Humanitarian Access Advisor At International Rescue Committee

Humanitarian crises are becoming longer and more complex, stretching humanitarian actors’ abilities to provide assistance and protection. In collaboration with Stichting Vluchteling (Netherlands Refugee Foundation), the IRC has established Project Frontline to provide operational assistance and strengthen learning on humanitarian access. Within the Humanitarian Action section of the Emergencies and Humanitarian Action Unit, the project team provides hands-on strategy, planning and technical support to country programs, emergency teams and other partners and ensures the collection, development and dissemination of knowledge and learning more broadly. This role will partner with teams and colleagues to develop and deliver strategies to reach people in need, deploying regularly, and with a particular focus on crises in West Africa.

Major Responsibilities:

• Facilitate and support the analysis, development and delivery of strategies and plans to advance humanitarian access in close collaboration with Project Frontline partners and colleagues

• Advise and support access partners on key subject areas such as humanitarian principles, humanitarian negotiation, humanitarian-military relations and engagement with armed groups

• Support capacity development through training and/or coaching for key colleagues

• Develop partnerships and networks to support humanitarian access goals

• Support the development and uptake of global guidance and tools for humanitarian access

• Share learning with colleagues and partners, and contribute to a community of practice and culture of learning and reflection

• Maintain currency with methods, approaches and professional developments in humanitarian access and related topics

Job Requirements

Work Experience:

• Significant experience leading or supporting humanitarian programs in complex crises

• Experience in strategy development, planning, project management, operations and/or external relations

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of legal and normative frameworks for humanitarian action

• Advanced proficiency in applying humanitarian principles in practice

• Strategy, analysis, planning, project management and operational skills

• Proficiency in humanitarian negotiation, humanitarian-military relations and/or engagement with armed groups

• Proficiency in delivering training and coaching support to individuals, teams and/or partners

• Excellent communication, diplomatic and interpersonal skills

• Ability to summarize sophisticated topics and information clearly and succinctly

Language Skills: Proficiency in French required (bilingual French/English preferred).

Working Environment:

Up to 60% international travel may be required, including extended field missions. Dakar is a remote/self-supporting work environment. Candidates must have or be able to obtain the right to work in Dakar.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

The Emergencies and Humanitarian Action Unit strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a unit and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Narrowing the Gender Gap: The International Rescue Committee is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including flexible hours (when possible), maternity leave, transportation support, and gender-sensitive security protocols