Humanitarian Access and Security Assistant - Security Assistant in International rescue committee

JOB OVERVIEW:

The IRC is seeking a Humanitarian Access Safety & Security Assistant (HASS Assistant) for its Ukraine operations based in Mykolaiv. The HASS Assistant will work with technical support from the Humanitarian Access and Security Department based in Kyiv, to ensure that organizational security policies and procedures are responsive to the context, are contextually appropriate and known to staff. The position is critical support for creating a strong network with all the actors in the area and maintaining excellent relations with the local authorities in the south region (Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson). 

Reporting to the HASS Officer, the HASS Assistant will support implementation of IRC Safety & Security management measures and contextual analysis to decision makers. S/he will support in providing humanitarian security and advice to the IRC staff based in Mykolaiv and Odesa The HASS Assistant will prioritize the humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, duty of care and the IRC’s strategy action plans for Ukraine in their work.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety and Security Management 

• Assist the HASS Officer in evaluating, reviewing and updating security management plans on a regular basis. Reference and ensure compliance to the IRC Security Management Framework within the SMP and all annexes.
• Contribute to the development, consolidation, and implementation of operating procedures and contingency plans.
• Manage all HASS related assets such as hibernation kits, IFAKs, satphones, and other items in guesthouses, vehicles, and office to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met. 
• Support the HASS Officer in conducting risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices, residences, accommodation, external venues, and new areas of program interventions. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.
• Assist the HASS Officer on updating HASS related documentation (SOPs, Contingency Plans, Security briefing, S&S regulation memo, CONOPs, etc.)
• Monitor the local alarms in south region and disseminate alerts to IRC designated WhatsApp groups.
• Track staff and visitor movements in south region.
• Perform other safety and security management tasks as required. 

Networking and Liaison

• Support the HASS Officer in IRC’s collaboration with external stakeholders in ensuring staff are safe and given permission to continue humanitarian activities in south region.  
• Liaise with relevant security actors e.g., NGO security staff, security forces, local community stakeholders, local authorities.

Context Understanding and Reporting

• Support the HASS Officer to compile and submit regular reports that track incidents and trends in local security contexts. 
• Share security context updates as needed to relevant staff.
• Support the HASS Officer and Field Coordinator on the reporting and follow-up of all incidents and accidents involving IRC staff, incentive workers, or visitors. 
• Monitor the operating environment in the region, identify new threats, assess IRC vulnerabilities and recommend possible responses.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education: Graduation from a higher education facility in a relevant subject is preferred, however secondary education and additional professional experience beyond the minimum will be considered.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 1 year experience working in civilian, charitable foundation, or NGO organizations in Ukraine
• Experience working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, local authorities, community members, etc. with sensitivity and diplomacy
• Experience with HASS related tasks preferred

Demonstrated Competencies:

• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively coordinate across multiple teams
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and timeliness in managing tasks 

Languages Required/Preferred: 

• Fluency in spoken and written Ukrainian
• Intermediate level of English reading skills

Computer/Other Requirements:

• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

• This position will be based in locations where IRC have presence. This position is currently based in Mykolaiv but as this is a fluid and rapidly changing context, the location of this assignment may change based on the operational needs.
• Candidates must have a workspace at home or in another location where they can effectively perform their duties during the working hours specified in the schedule.
• Travel to other locations may take up to 40% of working hours.
• Occasional weekend work may be required.
• Fast-paced environment, multitasking, and resilience under stress 
• The organization cares about its staff and offers flexible working hours (early start - early finish, late start - late finish, remote work).

IRC employees can expect the following benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Goal-oriented work, growth prospects
• English language classes and unlimited online training courses
• Life insurance
• Health insurance for employees and their families
• Free psychological support for employees and their families
• 30 calendar days of annual leave with flexible conditions that are not limited to the minimum standards established by law

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

IRC builds diverse and inclusive teams of professionals who promote team engagement, inclusion and cohesion, critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

The International Rescue Committee is determined to protect the people it serves, its staff and any person associated from all kinds of harm, abuse, and violence, including sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. It is committed to taking all necessary preventive measures and creating an environment where people feel safe and can report misconduct. IRC workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. The IRC also operates and enforces a set of complementary institutional policies to protect clients and staff from harm and abuse through the Adult and Child Safeguarding policies, the Respect at Work and Harassment-free Workplace policies, the Anti-retaliation and Reporter Protection policy, which are complemented by the IRC Global Reporting guidelines. These commitments are accessible in English and in Ukrainian language via this link: https://rescue.box.com/v/irc-safeguarding-policies.