Liaison and Security Officer

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 expanded its reach to various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hasakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, with ongoing efforts to establish programs in Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of over 350 employees, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, which are crucial for effective service delivery. The IRC's extensive experience in Syria allows it to adapt and expand its programming to meet the evolving needs of the population, emphasizing resilience and recovery initiatives. Additionally, the IRC plays a vital role in the NGO sector in Syria, actively participating in donor and coordination forums, and engaging in advocacy efforts to support humanitarian needs.

Job Overview:
The Liaison and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Officer will work under the guidance of the Senior Humanitarian Access and Security Coordinator (SHASC) and will act as the primary point of contact for IRC with national and local authorities in Central and South Syria. This role is crucial for ensuring that the IRC complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, maintains its registration status, and secures necessary governmental approvals to facilitate operational access. The officer will also be responsible for supporting the security management of IRC staff, premises, and assets, ensuring adherence to IRC's minimum security standards, and contributing to risk mitigation strategies. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure that IRC activities align with government regulations while upholding humanitarian principles and organizational policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Government Liaison & Humanitarian Access: Act as the IRC's liaison with relevant Syrian ministries and local authorities, ensuring timely renewal of registration and operational licenses. Manage the submission and tracking of program approvals and maintain effective relationships with government counterparts. Facilitate visits from IRC management and donors, ensuring smooth entry and exit procedures for staff. Coordinate with legal representatives to obtain and renew visas for international staff. Maintain a structured calendar for compliance deadlines and monitor changes in laws affecting INGOs.
• Security Risk Management: Conduct risk assessments for IRC premises and program sites, support the development of Security Risk Assessments and Security Management Plans. Ensure compliance with security standards through regular visits and updates to security protocols. Prepare and deliver security briefings for staff and ensure timely reporting of security incidents. Monitor political and social developments that may impact security and access.
• Internal Coordination & Reporting: Collaborate with various IRC teams to ensure activities are legally cleared and aligned with government requirements. Provide regular updates to the SHASC on access, registration, and security developments.
• Staff Management & Team Oversight: Recruit and manage receptionists and security personnel, set objectives, provide feedback, and conduct performance reviews. Promote staff well-being and address any performance issues in coordination with HR.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field such as law, public administration, international relations, or security management. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered. The role requires 2-3 years of relevant experience in liaison, government relations, legal affairs, access, or security roles, preferably with international NGOs, UN agencies, or diplomatic missions. Additionally, candidates should have 1-2 years of experience in managing and supervising staff, along with demonstrated experience working with Syrian authorities and navigating regulatory processes.

Educational Background:
A university degree in a relevant field such as law, public administration, international relations, security management, or a related discipline is required. Candidates with equivalent professional experience will also be considered for this position.

Experience:
The position requires 2-3 years of relevant experience in roles related to liaison, government relations, legal affairs, access, and/or security, particularly within international NGOs, UN agencies, or diplomatic missions. Candidates should also have 1-2 years of experience in managing and supervising staff, along with a proven track record of working with Syrian authorities and navigating complex regulatory and administrative processes.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory, with professional working proficiency required in both languages. This is essential for effective communication and coordination with local authorities and international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damascus, Syria, and may involve travel to field sites, estimated at 20%. 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 its values and principles, including integrity, service, accountability, and equality, and expects staff to contribute to the sustainability and development of client responsiveness mechanisms.