Application Guide

How to Apply for Humanitarian Access and Safety and Security Advisor

at INTERSOS

🏢 About INTERSOS

INTERSOS is a unique humanitarian organization that prioritizes the most vulnerable populations in crises, operating with a strong commitment to humanitarian principles and International Humanitarian Law. Working here offers the chance to directly impact life-saving operations in complex emergencies, with a focus on principled access and security management.

About This Role

As the Humanitarian Access and Safety and Security Advisor, you will lead the development and implementation of access strategies and security risk management for global operations, ensuring safe delivery of aid. This role is impactful because you will enable teams to reach vulnerable communities in high-risk environments, balancing operational needs with security constraints.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve monitoring security incidents across multiple countries, advising country teams on access negotiations via email or calls, and updating risk assessments. You could also lead a virtual training on security risk management for field staff, followed by a strategic meeting with the HQ team to discuss program criticality for a new emergency response.

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🎯 Who INTERSOS Is Looking For

  • Proven track record of at least 7 years in international humanitarian assistance with hands-on security management and access negotiation in complex crises (e.g., armed conflicts, natural disasters).
  • Deep understanding of IHL, humanitarian principles, and gender/conflict sensitivity, with ability to integrate these into security risk assessments and access strategies.
  • Fluent in both English and French (mandatory), with strong analytical and reporting skills in both languages.
  • Experience in supervising country-level security coordinators, including recruitment, performance management, and capacity building.

📝 Tips for Applying to INTERSOS

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific examples of developing and implementing humanitarian access strategies in conflict zones, not just general security management.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your fluency in French and English, and provide an example of using both languages in a professional context.

3

Demonstrate your knowledge of INTERSOS's specific operational contexts (e.g., Sahel, Horn of Africa, Syria) by referencing recent crises where you have relevant experience.

4

Showcase your experience with program criticality determinations and contingency planning, as these are key responsibilities.

5

Avoid generic security language; instead, use terms like 'humanitarian access negotiation,' 'community acceptance,' and 'principled engagement' to align with the role's focus.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your ability to balance security risks with humanitarian access, citing a specific example where you enabled aid delivery in a high-risk environment.', 'Highlight your supervisory experience with country security teams, including how you built their capacity in risk management and access negotiation.', "Express your commitment to INTERSOS's mission of assisting the most vulnerable, linking your personal values to the organization's principles.", 'Demonstrate your understanding of the remote nature of the role and your experience working with geographically dispersed teams.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review INTERSOS's latest annual reports and country pages to understand their operational priorities and recent crises they have responded to.
  • → Familiarize yourself with INTERSOS's security management framework and any publicly available policies on access and safety.
  • → Look into the specific challenges of remote security management, as this role is remote; understand how INTERSOS supports remote staff.
  • → Research the current humanitarian access constraints in key INTERSOS countries (e.g., Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, Central Sahel) to show informed interest.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you had to negotiate humanitarian access with a non-state armed group. What was the outcome?
2 How do you conduct a security risk assessment that incorporates gender and conflict sensitivity?
3 Explain your approach to program criticality determinations in a volatile context.
4 How would you support a country security coordinator who is dealing with a hostage situation?
5 Discuss a situation where you had to advise senior management on accepting residual risk for a humanitarian program.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid focusing only on security and protection (e.g., physical security, guarding) without emphasizing humanitarian access and principled negotiation.
  • Don't neglect to mention your French proficiency; if you are not fluent, do not apply as it is mandatory.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'passion for humanitarian work' without concrete examples of working in complex crises with security responsibilities.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to INTERSOS!

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