Senior Safety, Security and Access Coordinator

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is looking for a Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety and Security Coordinator (HASSC) for its Ethiopia program, based in Addis Ababa with frequent travel to program sites. Reporting to the Country Director and with technical oversight from the Regional Safety & Security Director, the HASSC ensures that IRC's safety and security policies fit the local context, advises on humanitarian access, and leads the Safety & Security team.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement humanitarian access strategies and negotiate with stakeholders, including armed actors, in line with humanitarian principles and the SAP for Ethiopia
• Update security management plans, SOPs and contingency plans, maintain the country security risk register and hold annual risk appetite reviews
• Carry out risk assessments of offices and residences, set safety standards for vehicles, travel and communications, and manage staff travel clearance
• Maintain security information networks, advise the Country Director on the security context, and compile weekly and daily reports on incidents and trends
• Deliver training on safety, security, negotiation and incident management, and support the development of the onboarding package for new staff
• Take part in program design and budgeting, advise on risk-based decisions on operations, and contribute to conflict-sensitive approaches
• Recruit, supervise and develop the Safety & Security team, including the Safety and Security Manager, and represent IRC with donors, UN agencies and government security agencies
• Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality and neutrality in all security arrangements

Required profile

• University degree, preferably in management, political science, security studies or a related field; a technical diploma with significant experience may be considered
• At least 6 years of related professional experience, including at least 4 years of management experience, preferably in complex and volatile environments with INGOs
• Proven experience in security management, business continuity, access processes and staff wellbeing
• Strong experience as a trainer and in briefing and analysing security and political situations
• Experience building relationships with local stakeholders, NGOs and government, and strong negotiation and mediation skills

Required skills

• Donor-standard proposal and report writing
• Knowledge of communication technologies, including satellite communications, is an asset
• Management, coaching and capacity-building skills, and the ability to work under pressure in an unstable security environment