Global Objectives of this Position

Based in Damascus, the Damascus Humanitarian Access and Security Officer oversees context monitoring and analysis, liaison with the local authorities, and support to security management. A highly professional sense of security and confidentiality is mandatory.

Hierarchical Relations

Line manager: This position is directly under the supervision of the Country Humanitarian Access and Security Manager (C-HASM). 

Line manager+1: Program Director (PD)

Supervises: Damascus guards

Responsibilities & Tasks 

Under direct responsibility of the C-HASM, you will be responsible for:

• Ensuring the monitoring of the security context and incidents.

• Security Management of HI coordination office and activities in Rural Damascus, Quneitra, Sweida and Daraa.

• Ensure effective liaison and coordination with government authorities and stakeholders.

• Responsible for the protection of premises and assets.

TASKS DESCRIPTION

CONTEXT MONITORING               

• Conduct open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations and analysis by collecting, cross-referencing, and analysing publicly available digital data to uncover previously hidden or non-obvious information.

• Daily reporting on key updates related to the Syria context.  Summarized translation of key information when relevant.

• Regular monitoring the overall political, military, economic, social and humanitarian context in Southern part of Syria and neighboring countries.

• Alerting HI’s security top management (C-HASM and PD) without delay of all security incidents or threats that could have an impact on personnel’s security and/or HI’s affairs.

• Prepare weekly reports summarizing key events and providing deeper analysis on specific topics.

• Provision of a summarized security / context briefing in weekly / monthly team meetings upon request.

• Active participation in internal strategic workshops and planning meetings, with inputs on the population needs, gaps, presence of other actors, and other contextual factors.

• Under the supervision of the C-HASM, development of contacts with local stakeholders on a regional level (civil society, civil and military authorities, local NGOs, local authorities, etc).

• Lead context and security assessments for new areas of intervention as requested and complete the context assessment form.

• Provide maps and / or geographical information related to security environment, incidents and/or threats as requested.

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• Participates in the creation and updating of security documents (risk analysis, stakeholder mapping, security plan, contingency plan, etc.).

• Monitors road routes likely to be used on a daily basis. Recommends or advises against the use of a route based on the context.

• Focal point for overseeing and tracking movements.

• Provide recommendations based on context monitoring and analysis regarding suspension of field team movements and/or mission operations.

• Ensure access analysis, identify obstacles to access, opportunities for improvement, and key players.

• Perform internal checks on gaps or non-respect of security procedures and provide recommendations to the concerned managers.

• Provide an adapted context/security briefing to new arrivals, including: new national and international staffs and visitors.

• Contribute to training materials and conduct trainings to HI staff on HI’s security procedures, , Use of communication means, safety precautions in areas contaminated with ERWs,  etc.).

• Advise HI’s security managers (C-HASM and PD) during crisis management and resolution of security incidents.

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

• Receives and verifies information related to security incidents.

• Rapidly assesses the severity, credibility, and impact of the incident.

• Triggers alert procedures and informs management and relevant stakeholders.

• Coordinates the immediate response with the Country Humanitarian Access and Security Manager (C-HASM) and the Deputy Country Director (DCD).

• Monitors the situation until full resolution.

• Provides mitigation recommendations and proposes adjustments to security measures.

• Drafts clear, factual, and comprehensive incident reports.

• Updates monitoring and tracking tools.

• Contributes to post-incident analysis (after-action reviews / lessons learned).

LIAISON WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES

• Follow up on the progress of registrations and sub-agreements, and liaise with relevant internal departments to ensure timely processing and compliance with documentation requirements. 

• Regularly meet with focal points from local authorities to maintain effective organizational communication. Maintain up-to-date contact lists of relevant stakeholders and communication channels. 

• Support day-to-day liaison activities with government institutions in Damascus, as needed. 

• Represent HI with government authorities and other key stakeholders, and maintain effective working relationships with them. 

• Research and share with management information on new announcements from government ministries or institutions relevant to INGOs. 

• Provide coordination and necessary support for the organization of meetings or events with relevant government authorities. 

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, coordination bodies, and relevant ministries to facilitate timely approvals and ensure principled humanitarian access.

GUARDS MANAGEMENT & OFFICE + GUEST HOUSE SECURITY

• Management and training guards.

• Efficiently improves the security of HI premises (offices and GHs).

• Ensures the proper implementation of the contingency equipment.

Note that this job description must remain flexible, to respond to additional tasks or changes as identified by the line manager.