STAFF & PROGRAMME SECURITY ADVISOR

Work Location:                     Somalia - Hargeisa

Other Possible Locations:            

Expected Travel:                  Greater than 50%

Language Requirement:   English

Employee Duration:           Active Full-Time

Type of Post:                         Unaccompanied

Funding:                                  Approved

*For U.S.-based positions, applicants who are not currently employed by CARE must be U.S. citizens or authorized to work in the United States.

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 Our diversity is our strength; we encourage people from all 
backgrounds and experiences, particularly women, to apply.

                                                  

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DESCRIPTION

CARE is currently seeking a Staff and Programme Security Advisor. The Staff and Programme Security Advisor supporting CARE International Somalia on its operations for safely work within their program environments and reduce risks its staff may face.  SSM Managing the overall Safety and Security Management Plan for Somalia.  This will be achieved through the provision of professional safety approaches, the development of capacity in respect of safety awareness, preparedness and management, to support program implementation. 

The Staff and Programme Security Advisor will develop, implement and where necessary update and maintain safety advisories and operating procedures which are in line with the CARE International safety protocols. 

The Staff and Programme Security Advisor is responsible to train and support staff to ensure that any risks are minimized. Demonstrate a high level of socio-cultural, political and economic understanding of the many contexts where CARE works. S/he will also develop a solid working knowledge of CARE's programs and have a strong understanding of programming in order to provide guidance and direction for safety to support CARE's vision and mission.   

The Staff and Programme Security Advisor will be travelling to CARE International Somalia's operational areas, including potentially volatile locations to assist CO’s in addressing all safety concerns, develop appropriate plans, and provide technical assistance and development of a security approach focusing on acceptance and the key security strategy. 

The Staff and Programme Security Advisor  will report directly to the Country Director, but shall submit situational reports to the regional security advisor and CSU as deemed appropriate by CSU.

Responsibilities:

Planning and Preparation:

• The Security Advisor must develop the country Security Management Plan, using the CARE International template and must ensure that all CARE facilities are included in the plan and the plan is kept current to any changes.
• Assist the country office to prepare for major events and critical incidents where security is concerned.  Prepare and update office security plans. Work in close cooperation with the Regional Advisor on Emergencies in oversight of country emergency plans.
• Conduct security awareness training in accordance with CARE policies and procedures and in cooperation with the Regional Security Advisors and CSU. 
• Participate in the selection of security focal points, guard services, etc. and ensure that adequate training is provided.
• Lead an ongoing process of review and revision of security planning, involving all staff to ensure understanding, buy-in and compliance.

Procedures and Protocols:

• Implement and maintain CARE International Security Protocols.  
• Network with other security officers and organizations to obtain information which can used analyzed to better understand the security environment and through this develop standard operating procedures relevant to the security setting in which programs are being implemented.
• Ensure that effective communications are in place and that all staff members are adequately trained to use any equipment that is included in the CO security requirements and that all staff members are capable to follow international communication protocols
• Provide a thorough regular safety analysis and in-house briefings for staff and visitors.  
• Provide a detailed and appropriate initial safety briefing to all newly arriving staff and visitors; including general safety policies and procedures, site specific issues and an analysis of the present local safety situation.  
• Ensure that all staff are briefed and trained regularly on personal safety issues.  
• Ensure that safety procedures are understood and respected at all times.
• Ensure policies and procedures are implemented in relation to project activities.  
• Ensure communications procedures are implemented correctly and consistently within the programme, providing training where necessary. 
• Ensure communications systems are maintained in good working order.

Act in a Crisis:

• Coordinate the SMT and advise them of possible actions or options in a time of crisis or emergency. 
• Immediately advise the Country Director and when necessary, the regional security advisor and CSU of events affecting or which could potentially affect staff safety or security or cause damage to CARE assets.
• Coordinate information through the relevant reporting lines during serious security incidents.
• Provide CSU will updated reports on the security situation in the country office and the steps being taken to mitigate against threats.
• Assist with emergency medical evacuations within the country office and in coordination with the regional security advisor.  
• Investigate and follow up security incidents in which CARE staff are involved, eg. arrest, detention, robbery etc.

Advise and Report:

• Brief the Country Director and other senior staff on security developments within the area of operations.  
• Brief new staff of security protocols and orientation of the organization's standard operating procedures.
• Maintain security reports for the CO on a regular and ongoing basis.  Prepare reports for the regional security advisors and CSU as requested by them.
• Provide feedback to the country director on progress in respect of security actions and initiatives.
• Provide technical advice to country offices in respect of staff safety and security.

Manage and Capacity Building:

• Build capacity through training and mentorship of national staff and assist and provide guidance to the national security assistance or the security focal point.
• Technical support and Training:
• Provide technical support through consultations in person, by phone, radio or email with all requesting staff;
• Conduct regular security field audits and site assessments on request to assess security environments, report on findings and design necessary improvements;
• Assist and provide expertise to Nairobi-based departments in security risk assessment and analysis for future projects; 
• Coordinate post-incident follow up actions, analysis and recommendations;
• Facilitate, provide support and train in the proper use of common communications including HF and VHF radio networks and satellite phones according to radio protocols and other communications technologies.  

Networking and Coordination: 

• Develop a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community (UN, NGO and ICRC) and actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation
• Support coordination with relevant agencies in each programme site on all safety issues.
• Communicate appropriate safety information to Project Coordinators and field staff.  
• Responsible for investigating all safety incidents affecting the programme and reporting to the CD.
• Ensure logging and reporting all safety incidents affecting activities or personnel and reporting to / advising the CD.
• Attend all safety briefings.
• Co-ordinate with UN, other relevant agencies and NGOs on all safety issues, and to be well-informed of the overall situation in Somalia

Requirements:

• An appropriate university degree, preferably in the fields of security management, international relations, Law  or a comparable field
• 5 years experience in assisting international organizations in developing security strategies for their operations.
• Several years' professional experience in the field of security management within an international organisation,
• Several years' experience of development cooperation and of crisis situations in countries where there is a difficult security situation
• Coordination and organisational skills - even under a high workload
• 3 years experience working/living in developing countries.
• Strong assessment, evaluation, analysis and strategic planning skills
• High level of experience in developing security related technical tools guidelines and systems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage under stressful conditions.

 Apply now