1. POSITION SUMMARY:
The Safety & Access Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety of all NCA staff, offices and partners. Additionally, s/he is responsible for the administrative and operational access of NCA operations and staff across intervention areas. It is expected that both elements take 50/50 of the time of the officer. This includes conducting country and regional safety risk assessments, developing and maintaining safety procedures, and preparing the organization for crisis situations through planning and training. The officer ensures that all staff and visitors are appropriately briefed and trained on safety protocols and maintains strong relationships with government and other stakeholders to support access and acceptance of NCA’s work.
This position reports to the Country Director and coordinates with all other SMT members in Afghanistan. Furthermore s/he is supported by the Regional Safety Advisor.
2. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
I. Safety Risk Assessment: Ensure safety risk assessments for NCAs operating areas, in line with the Country Office manual.
II. Planning and preparatory safety procedures: Ensure that NCAs safety procedures are developed, implemented and regularly followed up, in line with the Country Office manual.
III. Crisis management preparation: Ensure crisis management plan is up to date, staff know their role and are regularly trained
IV. Training and briefing: Ensure SMT, staff and visitors have appropriate and up to date information and training related to their role.
V. Relations with government and other stakeholders: Ensure administrative access and acceptance in NCAs intervention areas.
3. MAIN TASKS
I. Safety Risk Assessment: Conduct and maintain safety risk assessments for NCAs operating areas, in line with the Country Office and Global manual.
II. Planning and preparatory safety procedures: Develop, implement, and regularly review safety procedures.
III. Crisis management preparation: Establish and maintain crisis management plans, including scenario-based response strategies. Coordinate simulation exercises with SMT and field teams to test readiness. Ensure all staff know
their roles during emergencies.
IV. Training and briefing: Regular briefing for staff and SMT. Visitor briefing. Conduct regular training according to annual plan.
VI. Relations with government and other stakeholders: Develop and maintain good relations with government and other relevant stakeholders (Police, GDI, UNDSS etc) at national and provincial levels. This includes supporting
applying for access approvals, visas and work permits and other official documents from the government related to NCA’s access.
4. OTHER DUTIES / FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED TO THE POSITION
• Comply with NCA security requirements and programme routines, regulations and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Facilitate coordination and collaboration across departments within the Country Office.
• Provide correct and timely documentation for archiving in NCA systems.
• This position must always be on call. If in areas out of reach by phone/other means, must inform the Country Director.
