Deputy Safety Advisor North – Iraq

Organisation Background:

The International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) is an international charity that supports the safety of aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations and training.

INSO services help NGOs with their day-to-day risk management responsibilities and improve their overall situational awareness to support evidence-based humanitarian access decisions.

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organisation has grown from innovative start-up to become a globally recognised charity and a highly valued component in the humanitarian safety coordination system. With operations in 16 countries, INSO has revolutionized the humanitarian safety coordination sector by introducing a robust and high-quality field safety platform model that has been deployed in some of the world’s most high-risk settings.

The strong focus on humanitarian principles and exclusive NGO-only membership criteria have meant that INSO is now accepted as a standard component of modern humanitarian response offering independent frontline reporting and coordination services that save lives, strengthen operational practice and enable humanitarian access.

Today the organisation provides daily support to more than 1000 NGOs in 16 of the world’s most insecure countries and has earned a strong reputation for performance, principles & professionalism. 

INSO Iraq launched in 2014 and currently serves more than 220 international and national NGOs. INSO Iraq supports partners from its country office in Erbil. Our partners rely on INSO analysis and advice to deliver services to people in need. Humanitarian organisations in Iraq continue to face safety and access challenges across the country. Working with INSO Iraq will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of humanitarian programming in a country affected by protracted instability and conflict.

INSO Iraq is now seeking an experienced professional to join our team as Deputy Safety Advisor for the North Region, comprising Erbil, Dohuk, Sulaymaniya, Ninawa, and Kirkuk Governorates.

 
Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Safety Advisor, the position will contribute to INSO’s mission by providing real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, and crisis management support. This entails gathering and validating security data in the North region and ensuring the safety of aid workers through the establishment of safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts.

Major Responsibilities:

The DSA will support the Safety Advisor (SA) by:

• Gathering and validating safety and security information in the North Region.
• Organising and summarising safety and security information in a concise and actionable format.
• Proactively engaging with field monitors daily, meeting requests for Information deadlines.
• Supporting the SA in preparing reports, area assessments, and various INSO products.
• Assisting the SA in visualising and analysing data using charts and mapping tools.
• Contributing to the improvement of information collection capabilities in the region.
• Assisting in the management of field monitors and ensuring their effective performance.
• The position requires the holder to be able to undertake tasks at short notice, considering evolving events.

Professional competencies:

• A bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Sciences, Security Management, Humanitarian Safety, History, or equivalent practical experience is required.
• A work history of three or more years of work experience in an NGO or in security-related position.
• Proficiency in drafting situation reports and concise briefings.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with sustained high levels of engagement.
• Previous experience with data analytics tools.
• Previous experience with cartography or GIS software.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to ethics and a heightened sense of responsibility.
• Demonstrate receptiveness to feedback and a proactive approach to knowledge-building is essential for the position.
• A structured and analytical mindset is required, along with the ability to present well-reasoned and organized arguments.
• A solid understanding of NGO approaches to security.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Windows, Office, SharePoint, and mapping software/applications.
• Preparedness to work during non-traditional hours, including weekends, in response to abrupt developments in the security situation.

Region-specific requirements:

• Must be an Iraqi national.
• Ideally based in Erbil, the candidate should be willing to travel frequently within the specified North region.
• Professional working proficiency in (English, Kurdish, and Arabic) in speaking and writing.
• In depth understanding of Iraq and KRI political and safety/security environment including regional context.

Behavioural Competencies:                                     

• Communicating with impact and respect.
• Active listening.
• Teamwork/collaboration.
• Build & maintain positive relationships.
• Planning and organising.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptability/flexibility.
• Social perceptiveness.

INSO’s Safeguarding Policy:

INSO is fully committed to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees and volunteers and we will ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy throughout the recruitment process. As such, the following safe recruitment practices will be applied:

• All offers of employment will be conditional on receiving at least two satisfactory professional references.
• INSO will ask candidates about significant gaps in employment history or frequent changes of employer and address.
• All essential qualifications and relevant professional accreditations and memberships will be verified.
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a valid proof of identity (passport, ID card).
• All new hires will receive an orientation in INSO’s safeguarding policy and procedures and associated documents (Code of Conduct, Whistleblowing etc.).
• All new hires will be required to sign and abide by the Code of Conduct as a condition of employment.

Terms & Conditions: 12 months contract with expected start date ASAP.

Interested applicants are invited to send a completed application (requirement below) to [email protected], referencing “Deputy Safety Advisor – North” in the subject line of the email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for Interview.                                         

Application requirements:

• Cover Letter specifying how you meet the mandatory requirements, how you intend to contribute to the main DSA responsibilities, your motivation for applying, and what you hope to bring to INSO (1 page maximum).
• Updated CV (3 page maximum).

• Please do not send any additional information (such as copies of certificates, copies of diplomas, other writing samples, etc.) and keep the total size of your application under 2MB if possible.