NRC has been present in Nigeria since 2015 and has been working to help displacement-affected communities meet their basic needs, improve their livelihoods, access essential services, and enhance their resilience to future shocks through our six core competencies: water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Education, Information-Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), Livelihoods and Food Security (LFS), Camp Management, and Protection. NRC provides immediate assistance during the onset of emergencies through the rapid response mechanism (RRM). With a workforce of 370 staff and a presence in key locations such as Maiduguri (in Borno State) In 2021, NRC reached out to over 269,000 people with assistance.ย
The Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Coordinator will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the safety and security of all NRC staff members and the organizationโs assets. The position holder will be tasked with the comprehensive implementation and oversight of NRC's global and regional Health, Safety, and Security policies and strategies across all areas of operation. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, developing tailored safety protocols, and ensuring that all staff are well-informed about emergency procedures and best practices. The HSS Coordinator will also train and mentor personnel on safety measures, monitor compliance with established policies, and collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders to promote a secure working environment. Ultimately, the HSS Coordinator will strive to foster a culture of safety and awareness that prioritizes the health and security of every individual within NRC's operational landscape.
These strategic locations have allowed NRC greater reach from the north and south parts of the North-East and North Central region and allowed NRC to contribute to bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, including by focusing on equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced people and returnees. In addition to the Country Office and the above mentioned Area Offices, NRC has sub-offices structures in Monguno, Mubi, Pulka and Gwoza.ย
We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee.ย
If you are those people, the Norwegian Refugee Council in Nigeria is looking for those who are enthusiastic, passionate and experience in managing Health, Safety, and Security Coordinator to join our team in Yola, Adamawa State. You will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the safety and security of all NRC staff members and the organizationโs assets.ย You will be tasked with the comprehensive implementation and oversight of NRC's global and regional Health, Safety, and Security policies and strategies across all areas of operation. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, developing tailored safety protocols, and ensuring that all staff are well-informed about emergency procedures and best practices. The Health, Safety, and Security Coordinator will strive to foster a culture of safety and awareness that prioritizes the health, safety, and security of every individual within NRC's operational landscape.
Why NRC?
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.
Watch this short videoย to see NRC in action.
We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:
do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignityLearn more about NRC
Generic responsibilities
Ensure NRC policies, handbooks, procedures, and SOPs/guidelines are adhered to.Line management of CC Project Managers/ Coordinators, Area Emergency Response Project Manager, and Area M&E Coordinator.Provide and lead the development of Area programme and CC-specific strategies, initiate, and participate in developing projects and interventions.Lead on grant management and project cycle management in the area.Responsible for actively promoting, supporting, and driving โintegratedโ (multi-sector) programmes, cross-sectorial exchange of lessons learned, and adherence to relevant quality standards.ย Ensure compliance with donor standards and oversee effective grant management and regular, timely, and high-quality reporting to donors of the Area program within the Country Office grants management structure and PCM flowchart.Ensure compliance with contractual commitments and extracting and implementing critical learnings from project implementation.ย Ensure the development and implementation of a capacity-building plan for all area programme staff.ย Ensure that projects target beneficiaries most in need of protection, explore and asses new and better ways to assist.Ensure the AO implementation is following the SIP (Safe Inclusive Programming) minimum standards in alignment with the SIP Action PlanSpecific responsibilitiesย
Implementing the NRC Health, Safety, and Security Risk Management System.Take charge of overseeing and conducting thorough Security Risk Analysis (SRA) in alignment with the minimum operational safety standards (MOSS) to ensure a secure environment within NRCโs operations.Create and refine comprehensive security and contingency plans tailored specifically to NRC's areas of operation and the Area Office, fostering preparedness and resilience.Develop, regularly update, and implement Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) strategies, plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), while identifying and providing effective mitigation measures that ensure safe and secure programming across the board.Prepare and generate detailed status reports as required by management, offering insights into current safety conditions and security measures in place.Ensure robust security support for all projects aimed at benefiting our target communities, continuously exploring innovative methods to enhance support for program teams.Actively contribute to the implementation of Safe and Inclusive Programming Minimum Standards, ensuring these principles are integrated into operational strategies across the area of work.Provide essential support for humanitarian access initiatives in the operational area, facilitating movement and safety for personnel and resources.Meticulously monitor and assess the security context, analyzing the overall security situation, identifying risks, and predicting likely scenarios to ensure reliable security information drives informed decision-making.Collaborate with management to guarantee that relevant risk mitigation measures are effectively implemented in the field and within organizational processes, thereby minimizing risks to an acceptable level.Work closely with management to ensure that all staff members receive comprehensive briefings upon arrival, grant their informed consent, and consistently communicate timely updates on security situations.Always rigorously uphold Duty of Care (DoC) HSS standards, taking corrective actions in collaboration with the HR department when any weaknesses are identified.Partner with the Area Management Team (AMT) in preparing for program-related emergencies, offering oversight and technical support in the formulation of security protocols and emergency evacuation plans.As a crucial member of the Crisis Management Team, provide unwavering support to operational teams and management during critical incidents, ensuring effective response measures are executed.Enhance humanitarian access for NRC operations throughout Adamawa State by delivering technical guidance on tools and strategies, facilitating capacity building for field staff, and supporting the Area Manager and program/support teams in navigating access-related challenges.Foster a continuous learning environment focused on health, safety, and security by coordinating ongoing training initiatives, including Hostile Environment Individual Safety Training (HEIST) and on-site practical training in line with NRC policies.Establish and maintain open lines of communication and collaboration with relevant external HSS actors, developing relationships with diverse stakeholders to bolster and sustain humanitarian access.Contribute actively to NRC's Risk Management process, collaborating with the Risk & Compliance Coordinator and other Risk Owners to effectively identify, assess, and manage organizational risks.Represent NRC in health and safety discussions, ensuring our positions and recommendations are communicated effectively within relevant forums.Professional Competencies:ย
Context/ Specific Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:ย
Knowledge of the context in North-east Nigeria is desirable.Demonstrated ability to think creatively and practically to improve staff safety and security.Experience in security risk assessments and reporting.Good communication skills, with the capacity to directly influence and negotiate with various stakeholders.Strong leadership skills and a supportive management style.Experience with a flexible approach to managing and prioritizing a high and diverse workload.Experience in community gatekeeper coordination and stakeholder management.Whatโs in it for you?ย
Join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility:ย
At NRC we think creatively. 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.ย
Learn on the job:ย NRC's collaborative working style favours the exchange of good practice and lessons learnt. At NRC, employees learn on the job and are encouraged to look for opportunities to develop new competencies. NRC managers prioritise the quality work and the competency development of their staff. This entails giving newcomers a good start, following up, training and mentoring employees to allow them to perform well in their current job, and offering learning and development programmes.ย
Additional Information:ย
ย Duty Stations:ย Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeriaย
Duration of contract:ย 9 months (Renewable).
Grade Level:ย ย Grade 7 in NRC's grading structure.ย
Reporting line:ย ย Area Manager
Travel:ย 50%
This position is open to Nigeria Nationals only.ย We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline. Female candidates are strongly advised to apply.ย The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.ย Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.ย At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.ย Together, we save lives and rebuild futures. Safeguarding is central to NRCโs work. We expect all employees to:ย โข treat everyone with respect and dignityย โข contribute to building a safe environment for allย โข never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)ย โข always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH