Humanitarian Access and Risk Advisor

Médecins du Monde - France (MdM-F) is an international humanitarian organization whose mission is to provide medical care for the most vulnerable populations, the world over, including Afghanistan. It seeks to stimulate voluntary commitment from doctors, other health care providers, and from those whose expertise in other fields is needed for its activities, to enlist all competent support required for the achievement of its projects, and to seek at all times to encourage close working relationships with populations in its care.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Humanitarian Access and Risk Advisor (HARA) is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of Medecin du Monde (MDM)’s security framework at country level. Reporting directly to the General Coordinator (Genco) and working closely with the Regional HARA, the HARA ensures that MDM teams, assets, and programs operate in a safe and secure environment in country.

S/he contributes to risk-informed decision-making, supports access strategies, and strengthens the overall security culture of the mission.

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSABILITIES:

1. Context Analysis & Risk Monitoring

• Conduct regular assessments of the context and security environment in all MDM areas of operation.
• Compile and triangulate information from multiple sources (staff, communities, NGOs, media, INSO, UNDSS, etc.) to identify risks and trends.
• Maintain and regularly update a contextual analysis and risk database.
• Provide context and security updates during coordination meetings and program reviews.
• Draft and circulate weekly security reports and ad hoc alerts as needed.
• Develop and revise risk analyses and mitigation strategies, ideally in a participatory manner (e.g. workshops with field teams).

2. Mapping & Stakeholder Analysis

• Produce and update detailed security maps of operational areas (e.g. No-Go Zones, sensitive roads, points of interest), using tools like ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Map key actors, stakeholders, and security incidents to support risk analysis and decision-making.

3. Security Management & Preparedness

• Develop, update, and implement MDM’s full Security Pack (including base-level rules, SOPs, and contingency plans) in close collaboration with the General Coordinator.
• Ensure contingency measures are in place and operational (hibernation kits, emergency communications, data protection, evacuation planning, etc.).
• Support the Logistics Department in procuring and installing safety equipment.
• Monitor the implementation of security protocols at coordination and field levels; identify gaps and suggest corrective actions.
• Support the development of access strategies, and validate movement planning for new areas.
• Ensure that incident reporting (via SyRIL) is timely and accurate.
• Provide security-related inputs and support during crisis or emergency response, including relocations or evacuations.

4. Capacity Building & Awareness

• Deliver safety and security briefings to all new staff, visitors, and consultants.
• Conduct regular refresher trainings and awareness sessions on SOPs and risk mitigation.
• Identify specific training needs and organize individual or team capacity-building accordingly.
• Provide tailored briefings and debriefings for teams traveling to/from field locations.
• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of security staff (if applicable); provide ongoing technical support.

5. Representation & Networking

• Develop and maintain effective security networks with authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, and other relevant actors.
• Represent MDM in security coordination forums (e.g. INSO, UNDSS), and act as focal point for civil/military liaison if delegated by the General Coordinator.

6. Telecommunications & Emergency Communication

• Support the Logistics team in assessing, procuring, and maintaining security-related communication systems (radios, sat phones, GPS trackers, etc.).
• Ensure that communication protocols are clearly defined, updated, and understood by all field teams.
• Conduct regular training on communication tools and ensure functional use across the mission.

The list of tasks is not exhaustive and may be adapted to the needs of the mission in agreement with the General Coordinator.

Training & Experience

• Relevant university degree.
• Similar experience or a minimum of 3-5 years of experience working with international NGOs in high-risk humanitarian contexts (operational, logistical or security position).
• Study or training in security management is an asset (i.e.: HEAT training).

Skills

• Technical:
  • Knowledge and mastery of security management methodologies and tools for humanitarian missions.
  • Knowledge and mastery of telecommunications rules and tools, vehicle management and building security.
  • Identify, analyze, and describe a security context and rationalize security rules.
  • Incident management.
  • Anticipate, alert, and manage complex situations.
  • Create and develop a security network.
  • Create and conduct security trainings.
• IT:
  • Mastery of Office 365.
  • Mastery of SharePoint/cloud systems.
  • Use of tracking and mapping mobile applications.
  • VHF radio system setup and training of users.
  • Data protection methods.
  • Mapping software: ArcGIS, QGIS, or any other mapping tool.

• • 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.

The interested candidates should submit their applications with the updated CV, motivation letter, including references details to the following email – recruitment.afghanistan@medecinsdumonde.net – no later than the closing date.

The reference HARA must be stated in the application subject to be valid. If you do not clearly state the position for which you are applying & attach the required diploma & other supporting documents, your application may not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that MDM-F does not reimburse transportation cost if applicants are asked for interview or a test.

MDM-F does not charge fee at any stage of its recruitment process. All applications are free for all candidates, and no one should require any payment or compensation during the recruitment process.