Access Working Group Co-Lead

 Context of the position

Since 2012, Mali has faced an extremely complex humanitarian crisis generated by the presence of multiple non-state armed groups (NSAGs), occupying most of the central and northern regions of the country. As of 2022, the vicious cycle of attacks and insecurity have rapidly spread further down to the southern part of the country, causing increased fragility and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the country. Moreover, the multiplicity of inter-community tensions have further execrated the context.

The Norwegian Refugee Council has been working in Mali since 2013. The evolution of the security context and the increase in access constraints experienced by Mali, demonstrate the importance, for the humanitarian community, of strengthening the capacities of the Access Working Group with a view to enhancing its contribution to support the humanitarian community.

Your role and responsibilities

The recruitment of an Access Working Group (AWG) Co-Lead is essential to enable this coordination body to contribute effectively to improving the humanitarian response, by supporting the collective efforts of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), the Inter- clusters and partners to establish and maintain humanitarian access for the benefit of populations tragicized by the crisis. The AWG Co-Lead will work alongside OCHA to provide both operational and technical support to the coordination structure.

Provide leadership and strategic direction to the AWG, working closely alongside OCHA as co-lead.

Provide support to the implementation of the AWG work plan, including mobilizing coalitions of member organisations to implement specific activities or to respond to emerging needs.

In the absence of the AWG-Mali lead, act as the AWG-Mali's key interlocutor for humanitarian coordination mechanisms, such as the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), the inter-cluster and FONGIM (Forum des ONGI au Mali).

Promote membership of, and active participation in, the AWG-Mali among humanitarian organisations in the country.

Foster collaboration amongst humanitarian actors to help ensure a coherent, coordinated, and principled approach to humanitarian access.

Contribute to the reinforcement of capacities and coordination mechanisms at local level, including through the regional AWG (AWG-R) by providing advice, specific support and capacity building on humanitarian access

Compliance with and adherence to NRC policies, guidance and handbooks and donor/auditor requirements

What we look for

Minimum 5 years’ experience in humanitarian work in conflict/post-conflict environments/volatile contexts

Master’s Degree in related field (social science, law, conflict management and negotiation) or Bachelor’s with 7 years’ equivalent work experience)

Demonstrated technical knowledge of coordination and experience in humanitarian programming and access coordination

Strong understanding of humanitarian principles and how to operationalize them within a humanitarian response

Understanding of humanitarian access dilemmas undermining delivery of effective humanitarian assistance in hard to reach areas, specifically in central Sahel region

Fluency in English & French, both written and verbal

Excellent writing and analytical skills

Strong interpersonal skills, including capability to negotiate with stakeholders

Experience in humanitarian or civil-military coordination in the Central Sahel is an asset

Experience leading or contributing to coordination forums

Experience with NGOs and the UN system would be an asset

Experience in security management would be an asset

Competencies:

Empowering and building trust

Managing resources to optimize results

Communicating with impact and respect

Strategic thinking and analytical skills

Ability and willingness to work and live under pressure in insecure environments

Flexible, creative and cooperative

Working with people | Collaborative leadership

What We Offer

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

12 months contract

Grade 9 on NRC slary scale

Location: Bamako

An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause

A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields

You find the job description here: JD Access (AWG) Co-Chair - Mali. VF.docx

Deadline to apply: 27/09/2022

How to Apply

If interested, please apply here.