ABOUT MERCY CORPS

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible. In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Mercy Corps has been operational in Sudan since 2004 and currently leads humanitarian assistance and longer-term development efforts in conflict-affected South Darfur, Central Darfur, South Kordofan, North Kordofan, Kassala, Gedaref, and Khartoum States, supporting host communities, IDPs, returnees and refugees. Mercy Corps’ current areas of programming include food security and livelihoods, WASH, health, nutrition, peace building and protection, resilience, and Market Systems Development.

THE POSITION   Summary

The Safety and Access Officer is a member of the Safety and Access Department and is responsible for supporting operational security and information management related to safety, access, and security analysis. The primary objective of the Safety and Access Officer is to cultivate a culture of heightened security awareness that enables the successful implementation of programs and daily operations. The SFP assumes the role of a proficient team leader, adept at developing and guiding team members, and an exceptional communicator who collaborates with both internal and external stakeholders to accomplish common safety and security goals.

The Safety and Access Officer will follow the directives given by the Safety and Access Coordinator for security support, access needs and acceptance related strategies in challenging operational environments. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Oversee the implementation of crucial security protocols, including the Security Management Plan (SMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Contingency Plans, and Risk Assessments with corresponding mitigation plans.
• Regularly disseminate security information to field staff through a user-friendly platform readily accessible to them.
• Facilitate the translation of essential documents into the local language(s).
• In close coordination with the Safety and Access Coordinator, conducts regular security assessments and audits to identify potential risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, and recommend appropriate risk mitigation measures.
•  Ensure compliance with local laws, regulatory requirements, and organizational security standards.

 Security and Contextual Information Analysis 

• Monitor and analyze the security landscape for the area under his/her jurisdiction, including political, social, and environmental factors, to proactively identify security risks and advise on appropriate risk management strategies.
• Produce regular written reports on the security situation in the areas of operation.
• Produce regular written risk assessment and mitigation plans, site reports, political economy analyses and conflict sensitive analyses. 
• Ensure regularly updated incident mapping based on gathered information. Map and advice on Go/No-Go areas.
•  Help the Safety and Access Coordinator conduct thorough risk assessments, including but not limited to contextual risk analysis, site-specific risk assessments, and vulnerability assessments.

Security Planning and Preparedness:

• Implement emergency response plans, crisis management protocols, and hibernation, relocation and evacuation procedures specific to the assigned area.
• Ensure the availability and functionality of necessary equipment, resources, and systems.

 Incident Response and Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and lead in the event of security incidents, coordinating response efforts, and ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel.
• Guide in reporting and managing incidents, ensuring the timely and accurate submission of incident reports. This includes completing incident report forms, notifying relevant stakeholders, and maintaining detailed incident report files.
• Liaise with relevant external agencies / organizations, local authorities and community leaders, to enhance cooperation, coordination, and support during security incidents.

Staff Capacity Building and Training:

• Ensure that new field staff and visiting staff receive comprehensive orientation and briefing on their first day of arrival at the office.
• Identify security training needs and facilitate capacity-building sessions for staff members, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to operate in high-risk environments.
•  Foster a culture of security awareness and accountability among staff, promoting adherence to security protocols and reporting mechanisms.
• Provide guidance and support to staff on security-related matters, conducting periodic security briefings and debriefings.

Coordination and Partnerships:

• Maintain effective communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders, including partner organizations, UN agencies, local authorities, and community representatives, to enhance security initiatives and share relevant information.

Collaborate with external security experts and organizations, participating in security-related forums and networks to remain updated on best practices, industry trends, and emerging security challenges.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Actively learns about safeguarding and integrates it into their work, including safeguarding risks and mitigations related to their area of work

• Practices the values of Mercy Corps including respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and fellow team members
• Encourages openness and communication in their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have any concerns using reporting mechanisms e.g., Integrity Hotline and other options

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Reports Directly To: Safety and Access Coordinator

Works Directly With: Safety and Access Coordinator, Team Leader, Operations Officer, Liaison Officer, the HR function, Security guards and drivers.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO PARTICIPANTS AND STAKEHOLDERS

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION & TRANSFERABLE SKILLS 

Diploma graduate in a related field or equivalent Military College training in relevant field; or equivalent work experience: security qualification or advanced security management training.

● Advanced level of understanding with the philosophy and mode of operation of NGOs.

● Minimum 3 years of experience from working in a similar position in hostile environments/conflict areas within humanitarian/recovery context.

● Proven written and analytical skills (sample may be requested).

● Experience in liaising with civilian, police and military government authorities and international institutions.

● Good analytical skills with commensurate writing ability to provide practical situational and conflict analysis that effectively enable safe access.

● Well developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation, and mentoring.

● Understanding of incident response mechanisms during crises (especially of emergencies).

● Willingness to work and travel frequently in often difficult and insecure environments.

● Competency in Internet and Microsoft Office systems including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and other database/mapping systems.

● Fluency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken.

● Knowledge and understanding of the Sudan Region is essential.

● Formal training qualifications (Personal Security, First Aid, Fire Safety Approaches etc).

● Qualified Female candidates are encouraged to apply

SUCCESS FACTORS 

The successful Safety and Access Officer will be good at problem solving and have the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with Mercy Corps and donor regulations. S/he will maintain strong cooperative relationships with other departments and interact effectively with international and national personnel both in a managerial as well as training capacity, while demonstrating the ability to multitask, meet deadlines and process information in support of changing program activities. S/he will be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work and security environment and be willing to travel regularly to Mercy Corps field locations/ project sites. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING

Ongoing learning in support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. By applying for this role an applicant confirms that they have not previously violated an employer’s sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation and abuse, child safeguarding or trafficking policy. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis. As an applicant, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report this to Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. 

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

LIVING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The position is based in Dogola / Atbara / Gedaref / El Obeid / Zalingei and Nyala.

Mercy Corps team members represent the agency both during and outside work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/short term assignment to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.