Job Opportunity: Humanitarian Access and Security Officer (M/F)
- Location: Kumba, South-West Region, Cameroon
- Number of Positions: 1
- Contract Duration: Until 31 March 2025 (with potential extension)
- Start Date: 15 February 2024
- Reporting To: Field Coordinator
Action Against Hunger, a leading international non-governmental organization (NGO) is recruiting a Humanitarian Access and Security Officer (M/F) in cameroon.
About Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger (AAH) is a leading international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to eradicating hunger and responding to emergencies. Our work is apolitical, non-denominational, and non-profit, prioritizing the well-being and dignity of vulnerable communities.
We are currently recruiting a Humanitarian Access and Security Officer to join our team in Kumba, South-West Region, to strengthen the safety, security, and accessibility of our humanitarian operations.
Position Scope and Responsibilities
The Humanitarian Access and Security Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, security, and accessibility of AAH’s field operations in the South-West Region. By enforcing and implementing robust systems and procedures, the officer will promote adherence to safety protocols and ensure that access and security considerations are fully integrated into all field activities.
Working closely with the Humanitarian Access and Security Manager – South West and the South-West Field Coordinator, the officer will ensure that accurate, high-quality security and access information is consistently available to support effective decision-making.
Detailed Objectives of the Position
Mission 1: Support the Implementation of AAH’s Humanitarian Access Strategy in the South-West Region
- Develop and Maintain Access Networks:
- Build and sustain a reliable network for access information gathering through multiple field-level contacts and focal points.
- Support Access Assessments:
- Assist in conducting and monitoring access assessments in the South-West Region (SWR).
- Analyze and report on the evolving access situation to inform strategic decisions.
- Information Collection and Incident Response:
- Collect and consolidate data regarding access issues relevant to AAH operations in the SWR.
- Respond to security-related incidents by gathering information and promptly updating the Humanitarian Access and Security Manager.
- Act as a Focal Point in Manager’s Absence:
- Provide daily safety and security guidance to the Field Coordinator (FC) and program teams during the absence of the Humanitarian Access & Security Manager.
- Build Local Acceptance:
- Establish trust and foster acceptance of AAH’s humanitarian mission by liaising with local communities, authorities, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders.
- Enhance humanitarian programming by empowering local relationships.
- Contribute to Strategy Development:
- Support the drafting and regular updates of AAH’s South-West Access Strategy, ensuring alignment with regional security needs and operational goals.
Mission 2: Support Security Management for AAH Operations in the South-West Region
- Develop a Security Network:
- Work with the Humanitarian Access & Security Manager and FC to establish a strong network with relevant stakeholders, including authorities, communities, NGOs, and CSOs in the SWR.
- Incident and Crisis Management:
- Assist in managing incidents and crises in collaboration with the FC, the Humanitarian Access and Security Head of Department (HAS HoD), the Country Director (CD), and any designated HQ Crisis Management team.
- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Regularly analyze the humanitarian, political, and security context in SWR and provide consistent updates, including weekly and monthly situational reports to the HAS Manager and FC.
- Enforce Security Policies:
- Support the enforcement of policies, procedures, and guidelines for staff safety, operational security, and program continuity.
- Develop Contingency Plans:
- Assist in creating, consolidating, and implementing operating procedures and contingency plans to mitigate risks.
- Security Training and Briefings:
- Deliver security and context briefings to new national and international AAH staff.
- Provide training on humanitarian principles, Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs), Contingency Plans (CPs), security management, and emergency response mechanisms.
- Incident Follow-up and Reporting:
- Ensure all incidents and accidents are followed up with detailed written Incident Reports, shared with relevant stakeholders and properly archived.
- Daily Field Security Checklist:
- Oversee the completion of daily security checklists, ensuring regular feedback, follow-ups, and proper archiving.
- Operational Safety and Preparedness:
- Assist in maintaining a safe and secure environment for AAH’s operations, personnel, visitors, premises, and assets.
- Provide daily security updates to the FC and HAS Manager.
- Support Assessments in the Region:
- Participate in the preparation, execution, and analysis of field assessments to enhance the quality of operational strategies in the SWR.
Mission 3: Support the Safety Management of AAH Operations in Intervention Areas
The Humanitarian Access and Security Officer plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for Action Against Hunger’s operations, personnel, and assets. This includes conducting safety inspections, monitoring security measures, and ensuring compliance with organizational safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct Safety Inspections:
- Perform regular safety checks on critical systems, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and other safety equipment at AAH facilities within the region.
- Inspect facilities to identify health and safety risks and recommend appropriate measures.
- Assess Equipment and Assets:
- Evaluate vehicles, equipment, and other organizational assets to ensure compliance with minimum safety and security requirements.
- Ensure hibernation kits, first aid kits, and vehicle safety kits are properly stocked, up-to-date, and functional.
- Educate staff on the contents of safety kits, as well as their appropriate use and maintenance.
- Review Security Setups:
- Collaborate with the HAS Manager to regularly monitor and assess the current security arrangements in AAH facilities.
- Propose corrective actions to improve the security of premises, personnel, and assets.
- Ensure facilities meet security norms, such as properly maintained closures, illuminated open spaces, and secure electrical installations.
- Weekly Movement Plan Management:
- Support the HAS Manager in granting security clearances for the Weekly Movement Plan.
- Conduct daily security checks based on the movement plan to verify that field teams can operate safely.
- Daily Vehicle Tracking:
- Track and record all AAH vehicle movements in the field, ensuring accurate and real-time updates.
- Act as the focal point for communication with team leaders during field movements, utilizing satellite phones for emergency follow-ups and maintaining the location of all vehicles in real time.
- Facility Security Measures:
- Assist in identifying and implementing tailored security measures to enhance the safety of AAH facilities.
- Ensure buildings are properly secured, entrances and exits are functional, and open spaces are sufficiently lit and monitored.
- Crisis and Incident Preparedness:
- Ensure the readiness and usability of contingency tools, including hibernation kits and first aid kits, for emergency situations.
- Provide guidance to staff on safety protocols and the use of security resources in crisis scenarios.
Qualifications, Experience, and Skills Required
Diplomas/Studies/Experience:
- Master’s Degree in Criminology, Peace & Security Studies, Political Science, or a related discipline.
- At least 1 year of professional experience in community engagement, risk management, safety and security management, or other related fields.
Required Skills:
- Organizational and Communication Skills:
- Strong ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines effectively.
- Capable of writing clear, concise reports and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Personal Qualities:
- A stable, reliable, and robust character, with strong moral values.
- A team-oriented mindset and a positive, calm demeanor with a good sense of humor.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Email, Skype) and web research.
- Demonstrable training and capacity-building experience.
- Proven ability to read and interpret maps accurately.
- Language Proficiency:
- Fluency in oral and written English, French, and Pidgin.
- Regional Knowledge:
- Familiarity with the geography, culture, and dynamics of the South-West Region.
- Professional Experience:
- Previous experience in similar roles, preferably with international NGOs (INGOs).
Commitment to Gender Equality
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to respecting and applying Action Against Hunger’s gender policy.
- Integrate the gender approach into activities and daily responsibilities.
- Contribute to creating a respectful work environment that acknowledges diversity and avoids all forms of discrimination.
Safeguarding and Protection
- Recognize that everyone Action Against Hunger interacts with has the right to protection from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, or other characteristics.
- Strictly adhere to and uphold Action Against Hunger’s Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.
- Participate in mandatory Safeguarding training, ensuring full understanding and compliance throughout the duration of employment.
- Proactively ensure safeguarding principles are respected in all activities and engagements.
Recruitment Procedure: Join Action Against Hunger Cameroon
Our recruitment process is structured around three key steps, designed to ensure we select candidates whose skills and experience align closely with the position requirements:
- Pre-selection: Applications are reviewed to shortlist candidates whose qualifications and experience meet the required profile.
- Written Test: Shortlisted candidates are invited to complete a written test to assess their competencies.
- Oral Interview: Candidates who pass the written test proceed to an oral interview for final evaluation.
Please note: Only candidates who successfully pass each stage will be contacted.
How to Apply
To apply, submit your application via the following link: https://forms.gle/KLhKWvqFS33YkfUD7
our application must include:
- A CV
- A motivation letter
- References
Subject line: Include the title of the position and the reference code KU-HR-012025-04.
Deadline: Applications must be received by January 30, 2025, at 5:30 PM.
Address your application to: Head of Human Resources Department
Action Against Hunger, Cameroon
Important Notes
- Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Recruitment at Action Against Hunger is completely free. No mediation or third-party involvement is accepted.
Join us in our mission to fight hunger and make a lasting impact!
N.B: Ne payez aucun frais pour obtenir un emploi