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. 

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: 

The Humanitarian Access Security & Safety Manager (HASSM) will advise on, update, and implement the IRC Security Standards and Requirements for IRC Shire Field Office under the supervision of field coordinator.  Additionally, the HASSM will build acceptance of IRC’s presence and humanitarian efforts within Tigray by liaising extensively with local stakeholders. The HASSM will be based in Shire with extensive travel to all intervention areas within Tigray, providing support, capacity building and documentation to Field Coordinator and Managers. The HASSM will be part of the field management team and support operation departments and programs regarding security, safety, and access.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Safety and Security Management Planning

• Provide technical support to the field office on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security, and program continuity.

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

• Work with the Security and Access Coordinator to develop, consolidate, and implement operating procedures and contingency plans.

• Evaluate, review, and update the hibernation, relocation and evacuation plans for Shire Field Office and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and made known by 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 Tigray. Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work within Tigray 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 the 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 approaches to assure IRC facilities are secure – i.e. third-party security companies or directly hired IRC security guards. 

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

• Work closely with IRC teams in Tigray 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; and 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).

Meetings and representation

• The HASSM will participate in the security focal point (SFPT), Security cell team and Area security management meeting as needed to discuss relevant safety and security related issues. 

• He/she will participate in the zonal humanitarian coordination meeting and other safety and security related meetings called by government, UNOCHA and UNDSS.

• The HASSM will serve as focal point for INGOs operating in Shire AoR and disseminate relevant security related information.

• He/she is expected to establish contact with local police and other relevant security personnel on a daily or weekly basis to collect relevant security information.

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. 

• The HASSM will be doing additional assignment given by his supervisor.

Safeguarding Responsibilities: - 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Office.

• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Job Requirements

Educational Requirements:

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

Relevant Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years for BA degree and 3 Years for postgraduate.

• Non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian assistance programs with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing, and executing security operations in the field is preferable. 

• 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. 

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Highest moral and professional integrity

• Broad understanding of the work of the IRC in the humanitarian context

• Ability to work under pressure in an unstable security environment.

• Able to handle sensitive information with strict confidentiality.

• Able to maintain impartiality and neutrality in all aspects of his/her work.

• Good convincing and influencing skills.

• Good computer skills

• understanding of the country’s legal frameworks

• Experience in comprehensive security management.

• Proven level of technical security expertise

• Demonstrated coaching, training, and capacity-building skills.

• Demonstrated initiative and proactive problem-solving skills.

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 IRC On-line recruitment website by using THIS LINK

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.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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