Access Working Group Co-Lead

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. Founded in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of people each year, focusing on the rights and needs of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC is committed to promoting human dignity and ensuring that the voices of those affected by crises are heard and respected.

Job Overview:
The Access Working Group Co-Lead position is crucial for enhancing humanitarian access in Niger, particularly in regions facing significant challenges due to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security issues and the presence of armed actors. The Co-Lead will work closely with OCHA to co-chair the Access Working Group, which aims to facilitate a coordinated humanitarian response by addressing access barriers and promoting effective collaboration among humanitarian organizations. This role involves gathering and analyzing information on access constraints, supporting the development and implementation of access strategies, and advocating for the needs of affected populations. The Co-Lead will also engage with various stakeholders to ensure that the working group's efforts align with the broader humanitarian response and address the most pressing issues faced by communities in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Access Working Group Co-Lead will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including co-chairing monthly and ad-hoc meetings, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action points. The Co-Lead will support the establishment of temporary sub-working groups to tackle specific activities and may assist in creating regional Access Working Groups. Additionally, the Co-Lead will facilitate access training and workshops for humanitarian actors and contribute to building the capacity of national NGOs. The role also involves rolling out access monitoring tools, producing analyses and briefing notes, and networking with stakeholders to ensure the AWG's priorities are relevant and effectively address humanitarian access challenges. The Co-Lead will represent the AWG in various meetings and forums to advocate for the group's contributions and needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in humanitarian work, particularly in conflict or post-conflict environments. A Master's Degree in a related field is required, or a Bachelor's Degree with equivalent work experience. Applicants should demonstrate experience in humanitarian programming and a strong understanding of humanitarian access issues, particularly in the Sahel region. Excellent writing and analytical skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to network with various stakeholders are essential. Candidates should also exhibit flexibility, creativity, and a positive attitude towards collaboration in a coordination environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's Degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a Bachelor's Degree combined with significant relevant work experience may be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in humanitarian principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian access and coordination.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience working in humanitarian contexts, particularly in areas affected by conflict or instability. Experience leading or contributing to coordination forums is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the operations of NGOs and the UN system. Demonstrated experience in humanitarian access programming and advocacy will be considered a strong asset, particularly in the Sahel region.

Languages:
Fluency in French, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with international stakeholders and partners. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a contract duration of 12 months, classified at Grade 8 in the NRC scale. The location for this position is Niamey, Niger. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Niger, as NRC is unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorships. The organization encourages female candidates to apply and emphasizes a work culture that empowers all employees to share ideas and take responsibility. NRC offers a supportive environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is committed to safeguarding and preventing exploitation and abuse.