring that employees are supported in their roles.