SYRIA-Humanitarian Access & Security Manager(National)-DAMASCUS

Desired start date: 01/10/2025
Duration of the mission: 6 Months - with possibility to extend
Location: Syria - Damascus

SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association which, since more than 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their basic needs for food, water and shelter. Particularly committed to the fight against diseases linked to unsafe water, the leading cause of death in the world, SI's interventions provide expertise in the field of access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, but also in the essential area of food security and livelihoods. Present in 26 countries, the SI teams – 3200 people in total, made up of expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at HQ, and a few volunteers - intervene with professionalism and commitment while respecting cultural norms.

About the mission

Solidarités International operates in Syria since 2013 with a very diversified programs portfolio in Hassake & Raqqa (NES), Aleppo and Idlieb (NWS) governorates. To achieve its humanitarian objectives the mission employs 350 staffs and developed meaningful partnerships with international and local NGOs.

In NES, SI is one of the leading agencies in the WASH sector, responding to emergencies, protracted situations and recovery needs. The strategy is complemented with a significant FSL component, addressing market rehabilitations, business development and agriculture.

In NWS, SI operates in Idleb and Nothern-Aleppo with large WASH programs, with a focus in camps settings for IDP populations, and rehabilitation programs, especially after the earthquake. SI also responds to new emergencies, including regular displacements, natural disasters and epidemics.

SI is also heavily involved in humanitarian coordination, both at strategic and technical level with relevant fora and stakeholders, including key donors.

Since regime's change, SI is redefining it operational model as well as well as its geographical scope and programmatic priorities. The organizational set up is being deeply reviewed with a Damascus-based coordination office, the reshaping of the base level structure. Assessments are being carried out in new areas including rural Damascus, South, Aleppo and Hama and new partnerships are being envisioned. This is to ensure relevance and efficiency, maximize impact through secured access and more generally ensuring the mission remains fit for purpose in a quickly evolving environment. And this on-going transformation will be at the core of the new CD responsibilities.

General Objective

Under the supervision of the Country Director, the Humanitarian Access and Security Manager (HASM) is responsible for implementing SI’s safety and security framework in response to the evolving context. The HASM facilitates access to hard-to-reach areas, supports recruitment of security staff, and delivers safety and access trainings. As the security focal point at Coordination level, the HASM ensures compliance with SI policies and supports context analysis to inform decision-making.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities

Coordination and Monitoring

• Lead context and risk analysis with input from field teams.
• Report key developments to the Country Director.
• Ensure timely internal communication and guidance sharing.
• Conduct onboarding security briefings for new Coordination staff.

Access and Security Management

• Ensure security protocols are implemented in the field.
• Monitor and share updates on the security situation.
• Ensure compliance with rules at Coordination level.
• Manage incidents and support updates to SOPs and tools.
• Maintain regular liaison with local stakeholders.
• Support HR, Finance, and Logistics in applying secure systems.
• Contribute to access strategies with field and Coordination teams.

Representation and External Communication

• Represent SI in coordination meetings as delegated.
• Act as main contact with authorities and stakeholders.
• Build relationships supporting SI’s mandate and access.
• Report outcomes and suggest positioning changes.
• Maintain stakeholder engagement records and contacts.
• Develop a network of civil, military, NGO, and authority actors.
• Demonstrate initiative in managing external communications.

Internal Communication

• Deliver security briefings and alerts.
• Keep Security Packs and documentation updated.
• Draft or contribute to context sections in reports and updates.

Compliance, Accountability and Training

• Visit local actors to assess operational safety and gather feedback.
• Support compliance efforts with the Conformity Manager.
• Plan and deliver security and access trainings.
• Share official communications and support staff inductions.
• Assess and address training needs in security awarenes

DIPLOMAS AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree in a field related to Political sciences, international relations or equivalent Education or training in data management and/or data analysis is desirable
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, including at least 3 years in a similar position.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

- Security risk analysis and crisis management in humanitarian settings
- Development and implementation of access strategies and security SOPs
- Context and conflict analysis, including reporting and early warning
- Stakeholder engagement and negotiation with authorities and armed actors
- Incident response planning and management
- Representation in humanitarian coordination and security forums
- Security briefing and induction for staff
- Knowledge of humanitarian principles and access frameworks
- Liaison with civil society, community leaders, and local institutions"

TRANSVERSAL SKILLS

- Strong analytical and strategic thinking
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Team supervision and coordination
- Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
- Diplomacy and cultural sensitivity
- Integrity and confidentiality
- Proactive and autonomous approach to work
- Flexibility and adaptability in changing contexts"

LANGUAGES

1. English: Fluent (written and spoken)
2. Arabic: Fluent (written and spoken)