Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Manager - Ops

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s 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, IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to survive.
More than 3.6 million people have fled across borders to seek safety in the 1st month since the escalation of conflict in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and over 6.5 million Ukrainians are reported to be displaced internally. As the vast majority of the displaced are women, girls, and boys, this could become the worst humanitarian crisis Europe has seen in decades.

Between February 7-23, 2022, an IRC team undertook a scoping mission covering Poland and Ukraine to better understand the context, humanitarian and civil society landscape, and anticipated service gaps in the event of an escalation of conflict in Ukraine and consequent displacement into neighboring Poland. As of February 24th, the IRC has pivoted to an emergency response, and have identified partner agencies in Ukraine to facilitate immediate assistance that can be used where it is the most needed. Simultaneously, the IRC is establishing operations across Ukraine to complement partner response services either in breadth or scale.
This position will be based in Kyiv or Dnipro, with regular travel to other locations in Ukraine as permitted and occasionally to other locations outside of Ukraine for training as permitted. As this is a fluid and rapidly changing context, the location of this position and length of assignment may change based on the needs of the program.

SCOPE OF WORK:
The Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Manager – Operations (HASSM - Ops) 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, monitoring and capacity building. The HASSM - Ops is responsible in Ukraine to monitor the overall security situation, enforce security regulations, provide sound and timely advice to IRC Ukraine staff and management and provide regular oversight and capacity building to Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Officers and Assistants in each Field location.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND COORDINATION:
Managerial/Technical Supervision by : Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Coordinator (Snr. HASSCo)
Technically Supervises: Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Officers and Assistants as necessary as programs expand. 
Key Interfaces: Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Manager – Partnership & Training (HASSM – P&T), Country Program teams and other relevant staff as necessary with program expansion.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety and Security Management Planning

Provide technical support to the security team, field offices and program teams on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity in Ukraine;
Evaluate, review, and update the Ukraine Security Management Plan on a regular basis. Reference and ensure compliance to IRC Security Management Framework within the SMP and all annexes.
Work with the Snr. HASSCo 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 Ukraine and ensure that practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved;
Lead on the risk assessment processes of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.
Undertake continual assessments of equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met.
Provide and implement best possible solutions for use of equipment to facilitate communication between staff, including here proposing safe alternative means of communication and equipments
When required, replace and/or support Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Officers in the different locations
When required, support Security Risk Assessments in new locations and/or high risk environments
When required, replace/act as Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Coordinator for the Country Program

Humanitarian Access Management\
Identify barriers to access and support program teams in developing mitigation strategies

Provide technical support to program teams in assessing the suitability of establishing operations in new locations
Develop ongoing relationships with local authorities as needed and other power brokers within.
Promote and support integration of humanitarian access approaches into program design and implementation
Constantly monitor available sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access in areas of operations
Support key field management teams to develop and implement community engagement strategies that promote acceptance and access.

Capacity Building

Liaise with HASSM – P&T in order to jointly draft a development plan with precise capacity building method to the Safety and Security team.
Liaise with HASSM – P&T in order to plan, deliver on a timely manner capacity building and training opportunities for HASSOs and HASS Assistants in each field location
On-the-job capacity building of HASSOs and HASS Assistants through mentoring, coaching and guidance
Support HASSOs to provide regular sensitizations to 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; Communications protocols, etc.
Support HASSOs to work with the HR focal point on reviewing, updating the IRC Ukraine Security Information package for new hires and visitors.
Strengthen and expand the capacity of field teams in order to prepare and respond in a timely manner to emerging emergencies

Monitoring, Analysis and Supervision

Identify, establish and manage context appropriate approach to ensure IRC facilities are secure
Compile and submit monthly security reporting that track incidents and trends within the IRC’s area of operation. Submit daily contextual updates as needed to the Snr. HASSCo 
Work closely with IRC teams in Field Offices in Ukraine to ensure all incidents and accidents are followed up with an official written report, which is then shared with relevant stakeholders and filed appropriately. Ensure also that final incident reports are provided when IRC is closing the case.
Coordinate regularly with the Snr. HASSCo on Humanitarian Access and security, and fulfill reporting requirements to the region.
Collect and compile all security reports for IRC Ukraine.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development

Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions including staff development plans.

REQUIREMENTS
Job Requirements
Education: University degree in Business Management, International Relations, Political Science, or related field, preferred. Technical degree or certification in related field with significant applicable experience

Work Experience:

A minimum of 3 years of non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian assistance programs with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing and executing security operations in the field.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

Proven experience as a professional and reliable manager (including management of people and projects)

Highly skilled in organizing large-scale, fast-paced, responsive field programs

Situational awareness and opportunity awareness

Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation

Exceptional organizational and coordination skills

Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:

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 essential
Superior oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders
Experience of working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, government, etc. with sensitivity and diplomacy.
Proven ability to design and lead training engagements with staff and partners to enhance skills and adapt to changing program demands
Perform other duties as required to support the safety, security, and effectiveness of IRC Ukraine

Languages Required/Preferred: 
Fluency in spoken and written Ukrainian, Russian and English.
Computer/Other Requirements:
Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Knowledge of GIS is appreciated
Ability to Travel: Full-time deployment within Ukraine

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

SCOPE OF WORK:
The Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Manager – Operations (HASSM - Ops) 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, monitoring and capacity building. The HASSM - Ops is responsible in Ukraine to monitor the overall security situation, enforce security regulations, provide sound and timely advice to IRC Ukraine staff and management and provide regular oversight and capacity building to Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Officers and Assistants in each Field location.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND COORDINATION:
Managerial/Technical Supervision by : Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Coordinator (Snr. HASSCo)
Technically Supervises: Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Officers and Assistants as necessary as programs expand. 
Key Interfaces: Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Manager – Partnership & Training (HASSM – P&T), Country Program teams and other relevant staff as necessary with program expansion.
External:
RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety and Security Management Planning
Provide technical support to the security team, field offices and program teams on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity in Ukraine;
Evaluate, review, and update the Ukraine Security Management Plan on a regular basis. Reference and ensure compliance to IRC Security Management Framework within the SMP and all annexes.
Work with the Snr. HASSCo 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 Ukraine and ensure that practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved;
Lead on the risk assessment processes of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.
Undertake continual assessments of equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met.
Provide and implement best possible solutions for use of equipment to facilitate communication between staff, including here proposing safe alternative means of communication and equipments
When required, replace and/or support Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Officers in the different locations
When required, support Security Risk Assessments in new locations and/or high risk environments
When required, replace/act as Senior Humanitarian Access, Safety & Security Coordinator for the Country Program


Humanitarian Access Management
Identify barriers to access and support program teams in developing mitigation strategies
Provide technical support to program teams in assessing the suitability of establishing operations in new locations
Develop ongoing relationships with local authorities as needed and other power brokers within.
Promote and support integration of humanitarian access approaches into program design and implementation
Constantly monitor available sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access in areas of operations
Support key field management teams to develop and implement community engagement strategies that promote acceptance and access.


Capacity Building
Liaise with HASSM – P&T in order to jointly draft a development plan with precise capacity building method to the Safety and Security team.
Liaise with HASSM – P&T in order to plan, deliver on a timely manner capacity building and training opportunities for HASSOs and HASS Assistants in each field location
On-the-job capacity building of HASSOs and HASS Assistants through mentoring, coaching and guidance
Support HASSOs to provide regular sensitizations to 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; Communications protocols, etc.
Support HASSOs to work with the HR focal point on reviewing, updating the IRC Ukraine Security Information package for new hires and visitors.
Strengthen and expand the capacity of field teams in order to prepare and respond in a timely manner to emerging emergencies

Monitoring, Analysis and Supervision

Identify, establish and manage context appropriate approach to ensure IRC facilities are secure
Compile and submit monthly security reporting that track incidents and trends within the IRC’s area of operation. Submit daily contextual updates as needed to the Snr. HASSCo 
Work closely with IRC teams in Field Offices in Ukraine to ensure all incidents and accidents are followed up with an official written report, which is then shared with relevant stakeholders and filed appropriately. Ensure also that final incident reports are provided when IRC is closing the case.
Coordinate regularly with the Snr. HASSCo on Humanitarian Access and security, and fulfill reporting requirements to the region.
Collect and compile all security reports for IRC Ukraine.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development
Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions including staff development plans.
Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability the “IRC Way” – Global Standards for Professional Conduct - and ensure adherence.

REQUIREMENTS
Job Requirements
Education: University degree in Business Management, International Relations, Political Science, or related field, preferred. Technical degree or certification in related field with significant applicable experience
Work Experience:
A minimum of 3 years of non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian assistance programs with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing and executing security operations in the field.
Understanding the humanitarian principles, code of conduct and specific sub-sector work linked to NGO field and operations contexts.
Advanced knowledge in communications technology, including, satellite communications, cell phone mediums, etc.
Strong experience as a trainer; ability to develop, implement, facilitate and impart learning to a wide range of audiences.
Ability to gain a precise understanding of the various local, regional, country and international policies, operational positions and interactions, providing clear dynamic briefings and analysis of given and unfolding security and political situations when they occur.
Regional experience strongly preferred
Previous NGO security management an asset.
Demonstrated Technical Skills:
Proven experience as a professional and reliable manager (including management of people and projects)
Highly skilled in organizing large-scale, fast-paced, responsive field programs
Situational awareness and opportunity awareness
Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation
Exceptional organizational and coordination skills
Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:
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 essential
Superior oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders
Experience of working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, government, etc. with sensitivity and diplomacy.
Proven ability to design and lead training engagements with staff and partners to enhance skills and adapt to changing program demands
Perform other duties as required to support the safety, security, and effectiveness of IRC Ukraine
Languages Required/Preferred: 
Fluency in spoken and written Ukrainian, Russian and English. 
Computer/Other Requirements:
Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Knowledge of GIS is appreciated
Ability to Travel: Full-time deployment within Ukraine
Standards of Professional Conduct The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.
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 parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Working Environment: Staff must comply with all IRC security policies and procedures applicable to IRC employee. IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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