Senior Humanitarian Access Safety and Security Manager

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

The Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Manager (SHASSM) supports safe, effective and efficient access to and by people in need of humanitarian assistance. The role reports to the Senior HASS Coordinator and supports field locations in implementing programs aligned with the IRC’s risk appetite and strong commitment to the safety and security of our staff. The Snr HASSM ensures access and security risks are identified on time, mitigations are implemented, and staff are appropriately briefed on the security risk environment, relevant SOPs and Contingency Plans. The role will have a strong focus on providing capacity building to the Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security teams in each Field location. The Snr HASSM will also cover gaps in the HASS team in field locations and deputize for the Senior HASS Coordinator when requested.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Humanitarian Access Management

• Identify barriers to access and support the HASS and program teams in developing mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical support to program teams in assessing the suitability of establishing operations in new locations
• Develop relationships with local authorities as needed and other power brokers within IRC’s implementation areas.
• Promote and support the integration of humanitarian access approaches into program design and implementation.
• Constantly monitor available sources to collect, compile and report information to the Senior HASS Coordinator including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access in areas of operations
• Support key field management teams to develop and implement community engagement strategies that promote acceptance and access.
• Support the Senior HASS Coordinator to ensure that IRC’s visibility strategy and profile support principled humanitarian access.

Safety and Security Risk Management

• Provide technical support to the field offices and program teams on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, and program continuity in Ukraine.
• Contribute to the development of and updating of Security Risk Assessments (SRA) for field sites.
• Contribute to the development and updating of Field Security Management Plans (SMP), including all associated contingency plans and SOPs.
• Monitor the rollout and implementation of SOPs and contingency plans at a field level ensuring compliance.
• Ensure effective security risk management plans for cross-border access to field sites, principally through border crossings to/from Moldova.
• Ensure contingency plans for hibernation, relocation, and evacuation are known to ield staff and exercise regularly.
• Ensure that all program locations and routes are routinely assessed by the HASS team to identify access and security risks in a timely manner.
• Ensure all field locations meet requirements for safety and security supplies and equipment including hibernation kits, first aid kits and emergency communications.
• Ensure the emergency warden systems in field locations are fit-for-purpose and tested regularly.
• As requested by field teams, conduct risk assessments in new geographic locations identified for program implementation.
• Deploy alongside program teams to high-risk areas and establish deployment protocols commensurate to the risk assessed.
• Conduct field visits to all IRC field offices and cover HASS teams gaps when requested.
• Deputize the Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Coordinator as requested.
• Demonstrated experience operating at a senior / strategic level with the ability to deputize for and cover the most senior in-country security role

Capacity Building

• Liaise with the HASSM to jointly draft the annual capacity building plan based on the key risks faced by frontline staff.
• Support the delivery of training to field staff; deliver trainings as needed and relevant.
• Support the Senior HASS Coordinator to identify the capacity-building needs of the HASS team based on the needed capacities and skills to ensure safe, secure and principled humanitarian access.
• Provide on-the-job capacity building for the HASS team through mentoring, coaching, and guidance.
• Support the HASS team to strengthen and expand the capacity of field teams to prepare and respond in a timely manner to emerging emergencies
• Support the HASS team to deliver staff awareness and training sessions.
• Support the Senior HASS Coordinator to develop and deliver training on Critical Incident Management.
• In coordination with the Senior HASS Coordinator, develop a plan to promote national talent within the team to assume more responsibility.

Context Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor open sources and available information to identify changes in the context of heightened tensions.
• Support the Senior HASS Coordinator in ensuring field teams are appropriately advised of the risk environment, and preparedness actions are implemented.
• Support the HASS team to compile regular context updates to monitor issues that could impact program delivery.
• Work closely with the HASS team to ensure all incidents and accidents are reported on IRC’s online system within 48 hours of the incident occurring. 
• Support the Senior HASS Coordinator in scenario planning exercises.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Coordinator

Supervises: None.

Key Internal Relationships: HASS Manager, HASS Officers and Assistants, Field Coordinators

Key External Relationships: Local partners, INGOs operating in field locations, Security and Access Working Groups, local authorities and stakeholders relevant to program delivery

REQUIREMENTS

Job Requirements

Work Experience:

• A University degree in a subject relevant to humanitarian action or security such as International Relations or Political Science.
• Minimum of 5 years humanitarian safety, security and access management experience with an INGO, including demonstrated capability in planning, organizing and executing security operations in the field. 
• Demonstrated security leadership skills including operating independently with limited oversight. This role is a senior-level experienced and independent contributor.
• Demonstrated experience managing safety, security and humanitarian access across multiple high-risk or conflict-affected country contexts is required Strong understanding of the humanitarian principles required.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating and expanding humanitarian access in active conflict / frontline environments Knowledge of communications technology including satellite communications.
• Strong experience as a trainer.
• Ability to provide dynamic verbal and written briefings on short notice.
• Able to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational and coordination skills
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively represent IRC at forums and with external stakeholders
• Experience working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs and government with sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Knowledge of GIS and Google Earth is desirable.

Languages Required/Preferred:

• Fluency in English required.

Ability to Travel:

• This role requires at least 40% travel within Ukraine and therefore will not be suitable for applicants that are not willing or able to deploy to field locations regularly.

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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Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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