Humanitarian Access & Risk Advisor - HARA

Description: 

The HARA is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of Médecins du Monde’s safety and security framework at country level along with the definition of humanitarian access strategies.
Reporting directly to the General Coordinator and working closely with the HQ Regional HARA and the Logistic and Field Coordinators of MdM, the HARA ensures that MdM teams, assets, and programs operate in a safe and secure environment in the country.
S/he contributes to risk-informed decision-making, supports access strategies, and strengthens the overall security culture of the mission.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Hierarchical Link: General Coordinator

Functional Link: HQ Regional Humanitarian Access and Risk Advisor

Other: Close collaboration with the Logistics Coordinator and Field Coordinators

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSABILITIES:

1. Context Analysis & Risk Monitoring

Conduct regular assessments of the context and security environment in all MdM areas of operation.

Compile and triangulate information from multiple sources (staff, communities, NGOs, media, INSO, UNDSS, etc.) to identify risks and trends.

Maintain and regularly update a contextual analysis and risk database.

Provide context and security updates during coordination meetings and program reviews.

Draft and circulate weekly security reports and ad hoc alerts as needed.

Develop and revise risk analyses and mitigation strategies, ideally in a participatory manner (e.g. workshops with field teams).

2. Mapping & Stakeholder Analyses

Produce and update detailed security maps of operational areas (e.g. No-Go Zones, sensitive roads, points of interest, static sites), using tools like ArcGIS or QGIS.

Map key actors, stakeholders, and security incidents to support risk analysis and decision-making.

3. Security Management & Preparedness

Support the General Coordinator to develop, update, and implement MdM’s full Security Pack (including base-level rules, SOPs, and contingency plans).

Ensure contingency measures are in place and operational (hibernation kits, emergency communications, data protection, evacuation planning, etc.).

Monitor the implementation of security protocols at coordination and field levels; identify gaps and suggest corrective actions.

Support the development of access strategies, validate movement planning for new areas.

Ensure that incident reporting (via SyRIL) is timely and accurate.

Provide security-related inputs and support during crisis or emergency response, including relocations or evacuations.

Key member of the Incident Management Team (IMT) in case of security crisis

4. Capacity Building & Awareness

Deliver safety and security briefings to all new staff, visitors, and consultants at coordination level.

Conduct regular refresher training and awareness sessions on SOPs and risk mitigation.

Identify specific training needs and organize individual or team capacity-building accordingly.

Provide tailored briefings and debriefings for teams traveling to/from field locations.

Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of HAROs; provide ongoing technical support.

With Genco, he/she is responsible for ensuring compliance with the organization’s safety and security policy in the country.

5. Representation & Networking

Develop and maintain effective security networks with authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, and other relevant actors at coordination level.

Represent MdM in security coordination forums (e.g. INSO, UNDSS), and act as focal point for civil/military liaison if delegated by the General Coordinator.

6. Telecommunications & Emergency Communication

Support the Logistics team in assessing and maintaining security-related communication systems (radios, sat phones, GPS trackers, etc.).

Ensure that communication protocols and trees are clearly defined, updated, and understood by all field teams.

Conduct regular training on communication tools and ensure functional use across the mission.

The list of tasks is not exhaustive and may be adapted to the needs of the mission in agreement with the General Coordinator.

CONDITIONS OF THE JOB:

The position is based in Beirut.

Regular field visits in MdM areas of internvention and other regions in the country for assessment.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Training & Experience

Relevant university degree.

Similar experience or a minimum of 3-5 years of experience working with international NGOs in high-risk humanitarian contexts (operational, logistical or security position).

Study or training in security management is an asset (i.e.: HEAT, HEIST, crisis management, or humanitarian negotiations training).

Skills

Technical:

Knowledge and mastery of security management methodologies and tools for humanitarian missions.

Knowledge and mastery of telecommunications rules and tools, vehicle management and building security.

Identify, analyze, and describe a security context and rationalize security rules.

Incident management.

Anticipate, alert, and manage complex situations.

Create and develop a security network.

Create and conduct security training.

IT:

Mastery of Office 365.

Mastery of SharePoint/cloud systems.

Use of tracking and mapping mobile applications.

VHF radio system setup and training of users.

Data protection methods.

Mapping software: ArcGIS, QGIS, or any other mapping tool.

Languages:

Fluent in English

Native Arabic, or fluent

Soft Skills: 

Autonomous.

Good teamwork skills, good interpersonal skills.

Sense of initiative and confidentiality.

Rigor and organizational skills.

Negotiation skills (diplomacy).

Ability to analyze, conceptualize and plan.

Good writing and communication skills.

Stress management.