Humanitarian Access and Risk Advisor

JOB SUMMARY:

The Humanitarian Access and Risk Advisor (HARA) is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of the organizational security framework at the country level. Reporting directly to the General Coordinator and working closely with the Regional HARA, the HARA ensures that organization teams, assets, and programs operate in a safe and secure environment in the country. Operating under the direct supervision of the General Coordinator, the HARA 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 Risks Advisor – Europe/Asia

Technical Supervision: HARO at field level (if applicable)

Other: Close collaboration with the support (logistic, HR) and program team.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSABILITIES:

1.            Context Analysis & Risk Monitoring

• Conduct regular assessments of the context and security environment in all introversion 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 Analysis

• Produce and update detailed security maps of operational areas (e.g. No-Go Zones, sensitive roads, points of interest), using tools like ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Map key actors, stakeholders, and security incidents to support risk analysis and decision-making.

3.            Security Management & Preparedness

• Develop, update, and implement organization full Security Pack (including base-level rules, SOPs, and contingency plans) in close collaboration with the General Coordinator.
• Ensure contingency measures are in place and operational (hibernation kits, emergency communications, data protection, evacuation planning, etc.).
• Support the Logistics Department in procuring and installing safety equipment.
• Monitor the implementation of security protocols at coordination and field levels; identify gaps and suggest corrective actions.
• Support the development of access strategies, and 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.
• Lead seasonal natural-hazard preparedness (notably monsoon flooding, referenced in the 2022 and 2025 emergency responses), including dedicated movement SOPs

4.            Telecommunications & Emergency Communication

• Support the Logistics team in assessing, procuring, and maintaining security-related communication systems
• Ensure that communication protocols are clearly defined, updated, and understood by all field teams.
• Conduct regular training on communication tools and ensure functional use across the mission.

5.              Capacity Building & Awareness

• Deliver safety and security briefings to all new staff, visitors, and consultants.
• Conduct regular refresher trainings 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 security staff (if applicable); provide ongoing technical support.

6.              Incident Management & Incident Reporting

• Actively support incident management at base level in collaboration with the General Coordinator.
• Draft and submit incident reports through organization online platform (SyRIL) and contribute to after-action reviews.
• Ensure staff are aware of contingency plans and ready to respond appropriately in case of emergency.
• Participate in simulation exercises and ensure that contingency procedures are tested and known by base staff.

7.              Representation & Networking

• Act as the main contact for national and local authorities, administrative bodies, humanitarian coordination mechanisms, community representatives, and security actors (e.g., police, military, local elders) at coordination and base levels.
• Maintain and regularly update a contact list of external stakeholders and share with relevant coordination teams.
• Represent organization in security coordination forums (e.g. INSO, UNDSS), share minutes and relevant information with the General Coordinator, and act as focal point for civil/military liaison if delegated by the General Coordinator.
• Participate in security-related coordination meetings and share minutes and relevant information with the General Coordinator.
• Build and maintain relationships that facilitate access and acceptance in intervention areas of operation.
• Support program teams in negotiating community acceptance
• Act as the focal point for resolving administrative, operational, and programmatic issues with local stakeholders.
• Regularly collect and update relevant information from external stakeholders regarding administrative and legal frameworks affecting NGO operations.

8.              Legal & Administrative Compliance

• Ensure that organizational operations remain compliant with national laws, regulations, and MoUs signed with authorities or partner organizations.
• Monitor and follow up on legal and administrative documentation (e.g., registration, authorizations, customs clearance, MoUs).
• Submit, follow, and obtain all required permits and official documents (visas, work permits, NOCs, travel permits, etc.) in a timely manner, in coordination with relevant departments.
• Support the Logistics Department with procedures related to the importation of goods and equipment.
• Liaise with authorities to facilitate staff movements and obtain necessary travel clearances.
• Ensure timely renewal and tracking of all official documents.

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:

Position based in Islamabad. Regular field visits in organization areas of intervention and other regions in the country for technical support, assessments, and/or trainings.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

Training & Experience:

• Relevant university degree. Bachelor or higher.
• 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 training).

Skills:

• Technical: Knowledge and mastery of security management methodologies and tools for humanitarian missions; Knowledge and mastery of telecommunications rules and tools; Identify, analyze, and describe a security context and rationalize security rules.
• 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.
• Languages: English mandatory; Pashto strongly required for KPK-based work and community-level negotiation; Urdu is an asset.

Soft Skills:

• Good teamwork skills, good interpersonal skills.
• Sense of initiative and confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze, conceptualize, and plan.
• Good writing and communication skills.
• Stress management.