Humanitarian Access Safety & Security Officer

Humanitarian Access Safety & Security Officer | IRC - International Rescue Committee

Humanitarian Access Safety & Security Officer

IRC - International Rescue Committee Abuja, Katsina National Mid level Speaks English

Application deadline: March 25, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The Humanitarian Access Safety & Security Officer (HASSO) at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) will support the Senior Humanitarian Access Safety and Security Manager in enhancing humanitarian access for conflict-affected populations in Katsina State, Nigeria. The role involves developing and implementing access strategies, managing safety and security risks, and providing expert advice on security management. The HASSO will also engage with local stakeholders to ensure the safety of IRC staff and programs while conducting context analysis and reporting on security incidents. This position requires a proactive approach to building relationships and addressing barriers to access in a volatile environment.

Candidate Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Security Management or related field

Substantial practical field experience in security management

Fluent in written and spoken English and local language

1-3 years work experience in insecure environments with I/NGO

Ability to work within a multi-cultural team

Experience in threat/risk assessment and security management

Experience in training and coaching staff in safety and security

Strong report writing and analytical skills

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

BACKGROUND:

The International Rescue Committee has been in Nigeria since October 2012 and came in response to a widespread flood disaster in Kogi State. With local partner Civil Society Coalition for Poverty Eradication (CISCOPE), IRC's Emergency Response Team implemented projects to support food security, livelihoods, nutrition, and WASH. At the beginning of January 2014, IRC shifted its geographical location to the Northeast, in Adamawa State, to provide humanitarian response to the conflict-affected populations. Currently, IRC has operational offices: Yola and Mubi field offices in Adamawa State, Damaturu in Yobe State, and Bama, Monguno, Gwoza, and Maiduguri field offices in Borno State (Northeast Nigeria), and began operations in Zamfara and Katsina States (Northwest Nigeria) in 2023, providing humanitarian support to internally displaced populations hosted in IDP camps, camp-like settings, host communities, and returnee populations. The IRC Nigeria Country Program implements multi-sectoral interventions through its various sectors: Health; Nutrition; Environmental Health; Child Protection; Education, Women’s Protection and Empowerment; Economic Recovery and Development, Protection and Rule of Law. Most of these programs are driven in partnership with strategic local NGOs.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The HASSO is under the direct supervision of the Senior Humanitarian Access Safety and Security Manager (SHASSM). The Humanitarian Access Safety & Security Officer (HASSO) should assist FC and SHASSM to maintain, improve and expand principled humanitarian access to and by conflict-affected populations in Katsina state, assisting the implementation of humanitarian access and security management plans in compliance with IRC’s strategy and in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, Duty of Care and Gender Equality principles. The post holder will provide expert advice to all IRC entities based in Katsina, the shared services unit, to assist FC and the SHASSM to identify changes and trends in the humanitarian access and security environment in the areas of operations and will ensure that adequate and up-to-date policies and procedures are in place and ensure people have the information they need to manage operations, to identify issues, and to recommend and implement measures to reduce them. Major Responsibilities Humanitarian Access

• Assist SHASSM to develop and implement humanitarian access strategies and approaches tailored to local contexts in field sites throughout his areas of operations in Katsina State.

• Work to ensure that IRC, its mission, and work in the areas of operations is known and accepted.

• Work to encourage stakeholders to work with the IRC in ensuring that staff and programs are safe and allowed to continue with humanitarian activities in areas of operations.

• Assist FC and SHASSM to provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas.

• Assist in the continued development of Humanitarian Access Safety and Security teams and activities across areas of operations.

• Assist FC and SHASSM to oversee and advise on the implementation and review of tailored acceptance strategies.

• Enhance IRC image and acceptance within the community and amongst stakeholders by providing guidance on inclusive visibility strategies.

• Work with appropriate IRC units, including HR, to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up to violations of IRC’s Code of Conduct, in addition to operational breaches to humanitarian principles. Safety and Security Risk Management

• Organize monthly Security Focal Group (SFG) Meeting.

• Work with FC and SHASSM to develop, consolidate and implement operating procedures and contingency plans.

• Develop and maintain a network of IRC Security Focal Points and enhance gender balance.

• Maintain record of security training for staff.

• Ensure replenishment of hibernation kit, first aid kit.

• Update security incident database regularly.

• Work closely with SHASSM to conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices, residences, and IRC areas of operations. Liaison, networking, analysis

• Establish and maintain relations and networks in Katsina to facilitate understanding and influence on humanitarian access environment.

• Identify barriers to access and develop strategies to address them in area of responsibility including hard-to-reach and contested areas and establishment of partnerships to expand reach.

• Develop and maintain

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