The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
In 2025, the IRC will launch a new Country programme merging operations in Cameroon and the Central Africa Republic (CAR) with a total combined operating budget of roughly $10M. The headquarters of the merged country programme will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon with extensive travel throughout Cameroon, and CAR.
Cameroon Context:
The IRC started operations in Cameroon in 2016 to respond to the increasing concerns for people affected by violence linked to Boko Haram, in the Far North of the country. The assistance to displaced populations extends across the Far North, notably Mayo Sava, Mayo Tsanaga and Logone & Chari through field offices in Kousseri and Maroua. This includes delivering lifesaving programming to increase access to water and improving hygiene practices in vulnerable displaced and host communities, cash programming to enable economically disadvantaged families to meet basic needs and improve food security. This includes both education and child protection services to address children’s learning and safety needs and priorities. IRC also delivers protection programming to address gender-based violence for women and girls and support to victim of human right violation.
Following the increasing crisis in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, the IRC expanded its operations into the South-West region in August 2018 and into the North-West in 2019. The IRC delivers lifesaving humanitarian assistance to internally displaced populations, with field bases in Buea, Kumba, and Bamenda.
CAR Context:
Present in the CAR since 2006 the IRC is currently realigning its Country Program (CP) to respond to the ongoing emergency response and develop programs for the early recovery stage in country. The CP is active in 4 locations across the country (Bangui, Zemio, Bocaranga and Ndele) and four sectors (Health/Nutrition, Education, Food Security/Economic Recovery and Development (ERD), and Protection including women’s protection and empowerment (WPE) and child protection). The team includes 15 international staff and around 150 national staff.
To build the capacity of both international and national staff and increase the quality of the programs the Country Program seeks to recruit a Deputy Director of Programs.
Cameroon-CAR Country Programme
IRC Cameroon-CAR country program is now implementing its ‘Strategy 100’ strategic plan, through which we aim to provide the best possible impact for some of the most vulnerable boys, girls, women, and men affected by the humanitarian crises. In all that we do, we strive to deliver through IRC’s core values of Integrity, Accountability, Service and Equality. IRC Cameroon-CAR also aims to increase the quantity and quality of its partnerships with national and local NGOs and local structures.
Scope of Work
The Humanitarian Access, Security and Safety Coordinator serves as a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and plays a critical role in ensuring safe, principled, and sustainable humanitarian access across all IRC operations in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Cameroon. The incumbent is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security risk management and humanitarian access systems that align with humanitarian principles, duty of care obligations, and IRC’s global strategy. He/she will provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and capacity-building support to enhance the safety, security, and operational continuity of IRC programs.
Main Responsibilities
Facilitation of Humanitarian Access (25%)
• Facilitate the development of an access strategy and framework for the country program.
• Support the Security Foal Points (SFP) as well as program teams in the design of operational strategies for the opening of new project, including with actor mapping and engagement strategies.
• Establish and maintain networks with local authorities, non-state armed groups, and other influential actors.
• Ensure broad understanding and acceptance of IRC’s mission and activities in areas of operation.
• Advice on access-related considerations during geographic expansion and assessments.
Team Management and Internal/External Coordination (20%)
• Provide technical support to SFPs and ensure coordination across all field offices.
• Develop and monitor individual work plans with clear objectives for safety and security personnel.
• Represent safety and security concerns at SMT level and in all key programmatic meetings (GOM, GRM, GCM).
• Promote collaboration and integration of security considerations across departments.
Context Monitoring and Analysis (15%)
• Provide continuous analysis of security, political, and economic developments to support informed decision-making.
• Identify and communicate context trends likely to affect IRC operations.
• Draft scenario-based analysis and provide programmatic and operational recommendations.
• Submit timely and accurate daily/monthly security updates in line with IRC procedures.
Operational Security and Incident Management (15%)
• Support field teams in identifying and mitigating safety and security risks.
• Ensure compliance with IRC safety and security protocols.
• Lead incident response and reporting efforts, ensuring appropriate support to affected individuals and confidentiality where required.
• Conduct incident analysis and recommend preventive measures.
• Advise on communications tools and safe alternatives to improve operational connectivity.
Training, Briefings and Orientations (15%)
• Develop and implement a comprehensive security and access training plan for all staff in CAR and Cameroon
• Facilitate Level 1 and Level 2 security training sessions, including humanitarian access and security management.
• Coordinate with HR on mandatory online training initiatives for staff and SFPs.
• Ensure proper security briefings are delivered to all incoming staff and visitors.
Planning and Documentation (15%)
• Lead the design, review, and dissemination of key safety and access documentation, including:
o Security Risk Assessments (SRA)
o Security Management Plans (SMP), SOPs, and Contingency Plans
o Hibernation and evacuation procedures
o Briefing materials for staff and visitors
Culture & ethics
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions including staff development plans.
• Lead with commitment, integrity and accountability the “IRC Way” – Global Standards for Professional Conduct – and ensure adherence.
Qualifications and Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian access, security management, or emergency response within an INGO or humanitarian context.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles and operations in complex environments.
• Proven capacity to conduct contextual analysis and detect evolving risks.
• Demonstrated experience in staff training and capacity building.
• Previous experience in security management is an asset.
• Fluency in both French and English is mandatory.
• Regional experience in the West and Central Africa particularly in CAR Cameroon is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Working Environment
This position is based in Bangui, Central African Republic, with frequent travel (up to 50%) to field locations and IRC offices in Cameroon.
The role requires flexibility, resilience, and the ability to work effectively in insecure or austere environments.
Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
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More Information
- Job City Central African Republic
