Humanitarian Access and Risk Officer

[ENG]

CONTEXT

Medecins du Monde’s international network, which was already working in Ukraine, has mobilized significant resources to meet the needs of affected populations since the start of the war. 

Medecins du Monde France reopened its base in Ukraine in 2022 and provided comprehensive primary healthcare (PHC) including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Gender Based Violence (SRH-GBV) and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in areas along the frontline, a strip of land that separates conflict-affected people residing in areas under Ukrainian government control and areas under temporary military control of Russian Federation. 

MdM-France remains strongly committed to supporting the coordination of the health cluster by leveraging its expertise in Primary Healthcare, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) as part of a comprehensive health approach. Our contributions focus on advocating for the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Southern Ukraine, identifying gaps in service delivery, and proposing practical solutions in collaboration with national actors, such local NGOs, health staff, and the Ministry of Health. We also aim to facilitate the coordination of various local and international health actors in the region and share innovative approaches, such as our telemedicine experience with a local implementing partner and harm reduction initiatives to improve access to quality healthcare, especially in isolated and hard-to-reach areas.

This position will be based in Mykolaiv, with travel to Kherson and Odesa as necessary.

MAIN TASKS:

The Humanitarian Access and Risk Officer (HARO) is responsible for supporting the implementation of safety and security policies at the base level. S/he ensures that MDM operations are carried out in a safe environment and in accordance with MDM’s security protocols. 

Operating under the direct supervision of the General Coordinator, and in functional collaboration with the HQ Security Advisor, the HARO contributes to risk monitoring, access facilitation, training, contingency preparedness and incident management at base and sub-base levels. 

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: 

Hierarchical Link:    General Coordinator

Functional link: HQ Security Advisor

Other:              Coordination team, medical team, field team 

ROLES: 

Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Context Monitoring and Risk Analysis 

• Monitor the local security context through regular information gathering from field focal points, partners, and communities. 

• Share timely alerts and verified information with the General Coordinator. 

• Produce weekly recaps and short analyses covering key areas of intervention. 

2. Implementation of Safety and Security Standards 

• Conduct safety assessments of MDM offices, guesthouses, and operational sites (existing or prospective). 

• Identify and propose mitigation measures to ensure minimum safety standards (e.g., fire safety, first aid, physical security). 

• Regularly inspect contingency stocks (hibernation kits, medical kits, fire extinguishers, food/water stocks, etc.) and ensure they are complete, functional, and accessible. 

• Conduct periodic checks on emergency equipment (e.g. solar lamps, generators, power banks, fuel reserves) and maintain related inventory tracking tools. 

• Support the update and dissemination of base security documents (risk analysis, base security rules, contingency plans, contact lists, etc.). 

• Ensure staff comply with security rules and report any breaches to the General Coordinator. 

• Follow up on staff movement tracking, ensuring timely consolidation and submission of travel requests or movement reports.  

3. Communication Systems & Readiness 

• Ensure that all communication systems (satellite phones, GPS trackers, mobile phones) are functional, charged, and accessible at all times. 

• Conduct regular tests of base communication systems and report any malfunction to the logistics team and the General Coordinator. 

• Support staff in the use of communication devices and ensure training when needed. 

• Monitor proper use of communication protocols during staff movements and emergency drills. 

4. External Liaison & Representation 

• Act as the main contact for local authorities, community representatives, and security actors (e.g., police, military, local elders) at Coordination level. 

• Maintain and regularly update a contact list of external stakeholders and share with relevant coordination teams. 

• Participate in security coordination meetings (e.g., INSO, bi-monthly MdM security meetings) and share minutes and relevant information with the General Coordination and HQ security advisor. 

• Build and maintain relationships that facilitate access and acceptance in MDM’s areas of operation. 

5. Briefings, Trainings & Awareness 

• Deliver security briefings to new staff, visitors, and partners based in or visiting the base. 

• Develop and maintain briefing materials (e.g., PPTs for national and international staff). 

• Organize thematic trainings or awareness sessions on basic safety or SOPs. 

• Monitor the enforcement of security protocols in the field and provide regular feedback to the General Coordinator. 

• Track staff participation in trainings and propose attendance based on needs; ensure minimum training thresholds are met. 

6. Incident Management & Incident Reporting 

• Actively support incident management at Coordination level in collaboration with the General Coordinator and the field team. 

• Draft and submit incident reports (IRs) 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;
  
  SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Training & Experience :

  • Relevant university degree.  

  • Similar experience or a minimum of 2 years of experience working with international NGOs in high-risk humanitarian contexts. 

  • Study or training in security management is an asset (i.e.: HEAT training);

• Skills:

  • Technical

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

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

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

  • Incident management.  

  • Create and develop a security network. 

  • Conduct security trainings.  

  • IT: 

  • Mastery of Office 365. 

  • Mastery of SharePoint/cloud systems. 

  • Use of tracking and mapping mobile applications. 

  • Mapping software: ArcGIS, QGIS, or any other mapping tool; 

  • Languages: 

  • Solid English langage skills 

  • Fluent in Ukrainian  

  • Soft Skills: 

  • Autonomous. 

  • Good teamwork skills, good interpersonal skills. 

  • Sense of initiative and confidentiality. 

  • Rigor and organizational skills. 

  • Negotiation skills (diplomacy). 

  • Ability to analyse, conceptualize and plan. 

  • Good writing and communication skills.  

  • Stress management;
    EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS: 

    • Contract Type: Fixed term contract  with possibility of extension based on performances and funds availability

    • Duration: 6 months, incl. 2 months of probation period  

    • Starting date: ASAP

    • Job Schedule: Full time 

    • Location: Mykolaiv 

    • Employment: Humanitarian Access and Risk Officer, cat. 5