Humanitarian Access and Security (HAS) Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Syria since 2012, focusing on providing essential services such as protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development programs. The organization has established a significant presence in various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, with ongoing expansions into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of 350 members, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, which are crucial for effective service delivery. The IRC plays a pivotal role in Syria’s NGO landscape, actively participating in donor and coordination forums, and adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of the population. The organization’s extensive experience in the region allows it to respond effectively to new challenges, with a focus on resilience and recovery initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Access and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (HAS) Assistant is a vital role within the IRC, tasked with supporting the HAS team to ensure principled humanitarian access to populations affected by conflict in the designated area. This position involves assisting with daily liaison activities, securing necessary approvals and permissions, and supporting incident reporting. The HAS Assistant will also ensure compliance with safety and access procedures, which are critical for the safety of IRC operations. The role is based in HSK, with regular movements to operational areas as required, highlighting the dynamic nature of the work and the need for flexibility and adaptability in response to the changing context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the HAS Assistant include:

• Liaison and Humanitarian Access: Supporting the HAS Manager in liaising with relevant authorities to secure and maintain necessary approvals and permissions. Documenting, filing, and maintaining records of permits, clearances, and exemptions. Providing direct support to IRC teams at checkpoints, distribution sites, and facilities when access issues arise, in coordination with the HAS team. Representing the HAS team in operational areas as delegated.
• Safety, Security, and Movement: Assisting the HAS team in conducting daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of IRC facilities and vehicles. Coordinating international and national staff movements to camps and field locations. Supporting the HAS team in incident reporting, information collection, and follow-up. Reporting any violations of IRC security regulations or the IRC Code of Conduct to the line manager.
• Administration and Reporting: Maintaining accurate and organized records of access and security-related approvals and correspondence. Providing timely updates to the HAS Manager and Senior HAS Coordinator on access challenges, incidents, or operational delays. Assisting in the preparation of regular reports on access and security issues as required.
• Internal Coordination & Reporting: Collaborating with field, supply chain, security, and program teams to ensure that planned activities are legally cleared and aligned with government expectations. Providing regular updates to senior management and HQ on the status of registration, access, and legal compliance. Documenting all official correspondence and maintaining a secure database of permits, approvals, and meeting notes.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university or college degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. Candidates should have 0-1 years of work experience in humanitarian access, safety & security, or related fields with an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO), Local Non-Governmental Organization (LNGO), or relevant institution. A good knowledge and understanding of the local context is essential, along with experience working with local authorities and community structures. Prior field experience supporting humanitarian programs is considered an advantage. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the IRC’s mission, vision, values, and the IRC Way – Professional Code of Conduct.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university or college degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the foundational knowledge necessary to perform the duties associated with the role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 0-1 years of relevant work experience in humanitarian access, safety & security, or related fields. This level of experience is crucial as it ensures that the candidate is familiar with the operational challenges and dynamics of working in a humanitarian context, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in English is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with international staff and stakeholders. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is essential for the successful execution of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Syria and involves travel to field sites, with an estimated travel requirement of 40%. The IRC encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive relocation package for eligible candidates. The organization emphasizes the importance of adhering to professional standards and values, including integrity, service, accountability, and equality. IRC staff are expected to contribute to the sustainability and development of client responsiveness mechanisms, ensuring that the needs of clients and affected communities are prioritized in programmatic decisions.