INGO Forum Access Advisor

Position is contingent to funding

The Program / Department / Team

Sudan INGO Forum

Sudan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, marked by widespread displacement, disease outbreaks, and confirmations of famine in several ‘hunger hotspots.’ In an effort to coordinate INGO efforts and establish a common voice for INGOs operating in Sudan, the INGO forum was established in 2009 as a key representation platform. To date, the forum is made up of more than 80 members operating across the country, including in some of the most difficult to reach parts of Sudan.

• Coordinated aid delivery – Enhancing operational alignment across organizations to maximize humanitarian impact.

• This includes establishing an NGO-led coordination mechanism under the Sudan INGO Forum to provide immediate, effective, and well-managed humanitarian responses in these areas to ensure that urgent needs are met and operations are not disrupted.

• Common service provision – Offering essential support, analysis, and shared resources to facilitate NGO operations.

• This includes common negotiation support i.e. for access or against BAI, collective advocacy efforts, information sharing, donor and stakeholder engagement, security and admin SOPs and collective position papers, etc.

• Stakeholder coordination and representation – Engaging with donors, UN agencies, authorities, and the broader humanitarian system to advocate for improved response conditions.

• There is of course a convening and facilitation role included in this representation function

The Position

• Jointly lead and facilitate HAWG meetings, set agendas, and ensure the group functions as a strategic advisory body rather than an information-sharing forum.
• Provide the HC, DHC, and HCT with evidence-based advice and recommendations on access trends and constraints, including quarterly reporting on the HCT Access Strategy.
• Oversee HAWG workstreams and ensure follow-through on agreed action plans.
• Develop and apply clear escalation thresholds distinguishing issues to be managed locally from those requiring collective or senior-level escalation.
• Ensure INGO perspectives and priorities are not subsumed by broader inter-agency agendas.

B. Forum Access Engagement Strategy

• Lead collective engagement and develop and maintain common Forum positions on barriers to access, including bureaucratic and administrative impediments throughout Sudan.
• Translate collective positions into practical guidance for members on routine administrative demands.
• Support collective prioritization and safeguarding of strategic access routes and border crossings.

C. Member Coordination and Capacity Building

• Serve as the primary access focal point for Forum members and support Area Coordinators on state-level access issues.
• Facilitate structured information exchange and access briefings.
• Translate principles and policy positions into practical field-level decision support.
• Coordinate training on access negotiation, IHL, and Joint Operating Principles.

D. Analysis, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date access, conflict, and stakeholder analysis.
• Monitor access trends and provide structured updates to the Forum and Steering Committee.
• Ensure analysis distinguishes systemic access trends from routine operational friction.
• Draft high-quality access analyses, briefs, and reports for the Forum and HAWG.

D. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work.

• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members.
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options.

• A graduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience

• 10 years of experience in access-focused roles with NGOs, the UN system or other humanitarian/development actors

• Experience living and working in complex humanitarian or fragile contexts with strong understanding of humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law (IHL) operations and coordination mechanisms

• Proven experience managing humanitarian access analysis, negotiation and strategy work and a demonstrable understanding of current humanitarian trends and issues

• Experience representing organizations in humanitarian coordination platforms (inter-agency platforms, NGO forums, etc.)

• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills

• Proven network and relationship building skills

• A demonstrable ability to manage a diverse workload and prioritize tasks in a complex and fluid environment

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

• Previous humanitarian experience in Sudan, Chad or South Sudan

• Existing relationships with relevant stakeholders including NGOs, UN agencies, donors, national authorities and regional counterparts

• Working knowledge of Arabic and French a plus

Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to

Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.