Background

The purpose of NRC’s Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) function is to enable a principled humanitarian response in a safe manner, for the communities and partners we work with and our staff. Despite NRC’s success in delivering assistance to those in need, security and access constraints remain significant challenges. Obstacles such as conflict and violence, environmental and physical challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and interference in humanitarian operations hinder the delivery of services and protection to displacement affected people.

Responsibilities

Roles and Responsibilities

The Humanitarian Access and Safety (HAS) Technical Assistant supports humanitarian access, safety and security and Liaison within the Field Office. The HAS Technical Assistant works under the supervision of the HAS Manager/ Area HAS Coordinator/ Field Office Coordinator (as applicable).

The HAS Technical Assistant will be primarily responsible for two roles:

• Security and Safety Tasks: Responsible for supporting the day-to-day implementation of Security and Safety Operations and all matters relating to the management of Safety & Security.
• Liaison Tasks: Responsible for carrying out the liaison functions, leading the process of engagement with authorities and other relevant stakeholders for Taiz field office. Coordinating with local authorities to solve problems that staff encountered during field activities implementation. Responsible for developing and maintaining healthy relationships with local authorities and stakeholders, within the confines of humanitarian principles.

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Generic Responsibilities

1. Support the implementation of the NRC Global HAS Management System at Field Office level.

2. Assist in the preparation, updating, and filing of HAS plans and procedures at Field Office level.

3. Support the preparation of HAS documents and reports upon request from line management.

4. Support in the preparation and delivery of HAS training.

5. Assist the HAS Coordinator/ Field Office Coordinator/HAS Manager in their functions, including Security Risk Assessments (SRAs) and access assessments, and regular briefings.

6. Ensure adherence to NRC policies, guidance and procedures, with a particular focus on HAS policies and procedures.

7. Give support to relevant NRC staff in maintaining and developing safe and secure work environment, as well as developing and maintaining good relationships with local authorities and officials.

8. Uphold and promote NRC values, code of conduct and Humanitarian Principles.

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Specific Responsibilities

• Understand HAS key documents to provide necessary support in creating, updating, and filing risk assessments, plans, and procedures.
• Support the preparation, updating, and filing of site assessments and reviews of potential NRC rental premises.
• Assist the monitoring of vehicle and staff movements according to procedures and that necessary safety and security equipment within each vehicle is available and in good condition.
• Assist in identifying needs and contribute to updating HAS training trackers. Support the delivery of training such as Hostile Environment Individual Security Training (HEIST), Field First Aid, and fire safety courses. Conducting training courses on security awareness and preparedness, and providing security orientation to newly assigned staff members, as well as conducting security briefings, as required.
• Accompany or conduct NRC field missions to gain an understanding of the zone, gather relevant information, and build a network of contacts, NRC policies, and Humanitarian Principles.
• Collaborating in preparing, developing, and socializing HAS recommendations, briefings, and debriefings for the field Office colleagues and visitors.
• Assist in creating new users and training colleagues in the travel authorization request system.
• Support the constant updating of the field Office emergency communication tree.
• Assist in searching and systematizing relevant security or humanitarian information from publicly available sources to contribute to HAS contextual analyses.
• Provide requested assistance to achieve the HAS Operational Plan objectives.
• Assist in promoting Safeguarding principles and commitments within NRC and amongst communities served by NRC.
• Coordinates with HAS Coordinator, Field Office Coordinator in reporting security incidents affecting NRC staff, offices and assets via NRC protect.
• Support in investigations and report security breaches/incidents within the organization mandates to the HAS Coordinator, Field Office Coordinator and Area Manager, HAS Manager, while ensuring strict confidentiality.
• Take an active role in the development and implementation of evacuation/emergency security plans.
• Monitor the local security situation and report significant events/incidents in a timely manner to the appropriate management/staff using prescribed reporting forms and modalities.
• Supervise and monitor the contracted security guards and ensure that posts are always manned.
• Participate in general food/ non-food items distributions the fields and monitoring field activities in the field.
• Build and improve the relationships and negotiation between the organization, the community and security and government authorities to facilitate all issues related to NRC operations, activities and staff movements.
• Maintains a database on contact details in relation to key actors and authorities.
• Lead in the preparation of staff movement permits, programs visit permit, and transporting (items) permits in the targeted areas by the coordination and liaisons with relevant stakeholders and government authorities.
• Liaises and coordinates, as appropriate with the Security Authorities and relevant stakeholders to support staff in the field for safe movement, through coordination and follow-up with the local authorities and other related stakeholders.
• Perform any other tasks related to HAS and the position as delegated by the line manager.

Qualifications

Generic Professional Competencies

• Good understanding of Humanitarian Principles, NGO safety and risk management, and humanitarian access.
• Previous experience working in complex contexts, with an NGO is a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office applications including Word and Excel.
• Working proficiency in relevant language (English), both written and verbal.
• University degree in any field preferable in social sciences, law enforcement or certified graduation from military/police academy.
• 1-2 years' experience working with INGOs, NGOs or foundations.
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts.
• Good political and security knowledge of the operational area.
• Previous experience, with the INGOs, in safety and security tasks.
• Demonstrated diplomatic communication skills with ability to build a strong network with a variety stakeholder.
• Able to do required regular travel within a designated Local Authority area and may require travel outside.
• Ability to engage and influence government authorities and its departments to achieve results.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively advocate on behalf of NRC.
• Native Arabic speaker and good English language skills.
• Knowledge of humanitarian principles, standards and other humanitarian related issues.
• Demonstrated high attention to details.
• Demonstrated competencies in drafting letters in Arabic.

Context Related Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working in Taiz governorate context is desirable.
• Competent in written and spoken English and Arabic.
• Experience working with government, local authorities, humanitarian actors, migrants, host communities and displaced populations (IDPs, Returnees and Refugees).
• Good knowledge of governance and administrative structures within Yemen.
• Knowledge of Yemen legislation and policies related to INGO Work in the country.
• Knowledge of humanitarian coordination mechanisms, international NGO and UN mandates.

Behavioral Competencies

• Planning and delivering results.
• Working with People.
• Analyzing.
• Communicating with impact and respect.
• Coping with change and handling insecure environments.
• Empowering and building trust.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.
• Ability to absorb complex written and verbal information and communicate effectively.
• Ability to strengthen effective working relationships at all levels.