6 Months Contract – 01/03/2025 – 31/08/2025

The Security and Access Specialist (SAS) is responsible for leading ActionAid Eastern Europe’s work on humanitarian access and security management. The role, based in Kyiv, includes minimising incidents, responding professionally to critical situations, and leading staff training and capacitysharing initiatives to strengthen risk management. Additionally, the SAS manages all operational security matters, develops, and implements security plans, and ensures the execution of security policies on the ground. Reporting directly to the Head of the Response, the SAS also serves as the focal point for all safety and security matters, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure security approaches align with organisational policies and local contexts. And works closely with the Head of Programmes, field teams, as well as other colleagues based in Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Spain.

The role is based in Kyiv, but roving, needing the physical and mental readiness to undertake business trips across all oblasts in Ukraine to visit project implementation sites.

Tasks and Priorities

Day-to-Day Security Management

• Lead the day-to-day implementation of safety and security procedures in place in line with the Global Security Policy and contextual considerations
• Provide ongoing analysis of on the contextual and political developments, and on security and access in the context of Ukraine

Situational Awareness

• Gain and maintain an awareness of the political, economic and other drivers of insecurity in the areas within which ActionAid and partners works
• Maintain awareness of contextual developments including monitoring real time developments
• Maintain a staff list and be prepared to rapidly account for staff and visitors in an emergency

Networking and Internal and External Capacity Strengthening

• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders related to safety, security, and access to hard-to-reach areas
• Establish, maintain, and strengthen external networks which facilitate safety and security risk management
• Actively engage with the Global SFP Network to exchange knowledge, learning and capacities for the wider benefit of the AA Federation, and adhere to the Global SFP Team Charter (ToR)

Additional responsibilities

• Lead on security budgeting processes and ensure critical security needs are accounted for during the annual planning process and/or its updates
• Follow up maintenance of communication tools, safety and fire equipment and Personal Protection equipment through weekly check of their functioning

Who we are looking for:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such security management, risk management, or another relevant degree
• At least two years of relevant experience working for national CSOs, UN or international NGOs in Ukraine, preferably in a similar role
• Proven experience in providing operational security advice and support in a conflict setting
• Fluency in spoken and written English is a must, Ukrainian language skills are preferable, (additionally, Russian skills are desired),
• Considerable experience in undertaking security and access management, incl. experience in liaising with relevant security stakeholders, conducting context reviews, on-site security assessments etc.
• A strong knowledge of the concept of humanitarian access in Ukraine, and experience in engaging governmental stakeholders incl. the military
• Ability and willingness to travel to all regions of Ukraine
• Work experience in Eastern Ukraine, incl. in frontline areas, is highly preferred
• Proven ability to work independently and efficiently supporting teams
• Works well in a dynamic environment and keeps a level head in emergency situations
• Proven experience in managing, and building the capacity of, staff and local partners
• A valid driver’s licence category B (manual transmission) desirable
• Exceptional interpersonal skills: tact, patience, diplomacy, confidentiality, and appropriate assertiveness when communicating with donors and partners

What we offer:

ActionAid is committed to providing a welcoming, supportive workplace where we recognize a job well done, encourage close collaboration and sharing power, and where safeguarding standards and feminist leadership are exemplified everywhere. At ActionAid, you can look forward to a fair compensation package and a flexible working environment, including.

• A workplace that embraces intersectional feminist principles,
  • Flexible working arrangements,
  • Salary and conditions according to ActionAid’s salary grid for candidates,
  • Wellbeing package.

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and cover letter as pdfs in English (no more than 2 pages each) to ukraine.submissions@actionaid.org with the reference Ukraine –Security & Access Specialist.