Job Description
Title: Security and Access Manager – occupied Palestinian Territories (oPT)
Location: Ramallah, West Bank, oPT
Reports to: Country Director – oPT
Technical/Matrix reporting line: Regional Security and Access Director
Direct Reports: Security and Access team of oPT country office
1. Context
About Relief International
RI is active in 15 countries around the world, including some of the most fragile: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Pakistan, Philippines, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen. Often, RI is the only organization providing assistance to highly vulnerable communities.
· Globally RI employs about 5,000 staff and auxiliary workers
· 97% of staff are local nationals and about 90 international (expat) staff
· 2022 programs budget is about $130M
About our Country Program
Relief International was operational in oPT starting in 2007, and after entering hibernation period in 2017, has recently reactivated its operations at the end of 2023. Relief International is currently building its response to the current and evolving situation in both Gaza and the West Bank through both a direct implementation and partnership approach. Relief International’s programming in oPT follows Relief International’s global strategy with Health as a central focus with components linked to our work in Health through the sectors of WASH, Protection, Education and Livelihoods. The context in oPT is extremely dynamic and requires focus on nexus programming that brings together both humanitarian service delivery combined with systems strengthening and longer-term programming. Navigating complex access challenges will be a key area of focus for the Security and Access Manager.
2. Job Profile
The Security and Access Manager is responsible for developing humanitarian access strategy, program risk analysis and program risk management, incident management, capacity building, and ensuring that RI staff in Country are appropriately supported to implement program activities. In the extremely volatile context of oPT, this position is a leadership role within the country senior management team. This position is expected to deploy to high and extreme risk locations to facilitate and lead programme start ups in oPt. The incumbent is expected to have significant and proven experience being a leader in complex environments including being self-sufficient in hostile areas were access restrictions are very high.
3. Key accountabilities and responsibilities
Security and Access:
· In close collaboration with the country team and the Regional Security and Access Director, identify the risks in the working environment and projects locations.
· With CD, lead on access negotiations and advice.
· Ensure regular capacity development and continued professional development training for staff on security.
· Develop and ensure regular review of country risk management, tools, SOPs, rules, ensure staff are trained and adhere to risk management policy, rule, SOP and contingency plans.
· Report security incidents in a timely manner and ensure mitigation and response measures are in place.
· Ensure that the Regional Security and Access Director is constantly updated about the operating environment and programme developments.
· Budgeting for security-related needs, and following up on spending of security budget.
· Develop security risk assessments for all operating areas and effective mitigation measures to ensure the safety of RI Country staff, premises, assets and reputation.
· Develop, roll out and monitor country and area contingency plans, ensuring that they are fit for purpose and kept as live documents.
· Provide access analysis, based on RI Country program demands, in collaboration with country senior management team.
· Provide guidance, feedback to staff on humanitarian-development program access analysis, identify staff’s training needs on access issue such as humanitarian negotiation, humanitarian principles, and stakeholder analysis.
· Identify and evaluate the risks and possible threats associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks, communicating and collaborating regularly with the country senior management team.
Team Management
· Technically manage and provide technical support to area security focal points.
· Ensure effective technical support to area office safety focal persons.
· In collaboration with HR and the Regional Security and Access Director, develop an adapted and focused capacity building plan for all staff covering key areas of SRM and access.
· In collaboration with management and the CD ensure timely and quality staff performance management of safety and access focal points.
· In accordance with RI’s HR policy and in-line with RI’s staff care efforts, maintain a healthy work environment, with reasonable workloads and proper leaves.
· Work with HR team to assess and prevent risks of excessive stress and burnout in the workplace.
Coordination
· Participate and represent RI in Access and Security Working Groups / coordination mechanisms.
· Maintain effective communication with INGO, UN humanitarian access focal points.
Culture and conduct
· Demonstrate and uphold RI’s values, ethics and compliance, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
· Uphold and promote RI’s commitment to ensuring the safeguarding and safety of the vulnerable communities we serve.
· Support systems that prevent sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of the Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.
Management and leadership
· Create a positive and productive work environment which is free from harassment and bullying.
· Demonstrate sensitivity and understanding of diversity and cultural differences, gender issues and the commitment to equal opportunities.
· Work collaboratively with the Safeguarding Leads to advocate for the inclusion of safeguarding activities and resources within program
· Ability to demonstrate knowledge of donor requirements of safeguarding standards and protection from exploitation and abuse.
4. About you.
This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast paced environment. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Key desirable qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree is desirable with commensurate work experience. Prior relevant working experience will be considered without a third level degree.
· Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in security and access management in high risk settings.
· Certification in SRM or risk management is desirable.
· Strong analytical skills with significant experience providing high quality risk and security risk assessments.
· Experience in oPt is desirable but not essential. The role will deploy to all oPt areas.
· Strong and proven experience for providing high quality SRM training including HEAT.
· Minimum of FREC 3, MIRA or equivalent qualification which is current is essential.
· Qualified to deliver emergency first aid/trauma care is desirable.
· Prior experience leading teams in high risk locations including providing medical cover for team members.
· Prior experience in critical incident management and providing CMT/IMT training to senior management teams.
· Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with colleagues in a multi-cultural setting.
· Ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage time efficiently.
· Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including ability to give effective feedback and to guide and mentor direct reports.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and mapping software such as ARC GiS or similar platforms.
Key competencies:
· Adaptable and flexible
· Strategic thinking
· Strong writing and analytical skills
· Solution oriented and positive thinking
· Solid organizational and planning skills
· Self-critic, curious and eager to develop further professionally.
· Communicate with impact and respect.
5. RI Values
Guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as well as “Do No Harm,” Relief International Values:
We value:
· Integrity
· Adaptability
· Collaboration
· Inclusivity
· Sustainability
