Overview
The Humanitarian Access Safety and Security Officer (HASSO) is responsible for facilitating the safety and security of IRC personnel and assets, and for monitoring, planning, assessing, and keeping up to date the security situation of the Gambella Field Office. The role will maintain, improve, and expand principled humanitarian access.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate, review, and update field level security management plans, Security Risk Assessments (SRA), Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), and hibernation/evacuation plans.
- Oversee and advise on the implementation and review of tailored acceptance strategies and inclusive visibility strategies.
- Provide technical input and advice in assessments for new programs and existing locations.
- Ensure office compound, warehouse, and guest house security, safety, and facility readiness, including fire safety and first aid.
- Conduct office site assessments for new office setups.
- Ensure contingency and evacuation plans are in place and staff are trained for emergencies.
- Ensure security guards follow appropriate protocols.
- Work with staff to ensure safety and security incidents are reported in accordance with IRC standards and update the security incident database.
- Evaluate and maintain contingency plans for incident management, evacuation, and hibernation.
- Report and follow up on all safety and security related incidents.
- Ensure field movements comply with IRC’s movement protocol and establish a communication system for tracking staff movements.
- Coordinate with other humanitarian organizations on humanitarian convoy movements.
- Ensure vehicles are equipped with safety measures and provide security clearance and updates for drivers.
- Assess communication networks and advise drivers on route situations.
- Provide training to field staff on incident reporting, SoPs, and negotiation skills.
- Maintain records of security training for staff and provide on-arrival security briefings and new staff orientations.
- Provide ongoing training for drivers, guards, and other staff.
- Establish and maintain contact with various actors including local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, and security forces.
- Work with program teams to build network and acceptance in local communities.
- Encourage stakeholders to work with IRC in ensuring staff and program safety.
- Assist in developing and maintaining contact lists, stakeholder analyses, and humanitarian access profiles.
- Participate in NGO security networks/forums and contribute to collective security analysis.
- Develop and maintain a network of IRC Security Focal Points at each site/camp office.
- Monitor open sources to collect, compile, and report information on incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access.
- Assist in monitoring the operating environment, identify new threats, assess IRC vulnerabilities, and recommend responses.
- Provide and share daily security reports (DSR) and weekly security updates.
Required Experience
2 years related experience with first degree and 5 years for diploma holders. 1 year of relevant plus post graduate degree. NGO experience is a plus.
Qualifications
University Degree or Higher National Diploma in social sciences, Peace and security, International relations or a field related to humanitarian work or risk management.
