Employer: MSI
Location: South Sudan
Description
Senior Safety and Security Liaison Advisor (SSSLO), MESP USAID/South Sudan, Juba
Project Summary:
The period following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 brought a measure of peace and the beginning of development to the region. However, to this date, insecurity and prevalence of arms persist in the region, driven by competition for resources, lack of food and essential services, and aggravated by longstanding ethnic rivalries and high level of corruption. In addition to the armed insurrection that continues in the northern States, insecurity also reflects highly localized circumstances, with potential triggers of violence including ethnic rivalries, political division, livestock raiding, and environmental shocks leading to banditry and the abduction of women and children. As conflict and instability are the foremost constraints to humanitarian assistance, socio-economic development and private sector investment, USAID requires liaison services to integrate security information and work with implementing partners to guide operational security decisions. Juba is currently an unaccompanied critical threat post.
**Please note, US citizens with Secret or Top Secret security clearance OR Third Country Nationals with Secret or Top Secret NATO security clearance are encouraged to apply.**
Position Summary:
MSI seeks a Senior Safety and Security Liaison Advisor to provide liaison services between USAID staff and implementing partners, both contractors and grantees. The position is based in Juba and the SSSLO is expected to travel to USAID/South Sudan activities implementation sites and other locations of strategic importance to USAID/South Sudan. The SSSLO shall serve as a point of contact between USAID/South Sudan and their implementing partners on matters relating to security. Additionally, the SSSLO shall maintain close coordination with other agencies as they have operational impact on USAID projects. The SSSLO shall also facilitate the flow of security-related information between RSO and USAID partners.
The SSSLO will undertake a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and safety and security management with minimal direction. The SSSLO must be able to exercise sound judgment in crisis and emergency situations. The position will assist with the monitoring of critical security information and performing the full range of safety, security and operational activities responsive to USAID partners. This includes but is not limited to:
Training : Assess needs and develop training programs for field operations in a high risk insecure environment for the staff of USAID-funded implementing partners and contractors. Research, organize and provide references and guidelines for effective standard operating procedures for partners in identifying needs and issues relevant to their safety and security.
Personnel and Organization : Evaluate the safety and security requirements, both current and projected, and develop personnel and organizational strategy options, with recommendations, to support the South Sudan mission. Collect and review current plans from implementing partners, contractors and grantees.
Technical Expertise: Integrate elements of risk assessment into program operations in high-risk and potentially hostile areas in South Sudan.
Strategy Development: Participate in the development of security strategies to enhance off-site operations for USAID projects in South Sudan, while still maintaining acceptable risk levels. Contribute to exporting U.S. Government visibility and branding while operating within acceptable risk levels.
Responsibilities:
Provide liaison services with USAID implementing partners, contractors and grantees, UN agencies, international NGOs and the government of South Sudan.
Provide security briefings to newcomers, VIP visitors and others as requested.
Maintain a database of incidents reported by USAID partners and others, as well as maintain a database of identifiable information of USAID Chiefs of Party, their deputies, and Security Managers from the respective partners.
Through established rapport, incumbent will acquire, analyze and disseminate pertinent security information to USAID partners and provide timely dissemination of significant security-related incidents to USAID partners.
Encourage and assist partners with the documentation and reporting of security incidents to the RSO.
Work effectively and make sound decisions in high stress and crisis situations.
Be able to build networks with external entities, including other USG agencies, host governments, NGOs and local officials as well as the host population.
Manage sensitive information in a highly professional manner.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience in the field of security operations, crisis management, development planning, and international development.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in conflict or post conflict and/or post disaster environments is required. Experience traveling and working in remote, rugged terrain and areas of unrest under arduous conditions is required.
Experience working on a humanitarian or development assignment, in a critical threat environment.
Demonstrated liaison experience with ability to work independently and with little oversight as well as working closely with Embassy personnel.
The candidate must be able to assess the operational environment, protocols and manage a fluid environment sometimes hostile to Americans and their interests.
Completion of a certified first aid, safety and security training programs (such as FEMA, OFDA, Red cross/crescent, etc.).
Knowledge of USG regional security office operating policies and procedures is desired.
Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Vehicle Anti-Terrorism and Security driving training is desired.
Demonstrated knowledge regarding what a comprehensive safety and security operations plan should contain and how it should be managed on a day-to-day basis. Knowledge of generic safety and security protocols in high risk environments. Knowledge of the political situation and security risks particular to Sudan.
Ability to forecast future safety and security and address needs.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently with client (Mission professional and support staff, implementing partners, contractors and grantees, government of South Sudan officials) on safety and security issues is required.
Experience with the State Department Office of Diplomatic Security is preferred but not required. Experience working on emergency or reconstruction assistance is desired.
Specialized expertise in managing the safety and security operations of a USG agency, bilateral or multilateral organization, international NGO or private company is highly desirable. Knowledge of long distance communication networks and systems is desired.
Fluent English, superior writing skills, and proficient use of MS office suite of products required.
Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
MSI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer.