Humanitarian Access Safety & Security Officer at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

SCOPE OF WORK:

The HASSO is under the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Access Safety and Security Manager (HASSM). The Humanitarian Access Safety & Security Officer (HASSO) should assist HASSM to maintain, improve and expand principled humanitarian access to and by conflict-affected populations in Katsina state, 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.

The post holder will provide expert advice to all IRC entities based in Katsina, the shared services unit, to assist HASSM to 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 people have the information they need to manage operations, to identify issues, and to recommend and implement measures to reduce them.

Major Responsibilities

Humanitarian Access Management 

• Assist HASSM to develop and implement humanitarian access strategies and approaches tailored to local contexts in field sites throughout his areas of operations in Katsina State.
• Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work in the areas of operations 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 with humanitarian activities in areas of operations.
• Assist HASSM to provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas.
• Assist in the continued development of Humanitarian Access Safety and Security teams and activities across areas of operations.
• Assist HASSM to oversee and advise on the implementation and review of tailored acceptance strategies.
• Enhance IRC image and acceptance within the community and amongst stakeholders by providing guidance on inclusive visibility 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 to humanitarian principles.

Safety and Security Risk Management

• Assist HASSM to organize monthly Security Focal Group (SFG) Meeting.
• Work with FC or SAM to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans.
• Assist HASSM to develop and maintain a network of IRC Security Focal Points and enhance gender balance.
• Maintain record of security training for staff.
• Ensure replenishment of hibernation kit, first aid kit.
• Update security incident database regularly.
• Work closely with HASSM to conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences.

Liaison, networking, analysis

• Assist the HASSM to establish and maintain relations and networks in Katsina to facilitate understanding and influence on humanitarian access environment.
• Identify barriers to access and develop strategies to address them in area of responsibility including hard-to-reach and contested areas and establishment of partnerships to expand reach.
• Assist the HASSM to develop and maintain contact lists, stakeholder analyses and humanitarian access profiles in area of responsibility.
• Assist HASSM on day-to-day operations related to humanitarian access and liaison with authorities and other entities for administrative and substantive staff, program, and organizational needs.

Context Analysis and Reporting:

• To Monitor the context, compile, and report information, including incidents and trends pertinent to Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Manager.
• Submit monthly contextual analysis as needed by the HASSM and relevant field and program management.
• Work closely with IRC field management teams to assist HASSM to ensure all incidents are followed up with an official written report.
• Assist HASSM 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 in the State.

Training and Capacity Building 

• Assist HASSM to organize high quality, regular trainings to build the capacity of staff,
• to enable them deal with security-related risks, threats, and incidents
• Render administrative support to HASSM in providing regular training.
• To assist HASSM in providing Security briefings to national and international staff and IRC visitors when deemed necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Law, Security Management or related field is required.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in providing security services, working with INGO or NGO in Northwest or in Northeast.