The Humanitarian Access Officer is responsible for supporting safe, timely and principled access for SIF’s humanitarian operations in Sudan. The role ensures that staff can work safely in their assigned field areas through continuous access analysis, movement planning, liaison with authorities, and implementation of SIF’s safety, security and humanitarian access procedures.
The Humanitarian Access Officer works under the Field Coordinator, with functional collaboration from the Programmes Manager, FSL Projects Officer, Logistics and Security teams. He/she contributes to operational continuity, monitors access constraints, maintains accurate records, supports compliance with SIF procedures and humanitarian principles, and ensures safe and accountable delivery of assistance.
 

Objective 1: SIF Safety, Security & Protocols
• Support the development and implementation of SIF’s humanitarian access strategy, procedures and tools in Sudan.
• Coordinate with HOM/Field Coordinator to analyze and assess security situations and threats in SIF areas of operation.
• Monitor compliance with SIF Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and inform management of gaps.
• Ensure all staff are familiar with the Humanitarian Access Management Plan.
• Conduct risk assessments for SIF operational areas and interventions.
• Conduct visits and coordinate with security departments, law enforcement and participate in INGO security meetings.
• Provide daily security briefings to HOM/Team Leader and circulate security bulletins to staff and visitors.
• Immediately forward important security information to HOM/Field Coordinator.
• Provide security orientation to all new staff within 24 hours of arrival.
• Conduct security training in collaboration with HOM/Field Coordinator and identify training needs.
• Prepare Security Risk Assessments (SRA) for safe interventions.
• Prepare Immediate Detail Reports of incidents and share with Seniors HOM/Field Coordinator and HQ Security Referent.
• Develop contextualized advisories for project staff based on field conditions.
• Develop specific travel modalities for all travelers in SIF intervention areas.
• Ensure confidentiality, neutrality, impartiality and respect for humanitarian principles in all access-related communication.
Objective 2: Humanitarian Access & Movement Planning
• Monitor, analyze and report on access constraints, movement restrictions, bureaucratic impediments and operational risks.
• Support preparation, submission and follow-up of travel permits, mission authorizations, access letters and administrative documents required for field movements.
• Maintain accurate access trackers, movement records, contact lists, permit follow-up tools and incident logs.
• Support negotiations and communication with authorities and stakeholders to facilitate humanitarian operations.
• Contribute to context analysis and stakeholder mapping to support informed decision-making.
• Brief staff on access procedures, movement requirements, humanitarian principles and context sensitivities.
• Ensure communications protocols are followed so staff locations are always known.
• Ensure vehicles carry safety equipment and drivers follow security protocols.
Objective 3: Safety Measures & Preparedness
• Ensure all SIF rented property meets required safety and security standards; recommend improvements.
• Ensure offices and guesthouses have First Aid Kits, fire extinguishers and trained staff.
• Train staff on emergency exits, gas/electricity cut-off points and emergency procedures.
• Train security guards to follow SOPs.
• Ensure vehicles carry safety equipment and drivers are trained to use them.
• Ensure staff movement is recorded, coordinated and monitored.
• Inform authorities and take appropriate measures if incidents occur.
Objective 4: Representation & Networking
• Attend security and access forum meetings regularly and share relevant information with HOM/Field Coordinator.
• Liaise daily with government and civil society leaders to build an information network.
• Brief programme and administration managers to support operational decisions based on the security environment.
• Coordinate with local communities to assess security conditions and provide firsthand information before field movements.
• Participate in access, security and coordination meetings and share updates with management.
Objective 5: Staff Tracking & Movement Coordination
• Ensure safe movement of staff during travel.
• Maintain movement tracking systems and ensure regular updates.
• Monitor staff movement trackers and obtain time-to-time updates.
• Report incidents immediately and coordinate appropriate responses.
• Maintain accurate movement logs and ensure compliance with SIF movement procedures.
 

Education
• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Action, Social Sciences, Security Management, Development Studies or related field.
Experience
• Minimum 3–4 years of relevant humanitarian access or security management experience with INGOs, UN agencies or international organizations.
• Experience in emergency, conflict-affected or highly constrained environments.
• Experience in operations, administration or programme support is an asset.
Knowledge & Skills
• Strong understanding of safety, security and humanitarian access issues.
• Good understanding of Sudan’s geographical, social, historical and political context.
• Awareness of cultural sensitivity and local customs.
• Strong writing skills and ability to produce clear reports.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, networking and representational skills.
• Ability to analyze complex contexts and provide practical recommendations.
• Ability to maintain access trackers, contact databases and reporting tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• Awareness of child protection and safeguarding concepts.
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Behavioural Competencies
• Diplomacy, tact and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple follow-ups.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Rigorous, organized and respectful.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles, neutrality, impartiality and SIF values.
 

Languages: Fluency in English and Arabic.