Background:

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 six 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.

Position Overview:

The Humanitarian Access Security & Safety Manager (HASSM) will advise on, update and implement the IRC Security Standards and Requirements for IRC Ethiopia under the supervision of the Humanitarian Access Security & Safety Coordinator.  Additionally, the HASSM will build acceptance of IRC’s presence and humanitarian efforts within Ethiopia by liaising extensively with local stakeholders. The HASSM will be based in Addis Ababa with extensive travel to all field locations, providing support, capacity building and documentation to Field Coordinators and Managers as well as to all Security Focal Points within the Country Program.

Specific responsibilities:

Safety and Security Management Planning

·         Provide technical support to the Country Program on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity.

·         Develop, review and update the IRC Ethiopia Security Management Plan on a regular basis. Ensure all field locations have updated and relevant Security Management Plans, including context-specific Security Risk Assessment. Reference and ensure compliance to IRC Security Management Framework within the SMP and all annexes.

·         Work with Security and Access Coordinator to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans;

·         Evaluate, review, and update the evacuation plans for all IRC offices and residences in Ethiopia, and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved.

·         Conduct risk Assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.

·         Undertake continual Assessment of equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met.

Building Acceptance to empower and expand humanitarian programming.

·         Develop ongoing relationships with community elders and other power brokers within Ethiopia. Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work within Ethiopia 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.

·         Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and technical input in the writing of new program proposals as required.

·         In coordination with Security and Access Coordinator, liaise with relevant security actors e.g., NGO Security Focal Points, other NGO security coordinators, and region UNDSS contacts.

·         Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work within Ethiopia is known and accepted.

Monitoring, Analysis and Supervision

·         Identify, establish and manage context appropriate approach to assure IRC facilities are secure – i.e., third party security companies or directly hired IRC security guards.

·         Compile and submit monthly security reporting that track incidents and trends within the IRC’s area of operation.  Submit daily contextual updates as needed.

·         Work closely with IRC teams in Ethiopia to ensure all incidents and accidents are followed up with an official written report, which is then shared with relevant stakeholders and filed appropriately. Ensure also that final incident reports are provided when IRC is closing the case.

Security Training and Orientation

·         Design and update security training materials/packages with assistance from Security and Access Coordinator to set standards, around a ‘learning outcomes’ principle, ensuring that key security messages are conveyed to IRC staff and visitors.

·         Provide regular training for IRC staff on security preparedness, prevention, and response. Training(s) may include Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs); Contingency Plans (CPs); Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; Communications (Equipment -VHF/HF radios; protocols).

·         Maintain, review, and update the IRC Ethiopia Security Information package for new staff (orientations for 48hours and 21 days).

Learning

• Contribute to documentation and organizational learning on safety, security, and access in IRC Ethiopia.

• Contribute to IRC regional and global safety and security discussions and share lessons learned and best practices from Ethiopia.

Job Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian assistance programs with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing and executing security operations in the field.

• Understanding of humanitarian principles, codes of conduct and ideally, specific sub-sector work linked to NGO field operations contexts.

• Substantial and documented, prior experience as a trainer and training skills – the ability to develop, implement, facilitate, and impart learning to a wide range of audiences.

• Ability to gain a precise understanding of the various local, regional, country, and international policies, operational positions and interactions, providing clear dynamic briefings and analysis of given and unfolding security and political situations when they occur.

• Experience of working in complex humanitarian settings supporting shifting program and partner priorities in emergency or refugee settings.

• Good working knowledge of communications systems (satellite communications, VHF and HF radio) preferred.

• Proficient in MS Office Suite.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong sense of personal integrity.

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Team spirit and problem-solving abilities.

• Willingness to live and productively work in unstable and/or harsh environments.

• Flexibility and adaptability

• Desire to learn.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Excellent organization skills with proven ability to manage large amounts of information and prioritize work.

• Good facilitation and team-working skills

• Cultural sensitivity

Educational Requirements:

• BA/MA graduate in Law, Political Science and International Relations, Peace Studies, Security Studies, or related social science fields.

Preferred experience & skills:

·         Basic supervisory/managerial skills

·         Technical and report writing skills.

·         Computer literate (ability to use MS office, word, excel, and outlook email applications very well)

·         Knowledge of English language is mandatory and local language is advantageous.

 Language Skills: 

Fluent in English, local language is a plus.

How to Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website:  CLICK HERE

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for

• Date of application

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. 

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.