About the Context

Mali is facing a multidimensional humanitarian situation since 2012. A protracted armed crisis that has perpetuated the humanitarian situation, coupled with climate-induced displacements have compounded the complexity of the needs and gaps. The frequency and intensity of attacks have affected the vast part of the country and precipitating cyclical population displacements and mounting needs. As of 2025, Mali had 6.4million people in need of humanitarian assistance according to the humanitarian needs and response plan. 

The Norwegian Refugee Council has been working in Mali since 2013. The organization has a coordination office in Bamako, and field offices located in the regions: Mopti, Tombouctou, Gao and Menaka.

To be able to meet the needs of populations affected by conflict, displacement and climatic hazards, NRC implements programs in the following areas: Education, Shelter, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) and Protection against Violence.

The purpose of the Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) function is to enable a principled humanitarian response in a safe manner, for the communities and partners we work with and our staff. Despite NRC’s success in delivering assistance to those in need, security and access constraints remain significant challenges. Obstacles such as conflict and violence, environmental and physical challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and interference in humanitarian operations, hinder the delivery of services and protection to displacement affected people. 

Find out more about NRC https://www.nrc.no/  and Watch this short video to see NRC in action https://vimeo.com/736782633 

What we are looking for 

We are seeking a dedicated Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Manager to lead technical resource on safety and security, crisis management, and access within the country. Working in close collaboration with the Access Manager and the Humanitarian Access Working Group co-lead, this role is central to ensuring that our teams can operate safely and effectively in complex environments. As HAS Manager, you will play a crucial part in managing safety and security risks, building staff capacity, and embedding Duty of Care practices in direct coordination with People and Organisation. You will also drive the development of humanitarian access strategies that enable principled programming and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.

Reporting directly to the Country Director and receiving technical oversight from the Regional Head of HAS, you will be a trusted voice within leadership as a core member of both the Country Management Group (CMG) and the Crisis Management Team (CMT). This is a unique opportunity to shape the way humanitarian work is carried out—safely, responsibly, and with integrity—while supporting colleagues and communities in some of the most challenging contexts.

What you will do 

  • Lead the HAS team by setting objectives, harmonising systems, and ensuring regular communication of HAS staff across the country.

  • Collaborate with People and Organisation Manager and the Country Director to ensure Duty of Care standards are upheld, reflecting the diversity of the NRC workforce and visitors. 

  • Work with the Country Management Group (CMG) on emergency preparedness and contingency planning. 

  • Provide sustained support to operational teams and management during critical incidents and facilitate documentation and learning, as a key member of the Crisis Management Team (CMT).

  • Enhance humanitarian access for NRC operations by providing technical support on tools and strategies and assisting teams in developing access strategies and engagement plans (with the support of Access staff when available).

  • Promote a culture of learning related to HAS, delivering training such as Hostile Environment Individual Security Training (HEIST) and Field First Aid, and supporting in the delivery of Humanitarian Access training, in line with NRC policies, while maintaining the Training Database and Report.

  • Collaborate with CMG members to manage access, safety, and security related incidents, ensuring their documentation in NRC’s incident reporting system and provide support in post-incident reviews, extracting actionable lessons learned and adapting mitigation measures where/when necessary. 

  • Participate in business development and Project Cycle Management by providing contextual analysis and technical advice on operational and programmatic modalities.

  • Support partnership focal points in capacity building and knowledge sharing initiatives with local partners regarding security risk management and humanitarian access. 

  • Contribute to NRC’s Risk Management process by supporting the Risk and Compliance team and other risk owners in identifying, assessing, and managing organisational risks.

  • Represent NRC in external forums such as security coordination groups.

  • Participate actively in the Country Management Group and play a key role in the development and implementation of the Country Strategy. 

  • Promote the safeguarding principles and commitments within NRC and amongst communities served by the organisation.

  • Coordinate with the Country Logistics team and the Regional Head of Humanitarian Access to ensure that NRC drivers undergo defensive driving training.

  • Perform any other tasks related to HAS and the position as delegated by the line manager.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position Humanitarian Access and Safety Manager Mali Bamako.pdf

What you will bring 

Professional Competencies

  • Minimum three years of experience working in a senior role with managerial responsibility in a humanitarian/recovery context.

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. 

  • Strong understanding of the Humanitarian Principles and their application in programmatic and advocacy responses, NGO safety and risk management, humanitarian access, and civil-military coordination.

  • Previous experience working in complex contexts (in and out Mali) and participating in access negotiations with an NGO and/or UN agencies. 

  • Qualifications in humanitarian access negotiations is an added value. 

  • Prior experience as a trainer. 

  • Working proficiency in both French and English, both written and verbal.

  • Valid driver’s license.  

Context Related Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

  • Previous experience within the region is preferable.

  • Working proficiency in relevant language(s) French, English and at least one national language.

  • Experience in risk management with implementing partners (as applicable).

  • Experience in remote management (as applicable).

  • At least one-year professional experience in a high-risk context in a different country from where this position will be based.

Behavioural Competencies

  • Handling insecure environment

  • Planning and delivering results

  • Working with People

  • Analysing

  • Communicating with impact and respect

  • Coping with change

Leadership Profile Competencies

  • Build meaningful relations

  • Empower people

  • Deliver results

  • Act with integrity

What we offer 

  • Duty station: Bamako, Mali
  • Contract: 24 months national contract with possibility of extension 
  • Salary & Benefits: grade 9 on NRC’s Mali National salary scale 
  • NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability. 
  • We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative. 
  • Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC https://www.nrc.no/career/what-we-offer/   
  • Kindly send any questions about the application process to: cwa.recruitment@nrc.no. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile.
At NORCAP, we work to better protect and empower people affected by crises and climate change. With expertise in the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors, we collaborate with local, national and international partners on finding solutions to meet the needs of people at risk. NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
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