The Humanitarian Access Officer is responsible for, but not limited to, the following work areas and duties:

1. Ensuring Humanitarian Access  
   • Identifies and maps authorities, stakeholders and other key players (further referred as actors) on all administrative levels. Analyses their relations and interactions with INGO operations, suggesting possible communication strategies with key actors to PIN CP management
   • Regularly and proactively networks with key actors to maintain positive relations; establishes and maintains own information network to be able to provide corroborated information and early warnings
   • Closely oversees access related aspects in new operational areas; ensure timely completion of processes and procedures to facilitate effective and efficient access to the areas of planned activities;
   • Periodically analyses security context and threats. Provides regular clear verbal and written updates to PIN CP management and immediately indicates sudden deterioration of security context to Country Director
   • Troubleshoots access issues as per authority given by the Country Director; provide direct support Area managers and Senior Management Team (SMT) to resolve access issues, including interference e.g.  at checkpoints, distribution sites and facilities through coordination, liaison and negotiation

2. Internal Procedures, Reporting and Compliance
   • Regularly reviews and updates security and safety-related documentation, in example risk assessment, safety and security management plans etc.
   • Documents access procedures and regular actors mapping, file and maintain records of permits, clearances and exemptions from relevant actors.
   • Suggests mitigating measures and changes in procedures based on risk assessment outcomes and actual situation
   • Track and report to Country Director, Area Managers and SMT on the humanitarian access environment including incidents and issues to inform humanitarian access planning and management and recommend solutions.
   • Delivers security training to PIN staff on their security-related responsibilities and systematically works on their capacity building
   • Supervises guards and their performance and ensures they are trained in security procedures

3. Representation

• Ensure that the line manager is informed in a good time about all issues, problems, developments, and changes related to the humanitarian access
• Represent PIN at access forums, regularly networks with NGO colleagues on similar positions
• Assist the expatriate SMT members in translation and interpreting on access and security related tasks
• Perform other responsibilities assigned by the line manager.

1. QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERRED SKILLS 

Essential requirements

• Minimum 3 years demonstrated experience at a similar position with an (I)NGO
• Experience in working in NGO environment is a must
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating humanitarian access in Afghanistan
• Demonstrated experience working closely with local communities and where it exists to mitigate tensions
• Demonstrated ability remain calm under pressure and de-escalate tensions and conflicts
• Demonstrated in depth understanding of the local context and ability to work within them to ensure access and safe implementation of PIN projects
• Experience in dealing with highly complex security situations
• Ability to provide all relevant information to their supervisors on time and in structured way
• Demonstrated experience, ability and confidence to travel to different parts of Balkh province
• Good communication and representation skills
• Fluent in Dari and/or Pashto and strong handle of English (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
• Strong proven ability in using MS Word and Excel 

 Required competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to address emerging humanitarian access issues with empathy and sensitivity whilst ensuring adherence to humanitarian principles and PIN guidelines and procedures
• Ability to work in high pressure and emotionally stressful environments
• Ability to communicate difficult messages clearly and sensitively and ensure understanding
• Accountable and responsible and willingness to take responsibility for own work and decisions