Humanitarian Access and Security Senior Officer – Ninawa & Kirkuk

Requisition ID: req45606

Job Title: Humanitarian Access and Security Senior Officer – Ninawa & Kirkuk

Sector: Safety & Security

Employment Category: Regular

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Mosul, Iraq

Work Arrangement:

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee responds to the worlds worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity, and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The IRC established programs in Iraq in 2003 to address the overwhelming needs of displaced people in Iraq and the neighboring countries. Since re-establishing its presence in Iraq in November 2007, the IRC has been assisting thousands of internally displaced families in the northern, central, and southern governorates in the sectors of protection, gender-based violence (GBV), early childhood development, economic recovery, Child Protection, and emergency humanitarian assistance. Today, the IRC works in close coordination with the humanitarian and development partners in Iraq and local stakeholders to address the needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Returnees, and Host communities. We operate in several governorates throughout Central and Southern Iraq, including Anbar, Ninewa, SAD, and Kirkuk, with additional offices in Erbil and Baghdad.

Job Overview/Summary:

The Humanitarian Access & Senior Security Officer (HASSO) responsibility is to monitor the overall security situation, enforce security regulations and provide sound and timely advice to IRC staff and management in order to support the safe access and efficient delivery of program activities in the designated areas of operations in Ninawa and Kirkuk governorates. The role requires a dynamic and experienced individual capable of navigating complex security environments and building strong relationship with local stakeholders. The role will be primarily based in Ninewa for approximately 70% of their time (three days a week), and in Kirkuk governorate for approximately 30% (two days a week).

The role is Under the supervision of Head of Base with the technical supervision of the Humanitarian Access and Security Coordinator (HASC).

The HASSO contributes to the analysis of accessibility within Ninawa and Kirkuk Governorates in order to facilitate useful information for the planning of humanitarian intervention and IRC programs. The HASSO supports the Head of Base in evaluating access constraints for the IRC intervention in Ninawa and Kirkuk. The HASSO will maintain, improve and expand principled humanitarian access to conflict-affected populations in area of responsibility through liaison, analysis, monitoring, reporting and training.

Note: The distribution of time between Ninewa and Kirkuk may be subject to change based on programmatic requirements, security conditions, and inquires. Flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities for this role.

Major Responsibilities:

Establish and maintain relations and a network of contacts in Ninawa and Kirkuk Governorates (Local Government authority, Security Forces, and other parties concerned) allowing the collection of information and the facilitation of documentation related to the humanitarian access and security in Ninawa and Kirkuk, specifically in the areas of current or planned intervention.

Provide technical support to the HASC on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity.

Work with the Head of Base and HASC to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans.

Conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Undertake continual assessments of equipment to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met. 

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

Conduct safety inspections on monthly basis such as fire extinguishers, smoke/fire detectors and inspection of IRC facilities as it pertains to health and safety. 

Support the HASC and the Head of Base in responding to access and security incidents and work collaboratively with the local authority, law enforcement and other stakeholders to ensure all incidents and accidents (access and security) are followed up and reported per IRC process. Develop and regularly update internal maps on safe and insecure areas.

Conduct security risk assessments as required, including but not limited to; road assessments, rapid area assessment and ad-hoc area assessment.

Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and technical input in the writing of new program proposals as required.

Supervise and manage security guards. Ensure they understand their goals, policies, rules and regulations of the organization. Maintain trainings and schedule programs for the security guards. Evaluate and assess performance.

Report any violations to appropriate IRC authority and participate in preventative initiatives. 

Assist in providing regular trainings for IRC staff on security preparedness, prevention and response. Training(s) may include Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs); Contingency Plans (CPs); Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; and Communications. Provide Security Briefing to all new staff and visitors.

Follow and enforce all IRC codes of conduct and policies, and uphold the mission, values, and spirit of IRC. 

Perform other duties as requested by supervisor.

Facilitate and negotiate access with local authorities, armed actors, and community leaders to enable humanitarian operations. Collaborate closely with program teams to ensure timely and safe delivery of assistance to affected population.

Collaborate with the HASC when conducting Partner Capacity Assessment to assess the specific security and access needs of IRC’s local partners in Ninewa and Kirkuk. Conduct consultations with partner organizations, taking into consideration their operating contexts and potential challenges.

Develop a comprehensive Partner Support Plan that outlines specific security and access-related objectives, strategies, and timelines. The plan should be tailored to the individual needs of each partner and aligned with IRC’s overall security framework.

HASSO to provide training, mentorship, and technical support to IRC local partner organizations on security risk management, access negotiation, and safety protocols.

In coordination with IRC partner organizations to facilitate and assist in conducting security assessments, developing context-specific security plans.

Establish and maintain regular channels of communication with IRC partner organization to share relevant security and access-related information, including incident reports and threat assessments.

Assist local partners in developing and implementing incident response plans, providing guidance during security incidents and emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of their personnel.

Facilitate coordination between IRC partner organization, humanitarian actors, and relevant authorities to enhance collective security efforts and strengthen local networks for information sharing and support.

Monitor the implementation of the Partner Support Plan, providing ongoing guidance and technical assistance to local partners as required.

Staff Management and Development

Coach, train, and mentor staff with the aim of strengthening their technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing professional development guidance.

Supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.

Provide constructive feedback and counsel on appropriate career paths and professional development.

Promote and monitor staff care and well-being; approve and manage all leave requests to ensure adequate coverage.

Offer leadership support for successful adherence by staff to IRCs Global HR Operating Policies and Procedures.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:  Area Coordinator (Ninewa & Kirkuk)
Position directly supervises:  Security Guards

Technical Reporting to: Humanitarian Access and Security Coordinator, Erbil
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: All field staff including Finance, Human Resources, program teams, SC & Fleet

External:  Local authorities, community leaders, and Security forces in Ninawa and Kirkuk

Qualifications

Bachelors degree, with at least 3 years of experience in humanitarian access, safety & and security, including a minimum 1 year of experience in supervising guards.

Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Stable, moral, and robust character and a good team player.

Excellent communication skills, calm, with a good sense of humor.

Proven commitment to accountability practices with strong communication network in the province.

Strong information technology and computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Fluent in Arabic, and fluency in written and spoken English is preferred.

Actively seek opportunities that will complement ability to fulfill positions responsibilities as well as further professional development, such as taking part in internal and external trainings.

Training or experience in crisis management, preferable.

Training in safety, fire, and evacuation procedures, preferable.

Training in safety and disaster management, preferable.

Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Gender Equality IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including maternity leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: Per the Iraqi Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines, IRC requires candidates who are selected for positions to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter IRC premises. However, the exemption is only accepted per the Iraqi Health regulation and upon the provision of a negative PCR test.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Notice to all Job Seekers

IRC implements an equal employment opportunity policy, and our recruitment process is based on merit.

Applicants and/or successful interview candidates (both internal and external) are not required to pay any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

If anyone asks you for any financial or non-financial favors to help you secure a job at IRC, kindly report to [email protected].

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