Roving Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Coordinator

International Rescue Committee

About The Position

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. This role is open to internals and recent former IRC staff only. After more than a year of conflict, Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and one of the largest internal displacement in the world. Famine is now a threat and the rainy season is likely to worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation. The conflict in Sudan, which began on April 15, 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allies, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allies, continues to cause loss of lives and massive displacement, with over 6.7 million internally displaced persons in the country and nearly 2 million people fleeing to neighbouring countries, including Chad. Darfur & Kordofan regions remain some of the regions hardest hit by the consequences of this crisis due to the dynamics of the conflict and past conflicts that continue to have serious repercussions on the population IRC will consolidate its West Sudan interventions to build these into long-term and sustained programming operations. To enable scale-up across Sudan, a West Sudan area has been established covering operations in Kordofan & Darfur regions. Scope of Work: The Roving Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Coordinator - West Sudan (HASS Co) reports directly to the West Sudan Director, has a technical reporting line to the Regional Safety & Security Director – East Africa, and manages the Humanitarian Access & Safety Department for the West Sudan Area of Operation. The HASS Co is is member of the Sudan West SMT (Senior Management Team). In collaboration with key programs and operations colleagues in Sudan West, the HASS Co will enable the safe delivery of essential services to clients in West Sudan Area of Operation. They will implement humanitarian access and security management systems and protocols in line with humanitarian principles, IRC Standards and Requirements, humanitarian needs, duty of care principles, and IRC's strategy.

Requirements

At least 5 years experience in High-Risk and Complex environments, with at least 2 years experience working with NGOs in international humanitarian programs – all as Security or Humanitarian Access staff. Experience in delivering training; ability to develop, implement, facilitate, and impart learning to a wide range of audiences.
Proven management experience, including people and projects.
Highly skilled in organizing and coordinating large-scale, fast-paced, responsive field programs.
Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff and encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation.
Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively represent IRC at forums and with external stakeholders.
Strong negotiation and mediation skills essential with experience in conflict resolution is essential.
Superior oral and written communication skills, with the ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders.
Fluency in English. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Digital literacy: MS Word, Excel & email applications required; MS Access, Project & GIS preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience in cross-border operations is strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of Arabic is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support to area management on all policies, procedures, guidelines, strategies, and planning for staff safety, operational security, and program continuity.
Evaluate, review, and update security management plans regularly. Reference and ensure compliance with the IRC Security Management Framework within the SMP and all annexes.
Work with key stakeholders to develop, consolidate, and implement operating procedures and contingency plans.
Support and/or conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences.
Supoort and/or conduct risk analysis/assessments for current and new areas of operations in coordination with program and operation key stakeholders within Western Sudan area of operation.
Provide and implement the best possible solutions for using communications equipment, including proposing safe alternative means of communication and equipment.
Develop and maintain a network of IRC Security Focal Points at each field office and program site, enhancing gender balance.
Ensure safety and security protocols, reporting mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives account for gender-specific risks, staff profiles, and background and are sensitive to local contexts.
Monitor the operational environment, identify emerging threats, assess IRC vulnerabilities, and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures.
Contribute to the annual Sudan Safty and Security Strategy in coordination with the RSSD – East Africa and other internal key stakeholders at CP level.
As a key Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) member, provide sustained support to operational teams and management during an incident.
Ensure all security incidents and accidents in Sudan West operation are documented, investigated, reported, shared with relevant stakeholders, and formally closed in line with IRC procedures.
Develop and implement humanitarian access strategies and approaches tailored to local contexts in field sites and include overarching community engagement components, in coordination with Sudan CP practices.
Build and maintain relationships with relevant local authorities, community leaders, and stakeholders… ensuring acceptance and safe access for IRC operations.
Provide technical input and advice on assessments to consider IRC programming in new geographic locations.
Liaise and coordinate with relevant security actors, e.g., NGO security staff, security forces, local community stakeholders, and local authorities.
Design, review, and deliver safety, security, and humanitarian access training for IRC staff and partners.
Support the development and delivery of onboarding and briefing packages for new staff and visitors in coordination with relevant internal focal points.
Participate in program design in close cooperation with program staff, supporting the development of conflict-sensitive and contextually appropriate approaches.
Participate in program review meetings and contribute to implementation plans to ensure the timely, safe, and secure delivery of IRC service to beneficiaries.
Advise program and field management teams on context-specific risks about Safety & Security and Humanitarian Access and contribute to developing and implementing mitigation measures and plans.
Hire, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies.
Coach, train, supervise, and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews for the Humaniterian Access and Security team.
Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to perform in their positions successfully.
Approve and maianage all time, attendance, and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
As required, identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these following the IRC Staff Employment Policies
Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of all staff