Global Safety & Security Advisor at International Rescue Committee

The GSSA will strengthen global systems, reinforce Security Minimum Standards (SMS), enhance humanitarian access strategies, and build the capacity of IRC staff. When not deployed, the GSSA contributes to global priorities including strategy, policy development, incident analysis, learning initiatives, and organizational projects led by the SDSS and the Chief Safety & Security Officer (CSSO).

Responsibilities:

Deployable Security Leadership

• Deploy (remotely or in-person) to regions and country programs to provide short- or long-term gap coverage in roles such as Regional Safety & Security Director (RSSD), Regional Humanitarian Access & Security Coordinator (RHASC), or Country Security Lead, as requested.
• When deployed, operate under the Management in Partnership (MiP) model, reporting to the relevant Regional Safety & Security Director, Regional Vice President, and/or Country Director.
• Provide short-notice surge support for crises, scale-ups, and deteriorating security environments.
• Lead or support the set-up, adaptation, or stabilization of safety, security, and access systems during periods of change, transition, or leadership turnover.
• Deliver structured handover notes and recommendations at the end of each deployment to support continuity and follow-up by regional and country leadership.

Technical Leadership & Support

• Provide expert guidance on security risk management, humanitarian access, and duty of care to country and regional leadership, both remotely and during field deployments.
• Support or lead the development and improvement of SRAs, Security Management Plans, contingency plans, and SOPs in line with IRC global standards.
• Strengthen principled access strategies through context analysis, acceptance-building, and engagement with state and non-state actors.
• Monitor adherence to Security Minimum Standards (SMS), identify gaps, and drive corrective actions with relevant teams.
• Provide real-time support during incidents and crises, including escalation guidance, scenario planning, and After-Action Reviews.
• Analyze security incidents and trends to inform decision-making at country, regional, and global levels.
• Lead or support training and capacity-building initiatives (e.g., READI, incident management), including coaching and mentoring S&S staff and partner organizations.
• Collaborate with regional and global teams (GEDI, Partnerships, P&C, CRRU) to ensure integrated and inclusive approaches to risk management and staff care.

Global Strategy, Systems & Projects

• Contribute to the development and refinement of global safety & security policies, standards, and guidance, ensuring they are practical and usable at field level.
• Support global initiatives led by the SDSS, including work on duty of care, humanitarian access frameworks, incident management systems, and security risk analysis tools.
• Participate in or lead time-bound global projects when not deployed to a region or country.
• Provide a field-informed perspective into organizational strategy discussions ensuring safety, security, and access considerations are integrated into programmatic and operational planning

Key Working Relationships

Reports to:
Senior Director, Safety & Security (SDSS)

When deployed:

• Regional Safety & Security Director (RSSD)
• Regional Vice President (RVP)
• Country Director (under MiP model)

Key Internal Relationships:
Regional S&S Directors, Country S&S Leads, and global S&S learning team.

External:
Partner organizations, peer agencies, security networks, thematic working groups, and security providers.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of multi-country and multi-regional experience in safety & security risk management, humanitarian access, or crisis management in insecure environments.
• Demonstrated ability to assume senior S&S leadership roles (RSSD, Coordinator, and Country Lead) during deployments.
• Fluency in English and French required. Other IRC languages preferred.
• Experience in providing both remote and in-person technical support to teams operating in high-risk environments.
• Proven ability to design and lead capacity building, practical training, and mentorship initiatives.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, codes of conduct, and operational realities of NGOs.
• Demonstrated experience integrating gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches to risk management.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to rapidly interpret complex security dynamics.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills, including working across cultures and without direct authority.