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 more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers 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

The Humanitarian Access Security & Safety Officer under the supervision of the Field Coordinator assist the Unit to maintain, improve and expand principled humanitarian access to and by populations affected by adversity/conflict through assisting the implementation of humanitarian access and security management plans in compliance with IRC’s strategy and in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, Duty of Care and Gender Equality principles. Additionally, the HASSO will build acceptance of IRC’s presence and humanitarian efforts within Assosa by liaising extensively with local stakeholders. The HASSO will be based in Assosa with extensive travel to all intervention areas and refugee camps providing support, capacity building and documentation within Assosa field office.

The safety, security, and access officer will provide expert advice on Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security to all IRC entities based in the operational areas, to assist the field coordinator and security and access coordinator identify changes and trends in the humanitarian access and security environment in the areas of operations and will ensure that adequate and up-to-date policies and procedures are in place and ensure staff have the information they need to manage operations, to identify issues, and to recommend and implement measures to reduce them.

Major responsibilities:

Safety and Security Management Planning

• Assist in developing and implementing humanitarian access strategies and approaches tailored to local contexts in field sites throughout areas of operations.
• Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work in the areas of operations is known and accepted.
• Work to encourage collaborators to work with the IRC in ensuring that staff and programs are safe and allowed to continue humanitarian activities in areas of operations.
• Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and regular assessment reviews for existing locations.
• Assist in the continued development of Humanitarian Access Safety and Security teams and activities across areas of operations.
• Be responsible for and advise on the implementation and review of tailored acceptance strategies.
• Work with appropriate IRC units, including HR, to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up to violations of IRC’s Code of Conduct, in addition to operational breaches of humanitarian principles.
• Undertake continual assessment of equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met.
  
• Work with Security Unit to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans.
• Ensure replenishment of hibernation kit, first aid kit.
• Update security incident database regularly.
• Conduct security risk assessments and review security management plan of contracted and prospective offices and residences.

Network & Access

• Establish and maintain contact with various actors (local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, security forces, etc.)
• Work with Field/Camp managers and program teams at field level to build network and acceptance in local communities where IRC operates.
• Advise the field leadership on the possibilities of access to the different operation areas.
• 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.
• Strive 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.
• 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 BGRS 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.

Training and Capacity Building

• Assist Access Manager and SSAM to build up the capacity, awareness, and preparedness of staff to take care of 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 vital.
• Render administrative support to Access Manager and SSAM in providing regular training for IRC staff on security preparedness, prevention, and response. Training(s) may include SOPs; Contingency Plans (CPs) as hibernation, relocations, and evacuations; Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; and Communications.
• 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.

Safeguarding Responsibilities: –

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC Assosa Field 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
• Minimum of two years for degree holders and one year of relevant experience for postgraduate, five years of relevant experience for diploma holders. 

Preferred experience & skills:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in supporting development of humanitarian access strategies and approaches within humanitarian assistance or development programs.
• Experience in support facilitation of trainings and learning to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to gain a precise understanding of the various local, regional, country, and international policies, operational policies, and interactions providing clear analysis of given and unfolding access, safety, security, and political situations when they occur.
• Understanding of humanitarian principles and codes of conduct.
• 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

Language Skills: 

• Fluent in English, local language is a plus.