Safety and Access Coordinator – WEST, Cross-Boarder

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established with a mission to provide humanitarian assistance and development support, RI operates in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization employs over 4000 staff and local volunteers who work collaboratively to deliver essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. RI emphasizes the importance of working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive programming that is evidence-based, conflict-sensitive, and climate-smart, ensuring that aid reaches those in need effectively. RI is an alliance of four organizations, including Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe, all operating under a unified leadership structure and shared mission.

Job Overview:
The Safety and Access Coordinator for Sudan will play a crucial role in implementing Relief International’s Safety and Risk Management (SRM) framework. This position is primarily based in Darfur, with extensive travel required to various field locations. The coordinator will oversee the safety and access policies and strategies, ensuring that they are contextually relevant and effectively implemented across RI’s operations in Sudan. The role involves providing direct support to the Sudan Senior Management Team (SMT) and the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Security and Access Manager (CSAM), focusing on enhancing the safety and security of operations in North Darfur. The coordinator will be responsible for conducting safety assessments, developing safety protocols, and providing training to staff to ensure compliance with RI’s operational procedures. This position requires a proactive approach to risk management and the ability to adapt strategies based on evolving safety conditions in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety and Access Coordinator will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Security Risk Management and Planning: Design and maintain safety support systems, conduct field visits for safety assessments, and audit existing safety policies.
• Advise and Reporting: Lead the development and review of safety policies, map safety incidents, and write security incident reports.
• Strategy Development: Support the country team in developing a clear vision for safety and access, ensuring funding for humanitarian access is integrated into proposals.
• Analysis and Assessment: Keep the analysis of the Darfur context up to date, advise on important developments, and advocate for contingency planning.
• Capacity Building: Train and mentor national field staff, conduct safety drills, and ensure constructive relations with local authorities.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Liaise with UN and inter-agency safety personnel, provide safety briefings, and ensure RI's presence in safety coordination forums.
• Compliance: Ensure all Darfur states meet compliance standards, conduct biannual Safety Risk Assessments, and implement evacuation drills.
• Behavior and Conduct: Uphold the highest standards of behavior, promote RI’s code of conduct, and ensure team actions do not compromise safety.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Bachelor's degree with demonstrated experience in safety and access management within the humanitarian sector. A proven track record of at least three years in a similar role within an NGO, UN, or International Organization in high-risk environments is essential. Candidates should have experience in crisis management and safety protocols, particularly in unstable regions. Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills are required, along with excellent communication abilities and proficiency in MS Office. Experience in multicultural settings is also necessary, and candidates must be fit for travel.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in safety management, humanitarian assistance, or related disciplines will be viewed favorably. Formal safety training, such as HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training), personal safety, and first aid, is also desirable.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in safety and access management, particularly in high-risk countries. Previous experience working in Sudan and/or Chad is considered a significant asset. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to manage safety and access in unstable environments and have experience in handling humanitarian crises and emergencies.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is a significant asset, as is knowledge of French. Strong communication skills in multiple languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position involves 100% travel to various field locations in Darfur, requiring flexibility and adaptability to challenging and insecure environments. The role is classified as a professional level P6 position, and candidates must undergo standard pre-employment checks and enhanced due diligence. The organization values integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, and candidates are expected to uphold these values in their work.