The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview:

The primary objective of the Humanitarian Safety and Security Manager (HSSM) is to cultivate a culture of safety and security that enables the effective delivery of humanitarian programs. Under the supervision of the Humanitarian Access, Safety, and Security Coordinator, the HSSM will be responsible for advising on, updating, and implementing IRC’s Security Standards and Requirements across the Ethiopia Country Program. A key aspect of this role involves strengthening community acceptance of IRC’s humanitarian mission through proactive engagement with local stakeholders. Based in Addis Ababa, the HSSM will travel extensively to field sites, providing hands-on support, capacity building, and guidance to Field Coordinators, Managers, and Security Focal Points. The role is critical in ensuring that security strategies are effectively integrated into program planning and operations.

Major Responsibilities:

Maintains IRC’s Global Minimum Standards for Safety & Security which include security management planning; documentation; orientations and briefings; journey management, including approval processes and staff tracking; incident reporting; office and workplace safety. Conducts country and local Security Risk Assessments for different security risk contexts and uses these periodic assessments to inform its security management planning. Communicates relevant updates to the context, threats or procedures to team members and updates documents as necessary.Drafts, updates, contributions and/or implements the Security Management Plan. Each plan includes at a minimum: risk assessment; contact information for the CIMT; context analysis; standard operating procedures (SOPs); contingency planning; emergency medical planning and contacts, incident reporting instructions.Work with the Humanitarian Access, Safety, and Security Coordinator on mandatory Security Incident reporting. Country offices are required to report and maintain a lot of security incidents. It is the responsibility of the security focal point to maintain this log and also ensure individual security incidents are well-documented in a way that enables the country risk management team to analyze their immediate risk environment and also the agency to learn and improve upon their risk management approach. Critical incidents must be reported to the Humanitarian Safety, Security, and Access Coordinator. Coordinates security training, orientations, visitor briefings, and onboarding to ensure staff are prepared for the risks and environments they may face. This includes pre-deployment briefings on context and IRC procedures, or on-site training when necessary. Updates and refresher sessions are provided periodically as situations evolve.Evaluate, review, and update the evacuation plans for all IRC offices and residences in Ethiopia, 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 Assessment of equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met.

Security Risk Management:

Manage and maintain incident tracking systems and security documentation.Foster a culture of security awareness across the organization.Develop and oversee implementation of: Security Management Plans (SMP)Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Contingency and Risk Mitigation Plans Disseminate regular security updates via accessible platforms.Support incident reporting and ensure timely, accurate documentation and follow-up.Maintain updated emergency contact lists for all operational areas.Coordinate with the Liaison Team on communication device tracking and movement.

Security and Contextual Information Analysis

Monitors local and national news (radio, television and print), information available from other agencies, IRC’s offices, and translates appropriate information in regular updates.Conduct routine site visits to IRC’s field offices and provide situation reports on the security situation in the area. Provide specific recommendations for the field offices and field team members conduct, as required.Use these periodic assessments to ensure that appropriate measures are taken for safe operation.Produce regular written reports in the appropriate language (by demand) on the security situation in the areas of operation.Ensure regularly updated incident mapping based on gathered information.

Training and Orientation

Ensure that the security orientation of new employees is completed in the first week of employment.Ensure that international team members/consultants receive a security orientation within 48 hours.Respond to staff inquiries about security issues and emergencies and provide immediate assistance when necessary.Maintain an updated database of all essential contacts, phone numbers and addresses of law enforcement agencies in the area.Prepare a security training plan with Humanitarian Safety, Security, and Access Coordinator and conduct or organize security training as needed.

Networking and Liaison

Develop ongoing relationships with community elders and other power brokers within Ethiopia. Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work within Ethiopia 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.Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas, and technical input in the writing of new program proposals as required.In coordination with Safety, Security and Access Coordinator, liaise with relevant security actors e.g., NGO Security Focal Points, other NGO security coordinators, and region UNDSS contacts.Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work within Ethiopia is known and accepted.

Accountability

Reports Directly: Access, Safety, and Security Coordinator

Safeguarding Responsibilities

Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Ethiopia Country Office.Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.Minimum Qualifications:

Job Requirements:

Educational Requirements:

BA/MA graduate in Law, Political Science and International Relations, Peace Studies, Security Studies, or related social science fields.

Preferred experience & skills:

4 years of relevant experience for degree holders and 3 years of experience for master’s holdersNon-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian assistance programs with demonstrated capacities in planning, organizing, and executing security operations in the field. Understanding of humanitarian principles, codes of conduct and ideally, specific sub-sector work linked to NGO field operations contexts.Substantial and documented, prior experience as a trainer and training skills – the ability to develop, implement, facilitate, and impart learning to a wide range of audiences.Ability to gain a precise understanding of the various local, regional, country, and international policies, operational positions, and interactions, providing clear dynamic briefings and analysis of given and unfolding security and political situations when they occur.Experience of working in complex humanitarian settings supporting shifting program and partner priorities in emergency or refugee settings.Good working knowledge of communications systems (satellite communications, VHF and HF radio) preferred.Demonstrates a strong sense of personal ethics and accountability in all professional interactions.Maintains accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work.Effectively manages multiple priorities in fast-paced and dynamic environments.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and respectfully.Works well in team settings, fostering cooperation and contributing to collective problem-solving.Willing and able to live and work productively in unstable or harsh conditions.Quickly adjusts to changing circumstances and remains effective under pressure.Committed to continuous personal and professional development.Skilled in managing large volumes of information and prioritizing tasks efficiently.Capable of guiding discussions, building consensus, and motivating teams.Respects and adapts to diverse cultural contexts and perspectives.

Language Skills: 

Proficient in Amharic and English writing and speaking skills. 

Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process.

IRC is an equal employment 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 or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients. 

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.