Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Officer | Assosa, Ethiopia

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.

Job Overview/Summary: 

Under the direct supervision of the Field Coordinator, the AS&SO should assist FdCo to maintain, improve and expand principled humanitarian access to and by populations affected by adversity/conflict, refugees and IDPs   in BGRS through assisting the implementation of humanitarian access and security management plans in compliance with IRC’s strategy and in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, Duty of Care and Gender Equality principles.

The post holder will provide expert advice on Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security to all IRC entities based in the operational areas, to assist Field Coordinators identify changes and trends in the humanitarian access and security environment in the areas of operations and will ensure that adequate and up-to-date policies and procedures are in place and ensure staff have the information they need to manage operations, to identify issues, and to recommend and implement measures to reduce them

Major responsibilities include:

Humanitarian Access Management

• Develop and implement humanitarian access strategies and approaches tailored to local contexts in field sites throughout areas of operations.
• Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work in the areas of operations is known and accepted.
• Work to encourage stakeholders to work with the IRC in ensuring that staff and programs are safe and allowed to continue humanitarian activities in areas of operations.
• Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and regular assessment reviews for existing locations.
• Assist in the continued development of Humanitarian Access Safety and Security teams and activities across areas of operations.
• Oversee and advise on the implementation and review of tailored acceptance strategies. Enhance IRC image and acceptance within the community and amongst stakeholders by providing guidance on inclusive visibility strategies.
• Work with appropriate IRC units, including HR, to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up to violations of IRC’s Code of Conduct, in addition to operational breaches to humanitarian principles.

Safety and Security Risk Management

• Work with Security Unit to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans.
• Maintain record of security trainings for staff.
• Ensure replenishment of hibernation kit, first aid kit.
• Update security incident database regularly.
• Conduct security risk assessments, and review Security management plan  of contracted and prospective offices and residences.

Liaison, networking, analysis

• Assist Access and Security Unit to establish and maintain relations and networks to facilitate understanding and influences on humanitarian access environment.
• Assist to develop and maintain contact lists, stakeholder analyses and humanitarian access profiles in area of responsibility
• Spearhead on day-to-day operations related to humanitarian access and liaison with authorities and other entities for administrative and substantive staff, program and organizational needs.
• The incumbent will participate in joint safety and security,road assessment in areas of concern organized by ASMT and other INGOs focal person

Context Understanding and Reporting

• Monitor open sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access in area of responsibility.
• Work closely with IRC field management teams to ensure all incidents are followed up with an official written report.
• Assist to monitor the operating environment, identify new threats, assess IRC vulnerabilities and recommend possible responses.
• Contribute to local-level conflict sensitivity analysis and macro- level analysis of trends.
• Prepare weekly relocatable staffs, gound movement plans and mandatory training trackings and submit to Field Coo and DO (Country office) every Monday morning.

Training and Capacity Building

• Assist SATM to build up the capacity, awareness and preparedness of staff to deal with security-related risks, threats and incidents through the delivery of high quality, regular trainings/ briefings to national and international staff and IRC visitors when deemed necessary.
• Render administrative support to SATM in providing regular trainings for IRC staff on security preparedness, prevention and response. Training(s) may include SOPs; Contingency Plans (CPs) as hibernation, relocations and evacuations; Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; and Communications.

• A University Degree or Higher National Diploma in social sciences/ public administration/ International relations or a field related to humanitarian work or risk management.
• 4 years work experience for diploma holder and 2-year work experience for first degree
• Computer skills (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and internet)
• Fluency in Amharic and English (written, spoken, comprehension).
• Competent report writing skills.

Desired

• Knowledge of local language is a plus.
• Training in First Aid and Fire Safety.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work closely, professionally, and constructively with others regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, race, tribe, or cultural background.
• Sound judgment and the ability to work under minimal supervision
• 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.

Key Working Relationships:

Reports to: Field Coordinator

Supervises: Field Coordinator with technical supervision by Safety and Security Manager,