Back Humanitarian Access & Security Manager

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a prominent international organization working in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression.

Working in coordination with the humanitarian community, IRC currently addresses the needs of war-affected Syrians from several operational bases in the region. Our activities focus primarily on the supply of vital medications and medical equipment, non-food items, water and sanitation and women and children’s protection, and form part of an over-arching humanitarian response in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and the region that seeks to assist refugees, IDPs and war-affected Syrians survive conflict and displacement.

SCOPE OF WORK

Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the Humanitarian Access & Security Manager (HASM) will develop and oversee 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 Amman, including the Jordan and Syria country programs, regional office, the shared services unit, to identify changes and trends in the humanitarian access and security environment in Jordan and will ensure that adequate and up-to-date policies and procedures are in place, and known to all staff. The incumbent will work closely with key stakeholders to design, develop and implement high quality training and capacity strengthening programs to all national and international staff based in Jordan.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety and Security Management

· Provide technical support to all IRC entities and staff based in Jordan (including Jordan CP, Syria CP, SSU and regional office) on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity;

· Develop, review and update the Security Management Plans for Amman, Mafraq and all other field locations on a regular basis.

· Implement operating procedures and contingency plans by working with the Field Safety & Security Officer and all field Security Focal Points

· Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for all IRC premises in Jordan, and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved;

· Ensure that accurate, up-to-date security/communications information is available in appropriate local language(s) to all staff based in Jordan

· Manage safety and security incidents pertaining to all IRC staff and assets

· Coordinate the management of security incidents with various heads of IRC entities in Jordan (Syria, Regional, R&D)

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

Humanitarian Access Management

· Develop and implement humanitarian access approaches tailored to local contexts in all sites throughout Jordan

· Ensure humanitarian access approaches are responsive to local context and include overarching community engagement components

· Ensure that all IRC teams based in Jordan conduct principled and sustainable negotiations with relevant local actors in line with humanitarian principles and IRC’s standards

· Work with various stakeholders to ensure that IRC, its mission and work in Jordan is known, understood and accepted.

· Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and regular assessment reviews for existing locations

· Contribute in developing and implementing guidelines for humanitarian access and engagement with local authorities articulating standard IRC policy and guidance

· Maintain a high level of preparedness vis-a-vis predicted contextual fluctuations operationally and programmatically

· Contribute to the enhancement of IRC’s image, reputation and acceptance within local communities 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

Learning, Training and Capacity Strengthening

· Ensure the requirements of the regional Humanitarian Access & Security Capacity Development Strategy are implemented adequately and in a timely manner.

· In consultation with the Regional Security Capacity Building Coordinator, design and implement Learning and Development programs to all staff based in Jordan.**

· Support partner organizations in coordination with the partnership unit by providing advice and including them capacity strengthening initiatives **

Monitoring, Reporting & Analysis

• Constantly monitor available sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access and security

• Prepare and disseminate regular updates to senior field, country and entity management teams

• Provide timely area-based access analysis based on programmatic demands

• Compile and submit the Monthly Security Report for Jordan

• Support the Regional Humanitarian Analyst in analyzing the latest developments in Jordan and how these are likely to impact IRC in-country operations

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Country Director Jordan, and management in partnership with Regional Safety & Security Director

Dotted Reporting Line: Country Director Syria

Technical supervision: Field Safety & Security Officer, Mafraq-based**

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Field Manager, Program Coordinators/Managers, Syria Humanitarian Access & Security Coordinator, Regional Safety & Security Director, Regional Humanitarian Analyst, Regional Security Capacity Building Coordinator, functional leaders

External: NGOs, other humanitarian actors, local implementing partners, UN agencies, international organizations, local authorities, and service providers

REQUIREMENTS

Job Requirements/Experience Required:

· Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, humanitarian affairs, or a technical degree or certification in a related field with considerable field experience.**

· A minimum of 5 years of non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian assistance programs with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing and executing complex operations in a field set-up.

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

· Proven experience as a professional and reliable manager (including management of people and projects)

· Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation

· Experience of working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, local authorities with sensitivity and diplomacy.

· Native Arabic language skills and a strong command of English are essential.

· 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.

Languages

Arabic: Fluent
English: Very Good (Spoken & Written)