In Libya, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated since the 2011 revolution. According to the United Nations Humanitarian Needs Overview for 2020, 1.8 million people have been affected by the crisis, and more than 893,000 people need some form of humanitarian assistance, a nine percent increase on 2018.
IRC launched an emergency program in September 2016 in Libya that provided medical care, medicines and supplies and rehabilitations to primary health care centers (PHCCs), along with GBV protection programming in Misrata. Since then, the IRC’s presence in Libya has rapidly expanded.
The IRC now works in Health and Protection programing in different contexts (urban areas, Detention Centers, Disembarkation Points, Shelters) in Zwara and Zwayia, Tripoli, Gharyan, Zliten, Khoms, Misrata, Tawerga, Bani Walid and areas in South Libya targeting migrants and refugees, IDPs and hosting population.
Job Overview/Summary
The Senior Humanitarian Access & Security Coordinator (SHASC) is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), reporting to the Country Director, and manages the Humanitarian Access & Security Management Unit (HASU) for the Libya country program.
The SHASC will supervise the Humanitarian Access & Security Coordinator (HASM), in collaboration with key programs and operations colleagues in Libya, to safely enable the delivery of essential services to women, men, and children inside Libya. She or he will develop and oversee the implementation of humanitarian access and security management systems and protocols in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, duty of care principles, and IRC’s strategy.
The SHASC will lead the HSAU to identify changes and trends in the humanitarian access and security environment in Libya, develop and oversee the implementation of responsive plans, standard operating procedures and contingency plans, and facilitate training and capacity building of both management and field staff.
The SHASC will provide expert humanitarian access and security risk management advice to all levels of IRC staff in the country office on building relationships with stakeholders, negotiating and mediating humanitarian access, contextual understanding, managing critical incidents, and providing timely advisories.
The SHASC will work closely with the CD, Deputy Director of Programs (DDP), Deputy Director of Operations (DDO), Field Coordinator (FC), and Program Coordinators (PC) to ensure that organizational security policies and procedures are responsive to the context, adequate and known to staff, and in line with global safety and security standards.
Working closely with the CD and DDO, The SHASC will help maximize the effectiveness of IRC’s activities in Libya by contributing to the design and ongoing adaptation of programming to ensure it is contextually appropriate. Where applicable, she or he will also provide guidance and support to partner organizations and ensure the capacity building of IRC staff, incentive workers, and partners with active hands-on collaboration.
Major Responsibilities
1. Humanitarian Access Management
• Develop and implement humanitarian access strategies and approaches tailored to local contexts in field sites throughout Libya
• Ensure humanitarian access approaches are responsive to local context and include overarching community engagement components
• Ensure that the IRC field humanitarian access teams conduct principled and sustainable negotiations with relevant actors in Libya in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, duty of care principles, and the IRC’s strategy
• Work to ensure that IRC, its mission and work in the areas of operations is 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 in Libya
• Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and regular assessment reviews for existing locations
• Assist in the continued development of humanitarian access teams and activities across Libya
• Contribute in developing and implementing guidelines for humanitarian access and engagement with non-state actors articulating standard IRC policy and guidance
• Oversee and advise on the implementation and review of tailored acceptance strategies
• Maintain a high level of preparedness vis-a-vis predicted contextual fluctuations operationally and programmatically
• Enhance IRC image and acceptance within the community and amongst stakeholders by providing guidance on inclusive visibility strategies
• Work with appropriate IRC units, including HR, to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up to violations of IRC’s Code of Conduct, in addition to operational breaches to humanitarian principles
2. Safety and Security Risk Management
• Provide technical support to the CD and Senior Management on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity in Libya
• Evaluate, review and update the security management plans on a regular basis in compliance with global safety and security standards and requirements
• Work with CD, DDO, Field Coordinator, and members of the HASU to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans
• Maintain a network of IRC Security Focal Points at each field office and program site
• Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for all IRC offices and residences in Libya and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved
• Conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards
• Undertake continual assessments of equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met
• Provide and implement best possible solutions for use of equipment to facilitate communication between staff, including here proposing safe alternative means of communication and equipment
• Ensure safety and security protocol, reporting mechanism, and capacity building initiative account for gender-specific risks, staff profiles and background, and are sensitive to local contexts
3. Networking and Liaison
• Maintaining a network of IRC security focal points in the country program as well as external professional contacts and counterparts
• Provide timely feedback on questions and technical assistance requests from country program team members
• Monitor and provide support and reporting on NGO field security initiatives as required
• Identify, create and maintain a network with NGO/UN and other humanitarian access and security specialists
• Facilitate regional NGO security coordination through networking, collaboration and coordination with humanitarian actors
4. Context Understanding and Reporting
• Compile and submit regular reports that track incidents and trends in humanitarian access and local security contexts within the IRC’s area of operation.
• Submit daily contextual updates as needed to the SMT and relevant field and program management staff
• Work closely with IRC field management teams to ensure all incidents and accidents are followed up with an official written report, which is then shared with relevant stakeholders and filed appropriately. Ensure that final incident reports are provided when IRC is closing the case
• Monitor the operating environment in the region, identify new threats, assess IRC vulnerabilities and recommend possible responses
• Coordinate regularly with the Regional Safety & Security Director on safety and security, and fulfill reporting requirements to the region
• Contribute to local-level conflict sensitivity analysis and macro- level analysis of trends within the Libyan conflict with the support of the Regional Humanitarian Context Analyst
• Provide credible information and contextual understanding of localized and country-wide security situations and incidents along with appropriate advice to IRC field and program management staff
5. Training and Capacity Building
• Provide a capacity development plan with precise implementation plans in line with the regional Humanitarian Access & Security Capacity Development Strategy
• Work closely with the Regional Security Capacity Building Coordinator to identify learning and development needs in the country program
• Provide regular trainings for IRC staff on humanitarian principles and safety and security preparedness. Training(s) may include Standard Operational Procedures; Humanitarian Negotiations; Contextual Understanding; Safety & Security Risk Management; Incident Management & Reporting; etc.
• Liaise with partners to assess capacity building needs and provide advice and support where feasible and necessary
• Work with relevant internal focal points to develop and review the information and on-boarding package for new hires and visitors
6. Program Development
• Participate in program design in close cooperation with the CD, DDO, and DDP
• Support program coordinator and field management staff in developing conflict-sensitive and contextually-appropriate approaches in Libya
• Participate in program review meetings and contribute to implementation plans to ensure the timely, safe, and secure delivery of IRC service to beneficiaries
• Advise program and field management teams on context-specific risks pertaining humanitarian access, safety, and security, and contribute to the development and implementation of mitigation measures and plans
7. Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Contribute to the development of country emergency preparedness plans
• As required, support and advise the SMT during humanitarian or security/safety emergencies
• Assist with the humanitarian access and security component (situation analysis and background information, security assessments) of the Emergency Response Team deployments in Libya
• Contribute to the development of operational and programmatic contingency plans that respond to different emergency scenarios
8. Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development
• Hire, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies
• Develop and implement remote management capacity building approaches to build the strengths of the team in Libya
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions
• Approve and manage all time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.
• As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff
• Look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations
Job Requirements
Education: University degree in Business Management, International Relations, Political Science, or related field, preferred. Technical degree or certification in related field with significant applicable experience.
Work Experience:
• A minimum of 5 years of non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian assistance programs with demonstrated capabilities in planning, organizing and executing humanitarian security operations in the field
• Understanding of local context, dynamics, and access limitations related gender, disability, religion, tradition, and local norms.
• Knowledge in communications technology, including, satellite communications, cell phone mediums, etc. is a plus
• Strong experience as a trainer; ability to develop, implement, facilitate and impart learning to a wide range of audiences
• Experience of gaining a precise and impartial understanding of local, regional and international policies, operational positions and interactions, providing clear dynamic briefings and analysis of given and unfolding security and political situations when they occur
• Regional experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated Technical Skills
• Proven experience as professional and reliable manager (including management of people and projects)
• Highly skilled in organizing large-scale, fast-paced, responsive field programs
• Situational awareness and opportunity awareness
• Solid ability to provide team-building, coaching, and development for staff as well as encourage cross-functional collaboration and cooperation
• Exceptional organizational and coordination skills
Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively represent IRC at forums and with external stakeholders
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills essential with experience in conflict resolution is essential
• Superior oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders
• Experience of working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, government, etc. with sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Proven ability to design and lead training engagements with staff and partners to enhance skills and adapt to changing program demands
Languages Required/Preferred:
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required
• Knowledge of Arabic language is a plus
Computer/Other Requirements:
• Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Ability to Travel: 30-40% travel, primarily within Libya
Working Environment
The security level is 4 (Red) in Tripoli. Staff must comply with all IRC security policies and procedures applicable to international staff.
Shared housing in a guest house with modern amenities will be provided. The position is unaccompanied.
Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.
Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Attention Returning National Candidates: IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs. We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a national of the country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Middle East & North Africa Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply.
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
How to apply
https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/19644?c=rescue