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, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. IRC has been working in Ethiopia since 1999 and is implementing integrated, community-managed programs aimed at improving the quality of lives and recover of livelihood of disaster-affected population’s through promoting individual participation, strengthening institutions and emergency response.

Job description

Under the direct supervision of Filed Coordinator and the Safety and Security Coordinator (SSC), the Safety and Security Officer (SSO) is responsible for facilitating the safety and security of IRC personnel and assets and will be responsible for monitoring the security situation of their respective operation area

Responsibilities

1)Network & Access

-Establish and maintain contact with various actors (local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, security forces, etc...).

-Work with Field Office program teams to build network and acceptance in local communities

-Advise the Field management teams on the possibilities of access to the different zones

-Develop ongoing relationships with community leaders and other power brokers within the IRC operational areas. Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work within the IRC operational areas are known and accepted. Work to encourage stakeholders to work with the IRC in ensuring that staff and programs are safe and allowed to continue humanitarian activities. 

2)Planning and Documentation

-Collecting safety and security related information and identify the threats and advise the field team.

-Conduct Safety and Security Risk Assessment to respective field office operation area in consultation with field offices

-Participate in the development of Security Plans (SMP) including appropriate procedures and contingency plans.

-Ensure that all documents are up to date and operational.

-Evaluate and maintain contingency plans adapted to the local context, in particular for evacuation, hibernation and travel.

3)Information and Analysis

-Identify and report all the security information and events, especially those could have an impact on IRC operations.

-Work closely with all staff to ensure that safety and security incidents are reported in accordance with IRC standards.

-Provide and share daily situation report (DSR) and weekly security updates.

4)Trainings and Briefings

-Provide an on-arrival security briefing to all the visitors and new staff

-Identified staff training needs and report to Field Coordinator and Country Safety and security coordinator.

-Provide ongoing training for drivers and guards, as well as for other staff as necessary.

5)Building safety

-Ensure the monitoring and replacement of safety equipment in IRC buildings (fire extinguishers, etc.).

-Ensure the renewal of emergency stocks in IRC offices and guest houses.

-Ensure that each IRC office and guest house has an evacuation plan in case of fire

-Conduct regular security & safety assessments of offices, satellite offices, camps, warehouse to identify any vulnerabilities and give appropriate recommendations.

-Ensure having security guards in all IRC facilities with supervision and planning.

6)Monitoring, Analysis, and Incident Management:

-The SSO will provide support in the event of a safety or security incident affecting an IRC staff member.

-The SSO may work on any other task requested by his/her supervisor, including support to the program or support services teams.

-Compile and submit daily situation report and also that track incidents and trends within the IRC’s area of operation. Submit contextual updates as needed.

7)Security Training and Orientation of Staff and Visitors

-With the support of the SSC provide Safety & Security trainings to IRC staff, based on the findings of the Security Risk Assessment.

-Maintain, review and update the On-Arrival Safety & Security briefings in the IRC operational areas.

-Maintain, a tracker of briefed Staff and visitors on Orientations, and Trainings.