Humanitarian Access and Security Manager – Palestine At Handicap International – Humanity & Inclusion

Place: Jerusalem, with some visits to West Bank and Gaza
Duration of contract: 6 months
Starting date: ASAP between 1st March and 1st April 2024
Closing date for applications: 1st March

Handicap International/Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial international solidarity organization, which intervenes in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflicts and disasters. Working alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, it acts and speaks out to meet their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote respect for their dignity and fundamental rights. More info: www.hi.org

At Handicap International-Humanity & Inclusion, we truly believe in the importance of inclusion and diversity within our organisation. This is why we are engaged to a disability policy to encourage the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities.

Please indicate if you require any special accommodation, even at the first interview.

JOB CONTEXT:
The Palestine mission is part of the Mashriq regional programme, which covers Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine. HI in 2023 has been implementing a mix of humanitarian and development projects in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including a long-term rehabilitation project in Gaza. HI is also the coordinator of the Rehabilitation Platforms in Gaza and in the West Bank (two coordination bodies among all rehabilitation actors in each area).

The new conflict between Hamas and Israel in October 2023 has created a major humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Around 27,000 Palestinians have been killed, more than 60,000 have been injured, and several thousand among them have suffered from amputations or permanent impairments. HI is managing a complex humanitarian operation in the Gaza Strip, with extreme challenges in terms of access and security. In addition, HI is also implementing a mix of emergency response and preparedness activities in the West Bank, with several access and security challenges.

HI current response spans these sectors: physical rehabilitation, mental health and psychosocial support, education in emergencies, armed violence reduction / humanitarian mine action, and distribution of health, hygiene, and NFI kits

Main challenges: very high security risks, very complex humanitarian access challenges, and major logistics constraints in Gaza; security risks, access constraints, and potential further escalation in West Bank and East Jerusalem.

YOUR MISSION:
The Humanitarian Access & Security Manager (HASM) Palestine will be in charge of overall security management and access negotiation in Palestine and in Israel. In some periods, as required by the total workload and the complexity of the risks, he might share or split this responsibility for Gaza with a second HASM deployed inside the Gaza Strip. He will have a formal reporting line to the Regional Director, in particular for objectives and strategy, with day-to-day tasking and monitoring delegated to the Country Manager Palestine.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

STANDARDS AND EXPERTISE
– Ensures the implementation of HI’s security policy, operational guide and new security guidelines,
– Represents HI externally with regard to security matters concerning his/her country.

OPERATION IMPLEMENTATION
– Context monitoring, strengthening acceptance and humanitarian access,
– Continuously monitors and analyses developments in the local, national and regional humanitarian context and the actors involved, identifies obstacles to access and opportunities for improvement,
– Supports the Programme Director / Country Manager with the development of the programme’s access strategy, and helps implement it,
– Provides advice and guidance on evolving security risks, necessary resources, security frameworks, documents and strategies, and shares best practices for the safe and secure management of HI activities in the country.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITION:
– Jerusalem: In normal times, the security is relatively stable most of the year, with some days of mass demonstrations and isolated acts of violence, in particular during key religious holidays and anniversaries of important historical events. There are several opportunities for social and cultural life. In the current crisis, there is a heightened risk of violence and an increasing number of Israeli checkpoints. International staff have some limited opportunities for social life and daily trips.

– West Bank: In normal times, the security is relatively stable in Ramallah and Bethlehem, but overall unstable in Hebron and the Northern West Bank, with regular episodes of Israeli armed incursions, settler violence, and Palestinian attacks. In the current crisis, the number of incursions and violent incidents has increased considerably, and most towns and villages are isolated from each other due to the closure of all Israeli checkpoints for Palestinians.

– Gaza Strip: In normal times, the security is unpredictable, with long calm periods followed by short bouts of armed confrontation. Security rules are tight with controlled movement. Systems for hibernation and evacuation are in place. In the current crisis the whole population is at constant risk due to frequent airstrikes. HI’s team has relocated to Rafah governorate. HI has setup a solid system with for security management, although the risks will remain high as long as the war continues.

YOUR PROFILE:

At least 6 years of overall professional experience in access and security functions,
At least 3 years of experience in conflict-affected countries,
Ability to manage stress,
Proactiveness and productivity,
Past experience in Middle Eastern countries is an asset.

CONDITIONS:
At HI, the conditions offered are up to your commitment and adapted to the context of your mission. https://hi.org/en/join-the-team

6 months International contract starting between 1st March and 1st April 2024.
The international contract provides social cover adapted to your situation:
Unemployment insurance benefits for EU nationals
Pension scheme
Medical coverage with 50% of employee contribution
Repatriation insurance paid by HI
Salary from 2869€ gross/month upon experience
Perdiem: 703.25€ net/month – paid in the field
Hardship: 500 € net/month paid with your salary
Paid leaves: 25 days per year;
R&R: Level 3: 5 days every 6 weeks => + possible transport/package support.
Position:
- unaccompanied
Housing: Collective taken in charge by HI