Safety and Access Officer

Positive Action for Development (PAD) is one of the most vibrant and expanding Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations in Ethiopia. We are a results-oriented civil society organization that implements efficient, effective, and sustainable charitable organizations in Ethiopia. Positive Action for Development (PAD) is currently undertaking a dramatic scale-up of intervention focusing on humanitarian, NEXUS, and Development programs. This includes expanding PAD intervention into different parts of the country, including Addis Ababa, Amhara, Oromia, Harari, Afar, Somali, Tigray, Benishangul-Gumuz, Sidama, and the south regional states in Ethiopia.

Job Summary:

The Safety and Access Officer plays a critical role in safeguarding the organization’s personnel, resources, and activities, while simultaneously working to enable and improve humanitarian access to project areas. This position is responsible for proactively identifying and mitigating security risks through comprehensive assessments and the development of safety and access management plans. In the event of safety incidents, the Safety and Access Officer leads the response, ensuring appropriate action and reporting. A key aspect of the role involves building and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, authorities, and other humanitarian actors, to foster a safe and secure operating environment. Ultimately, the Safety and Access Officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance the organization’s ability to reach beneficiaries in need, even in challenging and high-risk contexts

Overall Responsibilities:

The key roles and responsibilities of the Safety and Access Officer include, but are not limited to:

Well-being and Safeguarding Management:

1. Conduct thorough safety risk assessments and regularly update protection plans for all operational areas. This involves analyzing potential threats and vulnerabilities to ensure the well-being of staff and the continuity of programs.
2. Closely monitor the safety situation in operational areas, providing timely updates, insightful analysis, and actionable recommendations to management and field teams. This includes staying informed about potential hazards and emerging risks.
3. Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive protection protocols, including detailed evacuation plans, contingency procedures, and incident response guidelines. These protocols should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the changing context.
4. Provide comprehensive training to staff on safety procedures, situational awareness, personal risk management, and emergency response protocols. This aims to empower staff to proactively manage their own safety and contribute to a safe working environment.
5. Maintain reliable communication systems for field teams, ensuring that emergency contact lists are up-to-date and readily accessible. Regularly test communication systems to ensure their functionality in emergency situations.

Humanitarian Access & Coordination:

1. Proactively engage with local authorities, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to negotiate and secure safe access for humanitarian operations. This requires building trust and maintaining positive relationships.
2. Thoroughly analyze access constraints, including bureaucratic impediments, physical barriers, and active hostilities. Propose innovative and practical solutions to mitigate these challenges, enabling the organization to reach vulnerable populations.
3. Ensure that all staff members have a strong understanding of local laws, customs, cultural norms, and conflict dynamics that may affect operations. This promotes cultural sensitivity and helps to minimize misunderstandings and potential safety incidents.
4. Provide active support to senior management in complex humanitarian access negotiations, representing the organization’s interests and advocating for the safe and unimpeded delivery of assistance to those in need.

Incident & Crisis Management:

1. Promptly report and thoroughly document all safety-related incidents, including near misses, analyzing trends to identify underlying causes and improve risk mitigation strategies. This ensures accountability and continuous learning.
2. Act as the primary focal point for safety incidents, coordinating responses with relevant management personnel and ensuring that appropriate support is provided to affected staff members.
3. Conduct post-incident debriefings and facilitate lessons-learned exercises to identify areas for improvement in safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

Compliance & Reporting:

1. Ensure strict adherence to all organizational safety and access policies, as well as relevant international humanitarian principles and codes of conduct. This promotes ethical and responsible operations.
2. Regularly update safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and risk assessments based on evolving threats, lessons learned, and changes in the operational context. This ensures that policies and procedures remain relevant and effective.
3. Provide regular and comprehensive reports on safety trends, access challenges, and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. These reports should inform decision-making and contribute to improved safety and access management.
4. Team Meetings: Conduct regular meetings with the Safety and Access team to maintain open communication and team cohesion; and
5. as assigned by his/her supervisor

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Security Management, International Relations, Humanitarian Studies, or related field.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in humanitarian safety and access management, or NGO safety roles.
• Experience working in volatile or conflict-prone environments is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, negotiation, and conflict sensitivity.
• Ability to assess risks and develop practical mitigation strategies. Skills & Competencies:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments.
• Familiarity with safety and access technologies (tracking systems, communication tools).
• being able to speak Tigrigna is a value addition.

Other Considerations:

• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations, including remote areas.
• Commitment to upholding humanitarian values and the organization’s mission.

Competencies

• Action facilitations
• Communications
• Ethics & Values
• Teamwork
• Behavioral Flexibility
• Client Orientation
• Initiative
• Interpersonal Relations
• Reasonable Judgment

Number required: (1) one

Duty Station: Shire town and Taytay Adiyabo Woreda, North Western Zone, Tigray region

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply