Access and Security Coordinator

About Bahar

Bahar Organization is an independent non-profit and non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aids to vulnerable people without any discrimination in all its forms. BO is operating to respond to the needs and basic requirements of the humanitarian crisis in Syria in the middle of the affected communities caused by the conflict the basic principles of BO’s activities are to enhance the basic living standards of the affected population by delivering humanitarian aid based on the needs.

Purpose of Position:

Under the direct supervision of the Access & Security Manager, the Access & Security coordinator (ASC) develops and oversee the implementation of humanitarian access and security management plans in compliance with Behar’s strategy and in line with humanitarian principles, humanitarian needs, and Duty of Care principles. The post holder will provide expert advice to all Bahar entities based in north of Syria, including several programmes, to identify changes and trends in the humanitarian access and security environment in Syria.

The ASC will monitor and oversee the security situation in north of Syria, conduct risk assessments, authorize field visits, assist in tracking staff movements, participate in enforcing security and safety procedures, and provide sound and timely advice to Bahar staff and management on safety and security matters.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Safety and Security Management

• Provide technical support to all Bahar entities and staff based in Syria and on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security, and programme continuity.
• Develop, review, and update the Security Management Plans for all field locations on a regular basis, and implement operating procedures and contingency plans by working with the Field Safety & Security Officers and all field Security Focal Points.
• Evaluate, review, and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for all Bahar premises in Syria, and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved.
• Ensure that accurate, up-to-date security/communications information is available in appropriate local language(s) to all staff based in Syria.
• Coordinate the management of security incidents pertaining to all Bahar staff and assets with relevant heads of Bahar entities in Syria.
• Track security-related incidents and developments.
• Maintain frequent and constant communication with field staff.
• Provide security briefings for newly joined staff.
• Monitor local media and trends.

Learning, Training & Capacity Strengthening

• Ensure the requirements of the regional Humanitarian Access & Security Capacity Development Strategy are implemented adequately and in a timely manner.
• In consultation with the HR, design and implement Learning and Development programmes to all staff in Bahar.

Reporting, Monitoring & Analysis

• Constantly monitor available sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access and security
• Prepare and disseminate regular updates to head office, country, and senior field management teams
• Provide timely area-based access analysis based on programmatic demands
• Compile and submit the Monthly Security Report for Syria, and as required or requested by donors and partners.
• Support the access and security manager in analyzing the latest developments in Syria and how these are likely to impact Bahar in-country operations.

Result Expected

• Up-to-date security information for operational areas is available and accessible by both head office and offices in the field.
• Minimum security management procedures/standards are implemented in accordance with Behar’s approved policies and requirements.
• All Bahar offices’ security awareness is up to date.
• External support is ensured for national security management where required.
• First aid skills, materials and supplies are available for emergency purposes in relevant locations
• Staff and asset movement tracking system is monitored and maintained.
• Relevant movement information is delivered to Bahar staff.
• Behar’s staff and assets safety is closely monitored and managed accordingly
• Bahar staff and management are aware of near-miss incidents and its analysis.
• Update field information feed to the HQ office in Gaziantep.
• Newly joined staff are well prepared for work from security side.
• Closely monitored field media related updates
• Links with different stakeholders for information sharing and gathering are maintained, resulting in minimized security risks.
• Bahar is an active participant in multi-agency / cluster networks focused on security issues relevant to the context.
• Relationship with military authorities / parties to the conflict is established and maintained in alignment with Bahar Operational Guidelines.
• Security and access assessments are conducted prior to entering new areas and are updated on an ongoing basis in current Bahar work locations.
• Staff behavior that puts the organization at risk is identified, investigated, and addressed (as needed) in a timely and thorough manner.
• Employees are aware of and practice security standards, procedures and protocols through orientation and trainings on relevant aspects.
• Employees are trained and able to respond to security issues.
• Reporting on security is submitted on regular basis and Senior Management Team is provided with necessary information on security risks and audit requirements. Staff and family members are aware of supported as needed after security incidents.

Humanitarian Access Management

• Develop and implement humanitarian access approaches tailored to local contexts in all sites throughout work locations.
• Ensure humanitarian access approaches are responsive to local context and include overarching community engagement components.
• Ensure that all Bahar teams based in Syria conduct principled and sustainable negotiations with relevant local actors in line with humanitarian principles and Behar’s standards.
• Contribute to developing and implementing guidelines for humanitarian access and engagement with local authorities articulating standard Bahar policy and guidance.
• Work with various stakeholders to ensure that Bahar, its mission and work in Turkey, Syria and Erbil is known, understood, and accepted.
• Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new Bahar programmes in new geographic areas, and regular assessment reviews for existing locations.
• Liaise with other humanitarian and emergency actors on safety and security matters.
• Conduct field travel to NWS when possible

Academic Qualification/s and Professional Experience:

• Degree in a relevant field required, minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
• 3-4 years of experience in direct security management and implementation.
• Previous experience working in non-governmental organization.
• Have a very good knowledge of the Syrian context
• Required Skills and Capabilities:
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written English and Arabic.
• High level of computer skills on MS Office programs; mapping and information experience desirable.
• Ability to work under pressure and with very short deadlines & strong communications skills.
• Flexibility, transparency, analytical skill and a sense of teamwork are essential to the job.

Safeguarding & Ethics:

Bahar 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 the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC. 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 adhere to the Bahar 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.