Humanitarian Access & Security – Afghanistan at NTERSOS

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Humanitarian Access & Security

Code: SR-28-2059

Duty station: Kabul with frequent field visits to the Southern Region (Kandahar and Zabul Provinces)

Starting date: 01/11/2021

Contract duration: 1 year

Reporting to: Head of Mission

Supervision of: Security officers Kabul and Kandahar

Dependents: Non-family Duty station

General context of the project

Protracted humanitarian crisis and conflict, displacement, governance failure and a deep socio-economic crisis have had a devastating impact on the Afghan population, namely on the most vulnerable groups, caught up in the active conflict-zones, displaced and returned to the country. The South Region, in particular Kandahar and Zabul Provinces, is amongst the critically affected areas. Political and security situation remains volatile, despite the peace talks: almost 50% of the territory is considered contested with frequents clashes and airstrikes.

INTERSOS has been present in Afghanistan since 2001 with a country office in Kabul, a field base in Kandahar City and a sub-base in Qalat. INTERSOS focuses on implementing emergency response and relief programs in different sectors: Health, Nutrition, Protection and WASH, serving the conflict-affected population (displaced and not displaced) and with community living in hard-to reach areas. A special focus is dedicated to Extreme Vulnerable Individuals (women, children, person with disabilities, etc.).

The program’s general objective is to contribute to reduce the protection and health risks of hard to reach conflict-affected communities. The proposed program aims to improve access to integrated protection, primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care) and nutrition services in the conflict affected areas of Kandahar and Zabul Provinces.

General purpose of the position

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Mission, the Humanitarian Access & Security Coordinator will develop and oversee the implementation of humanitarian access and security management plans in compliance with INTERSOS strategy and in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, Duty of Care and Gender Equality principles.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Safety and Security Management

1-Provide technical support to all IINTERSOS offices in Afghanistan on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity.

2-Update, the Security Management Plans (Comprehensive Planning Process) for all the bases in Afghanistan and related procedures.

3- Ensure the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures and contingency plans by working with the Security Officers in Kabul and Kandahar.

3- Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for all INTERSOS premises in Afghanistan, and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved.

4-Ensure that accurate, up-to-date security/communications information is available in appropriate local language(s) to all staff based in Afghanistan.

5-Coordinate Safety and Security Response in case of Incident.

6-Conduct Safety and Security Assessment on Safety and Security Assets and related procedures.

7-Support relevant department in identification of Safety and Security need and related budget.

Humanitarian Access

1-Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and regular assessment reviews for existing locations.

2-Ensure humanitarian access approaches are responsive to local context and include overarching community engagement components.

3-Be aware and ready to respond based on contextual and situational changes.

4-Participate to the mission access working group providing technical advice.

5-Coordinate with relevant department for the organization of training for relevant staff members on Humanitarian access and Negotiation.

Monitoring, Reporting & Analysis

1- Constantly monitor available sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access and security.

2-Prepare and disseminate regular updates to senior and relevant staff in the field.

3-Provide timely area-based access analysis based on programmatic demands.

4-Compile and submit the Monthly Security Report.

Required profile and experience

Education

Master degree in political

science, international relations, humanitarian affairs, or a technical degree

or certification in a related field with considerable field experience (5

Year Minimum)

Professional Experience

A minimum of 7 years

of non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian

assistance programs with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing and

executing complex operations in a field set-up

Professional Requirements

• Understanding of humanitarian principles, codes of conduct and ideally, specific sub-sector work linked to NGO field operations contexts
• Proven experience as a professional and reliable manager (including management of people and projects)
• Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation
• Experience

of working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international

NGOs, local authorities with sensitivity and diplomacy

Languages

Fluent in English**

Personal Requirements

• Strategic vision, leadership, people management;
• Culturally sensitive and able to understand and work in a very complex contexts;
• Creative competency to set up new strategies, new projects, new tools;
• Problem solving attitude;
• Good team player with strong initiative;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Ability to adapt and work in difficult situations