Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Officer Re-advert Full Time NEW

Background of IRC:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At-work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. IRC leads the way from harm to home. Began work in Ethiopia, 1999 in response to severe drought that happened in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Currently, providing assistance in ten different regions implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview/Summary: 

Under the direct supervision of the Field Coordinator and technical supervision to the CO Safety and Security manager, the Humanitarian Access Safety and Security Officer (HASSO) is responsible for facilitating the safety and security of IRC personnel and assets and will be responsible for monitoring, planning, assessing, and keeping up to date security situation of the Gambella Field Office.

The post holder will   maintain, improve and expand principled humanitarian access to and by populations affected by adversity/conflict, refugees and IDPs   in Gambella Field Office through assisting the implementation of Security management plans in compliance with IRC’s strategy and in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, Duty of Care and Gender Equality principles

Major responsibilities include: 

1.Access, Safety & Security: Planning and Documentation

• In line with the IRC’s Security Management Framework within the SMP and all annexes, the post holder is responsible to evaluate, review and update field level security management plans, Security risk Assessment (SRA), threat based and general Standard Operating procedures (SoPs) and all other core documents
• Work with key stakeholders to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans.
• Organize and produce risk analyses (SRA) in a participatory and regular manner as needed.
• Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for IRC sites and ensure that practical preparations are in place and known to all relevant staff.
• Ensure that all safety and security documents are up to date and operational.
• Oversee and advise on the implementation and review of tailored acceptance strategies.
• Enhance IRC’s image and acceptance within the community and amongst stakeholders by providing guidance on inclusive visibility strategies
• Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and regular assessment reviews for existing locations

2. Office compound, Warehouse and Guest house Security, Safety and Facility

• Ensure valid fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and fire exit signs are in place in the Field offices.
• Conduct office site assessment in the time when IRC seeks for office set up/rent
• Ensure contingency and evacuation plans are in place and up to date, and staff are trained in how to behave in case of emergency (e.g. fire/medical evacuation, mass demonstrations, natural disasters)
• Ensure that security guards follow appropriate protocols with gate pass, visitors’ registration on logbook while visitors are to access the IRC field office.

3. Incident Reporting & Management

• Work closely with all staff to ensure that safety and security incidents are reported in accordance with IRC standards.
• Update security incident database regularly.
• Evaluate and maintain contingency plans adapted to the local context, in operation area, for incident management Team, evacuation, hibernation and travel specific for Field office
• Report and follow up on all safety and security related incidents and ensure that it is timely and properly reported.

4. Movement/Travel Management

• Ensure field movements are in line with the IRC’s movement protocol (Approved travel authorization and related requirements)
• Establish a communication system with field staff for tracking staff movements in the field in collaboration with the supply chain and fleet
• In coordination with Other Humanitarian Organizations, ensure the right procedures are followed in the time of Humanitarian Convey Movements.
• Ensure that vehicles are equipped with first aid kits, seatbelts, and other safety measures.
• Give out security clearance, updates regarding security issues and routes that should be used when drivers are travelling.
•  Assess communication networks in the operation areas during the planned movement period to advise drivers on the situation along the route.
• Closely support during reporting incidents.
•  Provide training on the process and procedures followed during Road Traffic Accident (RTA).
•  Ensure drivers are aware and understand SOP for Travel and Movement.
• Closely supports if drivers are with updated emergency contact lists.

5. Training and Capacity Building

• provide training to the field staff through identifying training needs, specifically y on incident reporting, SoPs, negotiation skills and so forth based on the IRC’s access, safety and security policy frameworks
• Maintain the record of security training for staff
• Provide an on-arrival security briefing for all the visitors and security orientation for new staff.
• Provide ongoing training for drivers and guards, as well as for other staff as necessary

6. Coordination Liaison, Networking

• Establish and maintain contact with various actors (local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, security forces and)
• Work with program teams at field level to build network and acceptance in local communities where IRC operates.
• Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work within the IRC operational areas are known and accepted. Work to encourage stakeholders to work with the IRC in ensuring that staff and programs are safe, secured and allowed to continue humanitarian activities.
• Assist Access and Security Unit to establish and maintain relations and networks to facilitate understanding and influences on humanitarian access environment.
• Assist in developing and maintaining contact lists, stakeholder analyses and humanitarian access profiles in responsibility.
• Participate in NGO security networks/forums and contribute to collective security analysis.
• Enhance engagement with and responsibility for dynamic context analysis, actor mapping and actor analysis
• Develop and maintain a network of IRC Security Focal Points at each site/camp office

7. Context Understanding and Reporting

• Monitor open sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access around responsibility.
• Assist in monitoring the operating environment, identify new threats, assess IRC vulnerabilities, and recommend possible responses.
• Provide and share daily security report (DSR), required to comply with standard format and preparation of DSR, and provide weekly security updates

Safeguarding Responsibilities: – 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/office]
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies

Educational Requirements:

• A University Degree or Higher National Diploma in social sciences. Peace and security, International relations or a field related to humanitarian work or risk management.

Educational Requirements:

• 2 years related experience with first degree, 1 year for post graduate and 5 years for diploma holders
• At least 1 year of senior management experience.
• NGO experience is a plus

Preferred experience & skills:

• Digital literacy (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and internet)
• Proficiency in English (written, spoken, comprehension).
• Proficient report writing skills.
• Ability to work closely, professionally, and constructively with others regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, race, group, or cultural background.
• Good judgment and the ability to work under minimal direction.
• Strong assessment, evaluation, analysis, and planning skills
• Interpersonal communication and proven written / presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historical and socio-political context.
• Flexibility and ability to work long hours.

Language Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication in English, Amharic, and ability to speak local language is advantageous