Explore the role of a Humanitarian Access Officer in Abuja, Nigeria, with NRC. Learn about the responsibilities, benefits, eligibility, and how to apply for this vital position.
Introduction
Since 2015, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has played a crucial role in addressing the needs of displaced communities in Nigeria. With operations in key locations such as Maiduguri, Yola, and Jos, NRC has been instrumental in bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and development, particularly in conflict-affected regions of North-East and North-Central Nigeria. The position of Humanitarian Access Officer in Abuja is essential to ensuring that NRC’s programs are successfully implemented despite the challenges of working in volatile environments.
As a Humanitarian Access Officer, you will lead efforts to promote humanitarian access and coordination, navigating complex access constraints, and supporting the day-to-day implementation of NRC projects. This role demands a combination of strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and a deep commitment to humanitarian principles.
Key Responsibilities
Humanitarian Access Strategy and Initiative Implementation
- Support NRC Leadership: Work with NRC’s Country Director, Head of Programs (HoP), Area Managers (AMs), and Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Manager to monitor and report access-related challenges across NRC’s Area Offices in Nigeria.
- Strategy Review: Assist in reviewing and updating the Country Access strategy by consolidating contextual information from various NRC locations.
- Training and Assignments: Assign, brief, and train Access Focal Persons in each Core Competency (CC) to monitor and report on access-related constraints.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with NRC programs and field staff to develop initiatives that overcome operational constraints.
- Reporting: Compile monthly access reports and maintain an updated mapping of area-specific actors and stakeholders.
- Situation Monitoring: Monitor and evaluate political, economic, social, and humanitarian conditions to inform NRC’s response strategy.
Access Coordination Support
- Representation: Represent NRC in Access Working Group meetings, Civil-Military Coordination meetings, and other relevant forums.
- Field Assessments: Frequently travel to NRC field sites to conduct actor service mapping and assess access conditions.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Support field offices and program staff in establishing and maintaining contact with key interlocutors or community gatekeepers.
- Training Support: Advocate for and support field staff in undertaking online Access trainings.
Benefits
Working as a Humanitarian Access Officer with NRC offers several significant benefits:
- Professional Growth: NRC encourages continuous professional development, offering opportunities for staff to take on responsibilities and enhance their skills.
- Impactful Work: Directly contribute to ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches vulnerable populations in Nigeria, especially in conflict-affected regions.
- Diverse and Inclusive Environment: NRC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a workplace where everyone is respected and valued.
- Supportive Culture: NRC provides a supportive work environment with open dialogue between staff and management, ensuring employees feel heard and valued.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Humanitarian Access Officer position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Experience: 1 to 3 years of experience in humanitarian operations, particularly in programming or monitoring roles, preferably in complex and volatile contexts like North-East Nigeria.
- Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate with non-government stakeholders. Proficiency in report writing and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Education: A university degree in Social Studies, Public Administration, Conflict Resolution, Peacebuilding, Security Management, Humanitarian and Refugee Affairs, or Disaster Risk Management is required.
- Language: Fluency in English is mandatory, and the ability to speak Hausa, Kanuri, or other local languages is highly desired.
- Other Requirements: Ability to work under stress and in high-risk environments, flexibility to work outside standard hours, and the capacity to travel independently to field locations on short notice.
Requirements
- Training: Training in humanitarian negotiation and mediation, with experience in training frontline staff, is highly desirable.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in using map applications like ArcGIS, GPS, or other mapping tools is required.
- Computer Skills: Strong skills in using Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) are necessary for the role.
- Commitment: A strong understanding of and respect for humanitarian work, particularly related to refugee and displacement issues, is crucial.
How to Apply
Applying for the Humanitarian Access Officer position with NRC is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Visit the NRC Careers Page: Go to the official NRC website and navigate to the careers section.
- Search for the Job: Look for the Humanitarian Access Officer position in Abuja, Nigeria.
- Review the Job Description: Carefully read through the job requirements and responsibilities to ensure you meet the criteria.
- Get Your Application Ready: Collect all required documents, such as your resume, cover letter, and any applicable certifications.
- Submit Your Application: Fill out the online application form and upload your documents. Ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline.
Conclusion
The role of a Humanitarian Access Officer with NRC in Abuja, Nigeria, is vital in ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most. By navigating the complexities of access constraints and working closely with field staff and stakeholders, you will play a key role in the success of NRC’s mission in Nigeria. If you are passionate about helping refugees and displaced people and have the necessary skills and experience, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact.