Humanitarian Access and Safety Advisor

Humanitarian Access and Safety Advisor 

Direction of International Operations – Emergency Unit / Odessa-Mikolaiev, Ukraine 

CONTEXT: 

 MdM International Network has been operating in Ukraine since 2014, improving access to health care, especially providing comprehensive Primary Health Care (PHC), Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH ) and Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS) services. 

Since February 2022, MdM Spain is leading the country response for the network, while MdM-France is in charge of the operations in Southern Ukraine. The global strategy aims at ensuring the access to quality comprehensive healthcare services for the conflict-affected population in Ukraine. 

In Southern Ukraine, MdM-France has set up its country office in Odessa and is establishing a base office in Mykolaiv. The program consists in supporting various local-based organization in the delivery of health services for people facing severe constraints to healthcare. 

MAIN TASKS: 

 In a context of mission opening, the Humanitarian Access and Safety Advisor is responsible for the implementation of the Security Pack and the monitoring and control of the safety and security of people, goods and Medecins du Monde (MdM) programs. He/She is the guarantor of the good practice of the MdM policy on the subject.  

 He/She will improve contextual analysis, build a network, support operational management and strengthen the security capacities of the mission to advise and support the General Coordinator (who remains the primary person responsible for security in the country) in that regard. 

 His/her main responsibilities will be: 

• Provide to the General Coordinator (GenCo) valuable information and recommendations to make appropriate operational decisions 

• Support the General Coordinator on crisis management and the decision-making process 

• Lead the update, roll out and supervise the implementation of MDM security package 

• Conduct training and capacity building to MDM team    

• Networking and linkage with INSO, HAG, NGOs, authorities and other key stakeholders on security to improve security monitoring and analysis  

 WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: 

Hierarchical Link:  General Coordinator  

Functional Link:     HQ Safety / Security Advisor  

Other:  Close collaboration with the Logistic Coordinator to implement some safety / security measures and the Field Coordinators 

ROLES: 

 1. Context Analysis  

• Collect and analyse all security information from a variety of national and international sources (MdM field focal points, other INGOs, UN agencies, UNDSS, INSO, media, etc.) 

• Carry out a thorough analysis of the security situation in the current and potential areas of intervention and share information and analysis during general coordination meetings 

• Develop and update the risk analysis for all activity locations, ideally through a participative process/workshop 

• Regularly follow and consolidate the security events database shared by INSO  

 2. Security Management 

• Implement a full security pack including security plan, contingency plan and SOPs based on MdM’s standards and templates (to be done with and validated by the GenCo, before final validation by the desk)  

• Follow with Logistics department all protection measures to be implemented on each location 

• Participate in the review of security procedures for the entire mission based on priorities, supports their update and verifies their application in the field  

• Ensure that the elements of the Contingency Plan are regularly revised and ready to be used (security boxes, standby car, emergency telecommunication means, data security and archiving, monitoring of evacuation scenarios, etc.) 

• Support GenCo and Logistics Department in developing an access strategy and drafting Movement Request for new locations  

• Supports the Logistics Department in monitoring movements (knowing that the Logistics Department is responsible for regular monitoring of movements)  

• Provide to the General Coordinator with valuable information on what indicators will trigger staff movements  

• Constantly liaise with INSO as resource / support provider on security management 

• Make sure the updated list of relocatable staff is shared to INSO 

• Participate in the management of a security incident and follow up on the implementation of recommendations  

• Immediately inform the General Coordinator of any incident affecting MdM and of any important event with a potential impact on the organization 

• Centralize mission incident reports through SyRIL and liaise with the General Coordinator for validation and reporting to headquarters 

• Support the relocation/evacuation process including implementation of the action plan drafted by the General Coordinator 

3. Team Management and Capacity Building 

• Ensure full safety and security briefing and debriefing with the newcomers (new employees, visitors) 

• Identify training needs (either collective or individual) and build capacity on security management for Coordinators 

• Organise training / induction sessions to national and expatriate staff in safety management, behaviour in difficult situations, use of telecommunication tools and firefighting equipment (potential synergies with INSO) 

• Ensure proper briefing and debriefing with each team member moving to field locations 

• Participate in the recruitment of new team members engaged in security department and conduct his/her induction and training as per MdM protocols 

• Manage and support team members under his/her line management 

• Carry out individual action plan and performance review as per MdM standard requirements and procedures 

4. Reporting and Representation 

• Participate in the weekly MdM mission coordination meeting 

• Participate in humanitarian security meetings (UNDSS, INSO, HAG)  

• Make the link with security peers of other INGO and UN agencies 

• Ensure and coordinate the writing of a weekly security analysis report  

• Ensure ad hoc smooth communication with key coordination members, in particular General Coordinator and Logistics Coordinator 

 5. Mapping 

• Create detailed maps of the intervention areas with security specifications and past events using a mapping software like ArcGIS or QGIS  

• Map the different actors, stakeholders and groups using software tools 

 6. Telecommunication means 

• Work with the Logistics department on defining the needs, installation and maintenance of telecommunication equipment 

• Supervise that all the telecommunications means related to security management are running and properly used by all MdM staff 

• Define the communication plan for each field office location to ensure the communication flow related to security works smoothly and timely from the entire communication chain (Communication tree, contact procedures during movement, critical communication during incidents) 

• Ensure training on radio, satellite phones, GPS trackers and mobile applications for MdM staff 

 The list of missions is not exhaustive and may be changed to reflect developments and specific needs. 

SKILLS REQUIRED:  

Training & Experience 

• Relevant university degree  

• Similar experience or a minimum of 3-5 years of experience working with international NGOs in high-risk humanitarian contexts (operational, logistical or security position) 

• Study//training in security management is an asset (i.e.: HEAT training) 

 Skills 

• Technical: 

• Knowledge and mastery of security management methodologies and tools for humanitarian missions 

• Knowledge and mastery of telecommunications rules and tools, vehicle management and building security  

• Identify, analyze, and describe a security context and events and rationalize security rules 

• Guide people when security incidents occurred  

• Anticipate, alert, and manage complex situation 

• Create and develop a security network 

• Create and conduct security training 

• IT: 

• Mastery of Office 365 

• Mastery of SharePoint/cloud systems 

• Use of tracking and mapping mobile applications 

• VHF radio system setup and training of users 

• Data protection methods 

• Mapping softwares: ArcGIS QGIS or any other mapping tool 

• Languages: 

• Fluency in Spoken / Written English 

• Knowledge of Ukrainian/Russian is a strong asset 

• Soft Skills  

• Autonomous 

• Good teamwork skills, good interpersonal skills 

• Sense of initiative and confidentiality 

• Rigor and organizational skills 

• Negotiation skills (diplomacy) 

• Ability to analyse, conceptualize and plan 

• Good writing and communication skills  

• Stress management 

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS: 

• Contract Type: fixed term labout contract with possible switch to open-term contract

• Probation time - 3 months

• Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension based on satisfactory results and availability of funds

• Starting date: ASAP 

• Job Schedule: Full time   

• Location: Mykolaiv, Ukraine with regular field visits, incl. Kherson region and Kherson city

• Employment: Security Advisor – category 7