Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Officer

Background of IRC:

The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian international NGOs, provides relief, rehabilitation and development support to vulnerable people and communities over 30 countries. We began work in Ethiopia in 2000 in response to severe drought in Ethiopia’s Somali region and are currently providing assistance to Ethiopians and refugees in eight regions in Ethiopia, 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

Under the direct supervision of Gambella Field Coordinator, 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 the security situation of the operation area (Gambella Region). The HASSO is expected to know local languages, excellent understanding of local context and ability to analyze it.

The position holder must directly report and provide DSR to the IRC’s Gambella Field Coordinator (FC) and will receive technical guidance from Country Safety and Security Manager/ Coordinator at Addis based IRC’s Security Unit.

Major key Responsibilities:

Network & Access

• Establish and maintain contact with various actors (local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, security forces, etc...).
• Work with program teams at field level to build network and acceptance in local communities where IRC operates.
• Advise the leadership on the possibilities of access to the different woredas and zones
• Develop ongoing relationships with community leaders and other power brokers within the IRC operational areas. 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. HASSO is required to be ethical and responsible in dealing with various actors for IRC business/operations.

Planning and Documentation

• Organize and produce risk analyses (SRA) in a participatory and regular manner as needed.
• Participate in the development of Security Plans (SMP) including appropriate procedures and contingency plans.
• Ensure that all documents are up to date and operational.
• Evaluate and maintain contingency plans adapted to the local context, in operation area, for critical incident management, evacuation, hibernation and travel specific for Gambella FO.

Information and Analysis

• Closely monitor developing situations, Identify, and report all the security information, updates, and events, especially those could have an impact on IRC operations.
• Work closely with all staff to ensure that safety and security incidents are reported in accordance with IRC standards.
• Provide and share daily security report (DSR), required to comply with standard format and preparation of DSR, and provide weekly security updates.
• 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

Trainings and Briefings

• Provide an on-arrival security briefing to all the visitors and new staff
• Identified staff training needs.
• Provide ongoing training for drivers and guards, as well as for other staff as necessary.
• 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 training for IRC staff on security preparedness, prevention, and response. Training(s) may include SOPs; Contingency Plans (CPs); Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; and Communications.

 Building safety

• Ensure the monitoring and replacement of safety equipment in IRC buildings (fire extinguishers, etc.).
• Ensure the renewal of emergency stocks in IRC offices and guest houses, assess the physical working environment of offices and guesthouses are not vulnerable.
• Ensure that each IRC office and guest house has an evacuation plan in case of fire
• Conduct regular security & safety assessments of offices, satellite offices, camps, warehouse to identify any vulnerabilities and give appropriate recommendations.
• Ensure having security guards in all IRC facilities with supervision and planning.
• Properly manage compound safety and security.

Monitoring, Analysis, and Incident Management:

• The HASSO will provide support in the event of a safety or security incident affecting an IRC staff member.
• The HASSO may work on any other task requested by his/her supervisor, including support to the program or support services teams.
• Compile and submit daily security reporting that track incidents and trends within the IRC’s area of operation.
• Submit contextual updates as needed.
• Security Training and Orientation of Staff and Visitors
• With the support of the SSM/SSC, required to provide Safety & Security trainings to IRC staffs, based on the findings of the Security Risk Assessment and/or need of the staff at the field level.
• Maintain, review, and update the On-Arrival Safety & Security briefings in the IRC operational area (Gambella).
• Maintain, a tracker of briefed Staff and visitors on Orientations, and Trainings.
• Leading by example as an active contributor to protection of IRC staffs and assets

Other tasks as required assigned

The Direct supervisor/ technical supervisor or Field coordinator shall assign other duties and responsibilities other than listed above based on the needs or necessities for attainment of IRC objectives or operation at field level.

Gender Equality and Protection: 

The position holder is expected to contribute to the IRC’s global agenda of gender equality at workplace and in programming. This could mean making the right decision using gender lens during recruitment, promotion, termination, and other actions. Contribute to a workplace that is inclusive for all staff and avoid any form of discrimination. Play good role to support the field office and country office by sharing any related concerns timely or suggesting best ways to attain equality and protection sensitive work environment (The IRC Way). 

• A university Degree or higher national Diploma in social sciences/ public administration/ International relations or a field related to humanitarian work or risk management.
• Security training or experience in the field
• At least 2 years experiences in the security field or training skills specially in security and law enforcement institution is desirable
• Good knowledge of MS Office and computer tools used by IRC.
• Good knowledge of the environment and humanitarian principles.
• Highly organized
• Ability to work independently.
• Flexibility to work in different locations. Frequent travel into operation sites.
• Excellent level of written and spoken English and Amharic - Other local languages will be a plus
• Previous experience working in Oromia, Gambella, Assosa and/or Somali regions will be an advantage.
• Competent report writing
• 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

Supervision: Field Coordinator with technical supervision by Safety and Security Manager