Access Team Leader

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which is a humanitarian organization established in 194

• NRC's mission is to help people affected by displacement and conflict, ensuring that they can access the assistance and protection they need. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing aid and support to vulnerable populations. NRC employs thousands of staff globally, working in various sectors including education, shelter, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, among others. Their commitment to humanitarian principles and advocacy for the rights of displaced persons is central to their operations.

Job Overview:
The Access Team Leader position is crucial for ensuring that humanitarian actors can effectively reach individuals in need within Afghanistan. The role involves navigating the complexities of humanitarian access in a challenging environment where funding is limited and the needs are vast. The Access Team Leader will be responsible for overseeing access incident tracking and analysis, actor mapping, and engagement strategies to enhance NRC's operational capabilities. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure that humanitarian efforts are principled and effective. The Access Team Leader will also play a key role in supporting design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and operationalization by providing insights on contextual changes and facilitating communication between field offices and the central management team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Access Team Leader will have a range of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines, and preparing periodic progress reports.
• Promoting technical improvements and advocating for the rights of displaced persons.
• Tracking and analyzing access incidents, gathering information from area access focal points, and maintaining a country-wide access tracker.
• Supporting the development of area and local access strategies and engagement plans to improve NRC's engagement structure.
• Liaising with authorities and providing technical support for program leads and field office coordinators.
• Maintaining an activity resumption matrix and collaborating with coordination groups and NGOs to understand operational dynamics.
• Participating in area-based access coordination groups and supporting negotiations with local authorities when necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Access Team Leader position must possess a strong understanding of the humanitarian response and access environment in Afghanistan. They should have experience in community dispute resolution and indirect negotiations, as well as supporting data collection and analysis activities, preferably within the humanitarian sector. The ability to draft clear and concise briefing papers is essential, along with strong personal drive and communication skills to operate effectively in a team environment. Fluency in written and spoken English, Pashto, and Dari is mandatory.

Educational Background:
A university degree in management, political science, international relations, or religious studies is required for this position. Alternatively, candidates with an equivalent bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience in conflict/access analysis will also be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Access Team Leader has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to navigate the complexities of humanitarian access in Afghanistan.

Experience:
The Access Team Leader should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in conflict/access analysis or a related field. This experience should include working in challenging environments, preferably within the humanitarian sector, and demonstrate the ability to operate independently while effectively collaborating with team members and stakeholders. Candidates should also have a proven track record of successfully managing access-related initiatives and engaging with various actors in the humanitarian landscape.

Languages:
Fluency in Dari, English, and Pashto is mandatory for this position. These language skills are crucial for effective communication with local communities, stakeholders, and team members. Proficiency in these languages will enable the Access Team Leader to engage in negotiations, draft reports, and facilitate discussions that are essential for the success of NRC's operations in Afghanistan.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a monthly salary based on the NRC Afghanistan Salary Scale, along with medical coverage for staff and up to four dependents. Leave and holidays will be provided in accordance with Afghanistan law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Labour Law. Additionally, staff will receive a monthly top-up credit card to support their expenses. This role is critical for ensuring that humanitarian efforts are effectively coordinated and that the rights of displaced persons are upheld in a challenging operational context.