Roving Access Manager

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 upholding human dignity and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that their needs are met in crises where others may not be able to reach them.

Job Overview:
The Roving Access Manager position at NRC Sudan is designed for an experienced professional who will play a crucial role in ensuring principled design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation across the Darfur Area Offices. This role involves providing operational guidance and analysis to facilitate quality access to humanitarian assistance in various regions, including Tawila, Golo, Nyala, and Geneina. The Roving Access Manager will also be responsible for supporting access in other areas as directed by the Head of Operations, particularly in Kordofan. The position requires a strategic approach to liaising with external stakeholders, managing access coordination mechanisms, and supporting field operations to navigate complex and volatile contexts effectively. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of access-related networks and provide capacity building to field staff on humanitarian principles and negotiations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Roving Access Manager will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Representing NRC to external audiences and stakeholders, including parties to the conflict, and actively participating in access coordination mechanisms such as the Access Working Group and CMCoord.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with local authorities to develop access-related networks.
• Managing the Darfur Access Coordinator and overseeing the processing of travel-related permits and approvals for all operational areas in Darfur.
• Providing strategic support to Area Managers and teams to facilitate entry into new operational areas and manage access negotiations.
• Supporting crisis and incident management for the area management team.
• Coordinating the implementation of access strategies across all operational areas.
• Conducting access analysis and advocacy support by monitoring contextual trends and reporting on security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security incidents affecting access.
• Facilitating information management and dissemination through regular updates and ad-hoc analyses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role within NGOs, UN agencies, or the private sector, particularly in complex and volatile contexts. They should have documented results related to the responsibilities of the position, technical expertise in humanitarian access, and a solid understanding of humanitarian principles and their application in conflict settings. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate leadership skills, experience in remote management, and fluency in English and French, both written and verbal. Strong computer and data analysis skills are essential, along with the ability to assess political, social, and security situations in the country.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in international relations, international law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">humanitarian law, or a relevant technical field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the legal frameworks that govern humanitarian action.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in humanitarian access management, particularly in insecure environments. They should have a proven track record of liaising with communities, authorities, and various stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, and the donor community. Experience in assessing political, social, and security situations is crucial for making informed decisions in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Arabic is desired. Additionally, fluency in French is required, as the role involves communication with diverse stakeholders in various contexts. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for negotiating with non-government stakeholders and fostering collaboration among different parties.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Darfur, Sudan, with a contract duration of 12 months. The role requires approximately 70% field travel, indicating a significant commitment to on-the-ground operations. The salary will be determined according to NRC’s International salary scale, and the organization is committed to diversity and equal opportunities for all employees. NRC encourages a culture of innovation and responsibility, providing employees with opportunities to contribute ideas and take initiative in their roles.