Humanitarian Access and Security Officer - Bekaa - FOR NATIONAL CANDIDATES ONLY

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a prominent international organization working in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression.

Working in coordination with the humanitarian community, IRC currently addresses the needs of war- affected Syrians from several operational bases in the region. Our activities focus primarily on the supply of vital medications and medical equipment, non-food items, water and sanitation and women and children’s protection, and form part of an over-arching humanitarian response in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and the region that seeks to assist refugees, IDPs and war-affected Syrians survive conflict and displacement.

Location: Zahle- Bekaa

Travel Requirements: Bekaa

Project/Dept: Humanitarian Access and Security Department

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND COORDINATION:

Reports to: Field Coordinator

Dotted-Line to: Humanitarian Access and Security Senior Manager

Technical Oversight/

Support by: Humanitarian Access and Security Senior Manager

Technical Oversight/ Support to: N/A

Coordinates With

Internal: IRC Staff based in Bekaa and Humanitarian Access and Security team in Beirut

External: All stakeholders related to Security and Safety in Bekaa, following instructions SSSM and confirmation of FC .

SCOPE OF WORK

The Bekaa Safety and security Officer supports the safe, effective and efficient access to and by people in need for humanitarian assistance, in line with humanitarian principles, through information and procedure management, direct support to staff, negotiation and liaison, and monitoring.  The HASO is responsible to  monitor the overall security situation, enforce security regulations and provide sound and timely advice to IRC Lebanon staff and management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety and Security Management Planning

• Supported technically bi HASSM, s/he will update  all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity in their respective area of operations;
• Assist field coordinator and HASSM to deal with security incidents in Bekaa.
• Work with HASSM to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans;
• Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for all IRC offices and residences in Bekaa, and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved;
• Conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences in the Bekaa area
• Undertake continual assessments of equipment to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met.

Monitoring, Analysis and Supervision

• Identify, establish and manage context appropriate approach to assure IRC facilities are secure – i.e. third-party security companies.
• Work closely with IRC teams to ensure all incidents and accidents are followed up with an official written report, which is then shared with relevant stakeholders and filed appropriately.
• Compile the incidents reports and security information and share them with the HASSO to include in the Monthly Security Report.  Submit daily contextual updates as needed to the HASSM.
• Coordinate regularly with the SSSM on safety and security, and fulfill reporting requirements to the region.
• Regularly monitor the news and share timely security related information and advisories relevant to their areas of operations.

Capacity Building

• Provide Training(s) may include Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs); Contingency Plans (CPs); Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; Communications (Equipment - Thuraya; protocols).
• Conduct orientation for new staff in their areas of operations.

Humanitarian Access:

• Analyze security information and assess impact on area of operation.
• In Coordination with HASSSM and FCs, schedule regular meetings with state actors and dominant non state actors to enable and maintain access through official representation.
• Inform programs and operations staff of requirements for humanitarian access during planning
• Ensure timely completion of processes and procedures to facilitate effective and efficient access
• Manage and maintain records of permits, clearances and exemptions from relevant actors
• Provide direct support to staff and management to resolve access issues, including interference and questioning through coordination, liaison and negotiation.
• Track and report on the humanitarian access environment including incidents and issues to inform humanitarian access planning and management and recommend solutions.
• Actively contribute to information exchange both internally and externally and share with the HASSSM in timely manner.

REQUIREMENTS

Education degree: Bachelor Degree

Field of education: Tertiary education (Bachelor minimum) in communication, politics, risk or other related field

• 1 – 3 years of Experience working with NGOs, other international agencies or multinational business
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Stable, moral and robust character and a good team-player
• Excellent communication skills, calm    and a good sense of humor
• Proven commitment to accountability practices
• Strong information technology skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Arabic Preferable
• Management and/or supervisory experience
• Training or experience in crisis management
• Training in safety, fire and evacuation procedures
• Training in safety and disaster management
• Experience negotiating access for humanitarian or other agencies

LANGUAGES

Arabic: Fluent

English: Fluent

French: is a plus

OTHER

The position will be based in Zahle- Lebanon with travel across the country.