The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Job overview
IRC is looking for a Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Coordinator (HASSC) for its Ethiopia program, based in Addis Ababa with frequent travel to program sites. Under the supervision of the Country Director, and with technical oversight from the Regional Safety & Security Director (Management in Partnership), the HASSC makes sure that IRC's safety and security policies and procedures are adapted to the context, adequate, and known by staff. The HASSC also advises on humanitarian access in close coordination with program teams.
The post holder analyses security trends; advises on, updates, and implements IRC's security management plan; and leads the Safety & Security team. The HASSC aligns humanitarian access approaches with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs and IRC's Strategic Action Plan (SAP) for Ethiopia, delivers on-site training, and facilitates the development and implementation of plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and contingency plans. HASSC provides expert advice on humanitarian security and access at every level of the country office, including access negotiation and mediation, context and conflict analysis, and incident management. The role enables staff to deliver safely, identifies gaps and risks before they become incidents, and protects IRC's standing as a neutral and impartial actor trusted by clients, communities, authorities and other parties.
- Internal contacts: SMT colleagues, field teams and field leadership, program teams, Grants and Partnerships, Supply Chain, People & Culture, Finance, Liaison, IT.
- External contacts: safety and security leads of other INGOs, HINGO, UNDSS, police and government security agencies, local stakeholders (formal and informal), community leaders, armed actors.
Major Responsibilities:
Humanitarian Access:
- Develop and implement humanitarian access strategies and approaches tailored to local contexts at field sites across Ethiopia, and work with the Emergency Response Coordinator on a country-wide access strategy for emergencies.
- Ensure access approaches are sensitive to the local context and include community engagement components.
- Ensure IRC field teams conduct principled, sustainable negotiations with relevant actors, in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, a do-no-harm approach and the SAP, with clear limits on what IRC will and will not agree to.
- Build relationships with formal and informal stakeholders in government and communities and, where possible and appropriate, engage armed actors even-handedly, without favoring or being seen to favor any party. Encourage stakeholders to work with IRC so that staff and programs can continue humanitarian activities safely.
- Contribute to guidelines on humanitarian access and engagement with non-state actors that reflect IRC policy and standard guidance.
- Work to ensure IRC, its mission and its work, including its impartial, needs-based approach, are known and accepted where it operates. Oversee and advise on acceptance strategies and on inclusive visibility strategies.
- Map actors at each field site and update the maps regularly. Train and guide Field Coordinators on access and acceptance strategies and deliver access and negotiation training at field sites.
- Provide technical input for assessments of new program locations and for regular reviews of existing locations.
- Work with Human Resources and other units so that violations of the IRC Code of Conduct and operational breaches of humanitarian principles are followed up promptly and appropriately.
- Work with the Liaison function and with INGO and humanitarian coordination forums, including HINGO, so IRC's approach to access is consistent and coordinated.
- Stay prepared for anticipated changes in the context, operationally and programmatically.
Operational Safety and Security Management
- Provide technical support on all policies, procedures, guidelines, and planning related to staff safety, operational security, and program continuity in Ethiopia.
- Develop, review and regularly update security management plans, policies and SOPs for each location, in line with IRC global security standards, and monitor how well they are implemented.
- Work with Field Coordinators to develop, consolidate and implement SOPs and contingency plans. Keep the security contingency plan and the international staff evacuation plan up to date, and review hibernation and evacuation plans for all offices and residences so practical arrangements are in place and known to staff.
- Maintain the country security risk register and mitigation measures and review them whenever the context changes. Hold a dedicated SMT meeting at least once a year on IRC's risk appetite for each location.
- Carry out risk assessments of current and potential offices and residences, and track the actions needed to comply with security standards.
- Set and monitor safety standards for offices, guesthouses, vehicles, road travel, fire safety and communications equipment, and manage staff movement and travel clearance to field sites. Assess equipment and usage protocols against minimum security requirements and promote best-practice communication solutions.
- Develop and maintain a network of IRC security focal points in each field office and program site, strengthening gender balance, and keeping their contact details current.
- Ensure security arrangements cover all staff, including national staff and incentive workers, and set expectations for the security capacity of partners and sub-partners.
- Ensure protocols, reporting mechanisms and capacity-building consider gender-specific risks, staff profiles and backgrounds, and local contexts.
- Monitor compliance with IRC global security policies and standards and prepare Ethiopia for internal reviews and donor security requirements.
- Maintain confidentiality, impartiality and neutrality in all security arrangements and in how security information is gathered, shared and acted on.
Monitoring, analysis, context understanding and reporting
- Build and maintain security information networks that serve all IRC teams in Ethiopia.
- Advise the Country Director on the security context, with balanced, evidence-based analysis that supports decision-making. Provide credible information and contextual understanding of local and national situations and incidents, with appropriate advice to field and program management.
- Compile and submit regular reports on incidents and trends in humanitarian access and the local security context, including a weekly update and progress report to the Country Director and the Regional Safety & Security Director. Submit daily context updates as needed to the SMT and to relevant field and program management.
- Develop periodic internal and external context analyses, including incident maps, stakeholder analyses, reviews of security management arrangements and capacity assessments. Contribute to local conflict sensitivity analysis and to the macro analysis of conflict trends in Ethiopia.
- Support teams to collect, record, analyze and share security information, including the current security level and what it means for operations.
- Work with field management teams so that every incident and accident has a formal written report that is shared with the relevant stakeholders and properly archived, and that final incident reports are provided when IRC closes a case. Ensure serious incidents are reviewed, lessons are shared, and affected staff receive follow-up and support.
- Monitor the operating environment, identify new threats, assess IRC's vulnerabilities, put preventive and mitigation measures in place, and recommend responses.
- Coordinate regularly with the Regional Safety & Security Director and meet regional reporting requirements. Attend and contribute to internal and inter-agency security meetings and liaise with the security focal points of other NGOs, UNDSS, police, government security agencies and local authorities.
Training and capacity building
- Identify safety, security and access learning and development needs for country program staff.
- Deliver regular training on humanitarian principles and on safety and security preparedness. Topics can include SOPs, humanitarian negotiation, context understanding, security risk management, incident management and reporting, and Field READI Safety & Security. Design and deliver security management training for senior field staff and security focal points, and awareness training for all staff and the SMT.
- Work with partners to assess capacity-building needs and provide advice and support where feasible and necessary.
- Work with the relevant focal points to develop and revise the IRC Ethiopia information and onboarding package for new staff and visitors.
Program development and support
- Take part in program design in close coordination with program and operations leadership, Technical Coordinators and the Grants team, and provide security input to proposals and donor budgets.
- Work with the SMT, Technical Coordinators and the Grants team so security budgets and staffing levels match the assessed risk in each location and ensure security needs are included in country program budgets.
- Support program and field management to develop conflict-sensitive, context-appropriate approaches in Ethiopia.
- Take part in program review meetings and contribute to implementation plans so that IRC services are delivered to clients in a timely, safe, and secure way. Work with the program team to follow up on SAP goals and identify new areas of work.
- Advise program and field teams on context-specific access, safety and security risks, and contribute to mitigation measures and plans.
- Advise the SMT on risk-based decisions on whether, where, and how to operate, weighing risk against the importance of the program.
Emergency preparedness and crisis response
- Contribute actively to SMT discussions on programs, strategy and operations, bringing a security and access perspective to decisions.
- Set the strategy, annual work plan and budget for the Safety & Security department, plan and manage security and access projects, and report on progress.
- Recruit, supervise and develop team members, including the Safety and Security Manager and, through Management in Partnership, field security staff and security focal points. Develop and apply remote-management approaches to build the skills of field-based team members.
- Communicate expectations clearly, set annual performance objectives, give consistent and timely feedback, and carry out thorough mid-year and annual performance reviews.
- Provide a measurable development plan that includes on-the-job learning, knowledge sharing within the team, and career guidance.
- Identify performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and resolve them in line with national employment policies.
- Build a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, keep open and professional relationships, and model impartial, fair and respectful conduct.
- Represent IRC with donors, UN agencies, other INGOs, government security agencies and community leaders on security and access matters, presenting a consistent, neutral and principled position. Write and contribute to donor-standard proposals and reports on security, access and risk management.
Culture, ethics and safeguarding
- Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability the IRC Way, IRC's global standards of professional conduct, and ensure they are followed.
- Ensure security and access arrangements protect clients and staff and uphold IRC's safeguarding commitments, and that any concern is reported promptly through the proper channels.
- Promote and take part in initiatives that build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in the IRC Ethiopia S&S department, and foster learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and adherence to IRC values and policies.
- Carry out any other relevant tasks assigned by the supervisor in consultation with the post holder.
Safeguarding Responsibilities: -
- Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC [team/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:
• University degree, preferably in management, political science, security studies or a related field. A technical diploma or certification in a related field with significant applicable experience may be considered.
Preferred experience & skills:
• At least 6 years of related professional experience, including at least 4 years of management experience, preferably in complex and volatile environments and with INGOs, with demonstrated skills in planning, organizing, and carrying out humanitarian security operations in the field.
• Proven experience in comprehensive security management and a proven level of technical security expertise, including business continuity and access processes, and duty of care and staff wellbeing.
• Understanding of humanitarian principles, the code of conduct and how they apply to access and negotiation, and of the specifics of delivering essential services to people in need in Ethiopia, including Ethiopia's legal frameworks.
• Understanding of the regional and local context, dynamics and access limitations linked to gender, disability, religion, tradition and local norms.
• Strong experience as a trainer, with the ability to develop, deliver and facilitate learning for a wide range of audiences.
• Experience building an accurate and impartial understanding of local, regional and international politics, and delivering clear, dynamic briefings and analyses of current security and political situations.
• Donor-standard proposal and report writing skills. Knowledge of communication technologies, including satellite communications, is an asset.
Technical and management skills
• Proven management skills, including managing people and projects, and experience working in a diverse team.
• Sound judgment, with the ability to make risk-based decisions and give clear advice to senior leaders.
• Strong coaching, team-building, and capacity-building skills, and the ability to encourage cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong organization and coordination skills, and the ability to run responsive field operations.
• Ability to work under pressure in an unstable security environment, to take initiative and solve problems proactively.
Leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent relationship-building and representation skills, with the ability to represent IRC effectively in forums and with senior external stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills; experience in conflict resolution is essential.
• Excellent oral and written communication, including the ability to persuade and influence internal and external stakeholders at a senior level.
• Proven experience working with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs and government, with sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with strict confidentiality, to remain impartial and neutral in all aspects of the work, and to be seen as such by all parties. The highest moral and professional integrity.
Languages
• Fluency in English, spoken and written, is required.
Computer skills
- Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of geographic information systems is an asset.
How to apply:
Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website:
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.
Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process.
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.
Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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