Security and Access Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is a humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering and supporting communities in crisis. Established to provide emergency relief and development assistance, RI operates in various countries, including Syria, Lebanon, and Turkiye, focusing on health, education, and livelihoods. The organization emphasizes the importance of safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security for its staff and operations, ensuring that they can work effectively in high-risk environments. RI is committed to upholding humanitarian principles and values, including integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, while fostering a culture of security awareness and duty of care within its teams.

Job Overview:
The Security and Access Manager is a pivotal leadership role within Relief International, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the organization's staff, assets, and operations in Syria, Lebanon, and Turkiye. This position is critical in developing and implementing effective security and access strategies, conducting thorough risk assessments, and enhancing the organization's capacity to operate safely in volatile and high-risk environments. The role requires the individual to lead access negotiations, develop contingency plans, and provide strategic guidance to the country team. The position is based in Damascus, with regular travel to operational areas in Syria and neighboring countries as necessary. Given the urgency of this role, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, highlighting the immediate need for a qualified candidate to step into this essential position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Security and Access Manager will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to: identifying risks in the working environment and project locations across all operational areas; fostering a culture of security awareness and collaboration within the Relief International team; leading access negotiations and providing advice to the area and senior management team; ensuring that security risk management (SRM) is integrated into all areas of implementation and planning; developing and regularly reviewing country and area security risk management tools; continuously monitoring changes in the security and operating environment; leading budgeting for security-related needs; providing technical support and supervision to area security focal points; updating and developing security risk assessments; ensuring that contingency plans are fit for purpose; providing guidance and feedback to staff on access analysis; identifying and evaluating risks associated with program activities; acting as the security lead for incident management; collaborating with the Regional Security and Access Director; developing training and capacity-building opportunities; reporting all safety and security incidents; participating in Access and Security Working Groups; maintaining effective communication with other humanitarian organizations; and creating a positive work environment free from harassment and bullying.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience, with a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in security and access management in high-risk settings, particularly in conflict and post-conflict environments. Strong analytical skills and experience in providing high-quality risk and security assessments are essential. Candidates should have proven experience in delivering SRM training, leading teams in high-risk locations, managing critical incidents, and developing multi-country security packages. Excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently, and demonstrated leadership and management skills are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and mapping software, as well as tracking and satellite communication systems, is necessary. A minimum of FREC 3, MIRA, or equivalent qualification is required, along with the ability to travel to Syria, Lebanon, Turkiye, and Jordan. Previous experience working in the Middle East and fluency in English are also mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience. Candidates without a formal degree may still be considered if they possess significant relevant experience in security and access management. Additional certifications in security risk management or related fields are desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in security and access management, particularly in high-risk settings such as conflict and post-conflict environments. This experience should include leading teams, managing critical incidents, and providing training in security risk management. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in conducting risk assessments and developing security strategies tailored to complex operational contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. While not required, a working knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable and may enhance communication and effectiveness in the role, particularly in the context of working in Syria and neighboring countries.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Damascus, with regular travel required to operational areas in Syria and neighboring countries. The role is critical and will be filled on a rolling basis, emphasizing the urgency of the hiring process. The organization values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process, and the organization is open to recruiting internationally or nationally, depending on the candidate's qualifications.