Dec 18, 2015

Safety and Security Manager, Yemen


Employer: Mercy Corps
Location: Yemen
Closing date: 31 Dec 2015

Program Summary

Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and currently has offices in Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Yemen. Mercy Corps opened its office in Yemen in 2010. Currently, Mercy Corps Yemen (MCY) has 3 offices, in Sana'a, Taiz and Aden. From these locations, programs are implemented throughout Sana'a, Taiz, Aden, Abyan and Lahj Governorates. MCY is currently assisting vulnerable communities with youth, food security, community rehabilitation, water, sanitation and hygiene as well as education and child protection programming.

General Position Summary
The Safety & Security Manager (SSM) is responsible for managing all safety & security systems in Yemen. The SSM will work closely with the Country Director and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in developing and implementing Yemen-specific policies and procedures, including security management plans. The SSM will provide support and advice to the Country Director and other team members on safety and security issues. The SSM will supervise the Sana'a-based Security Officer (SO) and provide capacity-building as well as mentoring and technical support to the Security Focal Points (SFPs) in the field offices. Moreover, the SSM will provide (or arrange for) necessary training of all MCY staff and partners. He/she also will assist program teams in incorporating security planning and awareness into program planning. In addition, the SSM will work closely with the Global Director of Field Security and Regional Security Teams. The SSM will also coordinate with the Yemen IASO Security Team, UNDSS and other security focal points in INGOs, Embassies, etc. The SSM is a member of the SLT.

Essential Job Functions:

Security information & analysis
Work with SFPs, SO, Heads of Office and the SLT to monitor the security environment in Yemen.
Prepare analytical reports, based on information from internal and external sources, to support policy and procedure reviews as well as to mitigate risks to programming.
Prepare monthly security brief and share with all relevant staff, including international staff and SFPs.
Work with SFPs, SO, Heads of Office and other key staff to conduct Tribal Mapping.
Be readily available at all times to the Country Director and field staff to advise on security developments.

Security system management
Develop, review and ensure effective implementation of the MCY Security Management Plan including a security plan in each office, together with key actors.
Develop, review and ensure the effective implementation of hibernation and evacuation SOPs.
Actively participate in SLT meetings and support members in sharpening their skills in risk and vulnerability assessments, evaluating information and developing security protocols and strategies that work for the team and allow to progress safely and with the lowest risk possible.
Conduct security assessments in all offices and international staff residences, with recommendations to the Country Director for any necessary improvements.
Ensure adequate supply of necessary safety and security-related equipment at all offices and international staff residences.
Ensure that relevant staff members understand and are able to use this equipment, including radios, satellite phones, fire extinguishers, etc.
Conduct comprehensive security/risk assessment in potential new program/field sites, as necessary.
Conduct a security review of existing programs, with recommendations regarding necessary changes.
Implement and ensure effective monitoring of a vehicle tracking system in each office.
Review and revise incident tracking and reporting protocols, with key stakeholders.
Prepare and update as necessary the "constant companion", both full and pocket-sized versions.
Review and revise security telephone tree for all locations as necessary, with key stakheolders.
Conduct yearly crisis management exercises for all staff and management.
Conduct mock drills in all MCY offices (e.g. fire drill, evacuation drill etc.).
Promote and support efforts by field offices to meet the Inter Action Minimum Operating Security Standards (MOSS) through effective planning and budgeting for security.
Work with SFPs, Program Managers, Heads of Offices, Director of Programs and CD on community acceptance messaging and strategies.

Staff management and technical support
Participate in the recruitment and hiring process for the Security Officer, Sana'a, as necessary. Participate in the recruitment and hiring process for field SFPs, as necessary
Supervise the SO, including setting objectives, developing quarterly workplans, performance evaluation, etc. Assist SFP in developing a monthly/quarterly work plan that can be monitored by the Head of Office, and remotely by SSM and Country Director.
Mentor the SFPs to fulfill their safety and security responsibilities at the field-level.
Work with CD to include necessary safety and security information in pre-departure information packages for new international staff and visitors.
Work with the Human Resources Officer (HRO) to develop and implement security orientation for new staff (international and national) and visitors.
Work with the HRO to identify security training needs of team members and include security awareness as an essential part of program trainings and refresher workshops.
Assess the training needs of drivers and guards in consultation with SFPs and Logistics Assistant, Sana'a.
Ensure appropriate technical support is provided to Field Offices, through responding to phone calls and emails as well as through field visits. Prepare field visit report format (including action plan) and quarterly visit schedule, and share with SFP and Heads of Office.

Coordination
Place high value on inter-agency coordination in security. Actively participate in security coordination activities in Sana'a and encourage SFP and Heads of Office to participate in coordination activities at the field-level.
Actively seek opportunities for formal and informal cooperation in security.
Develop a network of relationships with peers in the humanitarian community (UN, NGO, ICRC, appropriate governmental offices, etc.).
Develop and engage Mercy Corps' internal network of SFPs, SO and Heads of Office, and encourage inter-communications between them.
Pursue opportunities to engage others in our community in creative solutions to our security challenges through collaborative efforts.
Any other duties which are not listed but are essential to the safety and security for MCY staff members and properties.

Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries: Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory responsibility: Security Officer, Sana'a

Accountability

Reports directly to: Country Director

Works directly with: SFPs, Sr./Operations Officers, Head of Offices, Program Managers, Operations Manager, Finance Director, Director of Programs

Knowledge and Experience
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
3- 5 years field experience in safety and security with a humanitarian or development non-governmental organization, 5 of which in a supervisory role.
Extensive experience in setting up and managing safety and security systems and protocols and provide training to staff and partners.
Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies. Good context analysis skills.
Excellent negotiation and representation skills and the ability to work comfortably with an ethnically diverse staff in a very sensitive environment.
Effective skills in coordination, organization and prioritization as well as in Microsoft Office applications.
Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively with team members.
Proven ability to work and solve problems independently without direct supervision.
Experience living and working in Yemen, or in the Middle East region, preferred.
Knowledge of Mercy Corps systems and procedures highly desirable.
English proficiency required: excellent written and oral skills.
Knowledge of Arabic language strongly preferred.

Success Factors

The Safety and Security Manager is responsible for the implementation of security policies, procedures and systems that are appropriate for the conditions in Yemen. Critical is problem solving, and the ability to work out methods to deliver successful programs while demonstrating excellent stewardship of donor funds and compliance with MC and donor regulations. Maintaining strong cooperative relationships with other departments is crucial. The successful candidate will have the ability to interact effectively with national and international staff members and demonstrate ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and provide relevant advice and support in a fluid security environment. The candidate will have a high degree of professionalism and must be able to live and work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense environment.

Living/Environmental Conditions

This unaccompanied position will be based in Amman, with travel to field offices and occasional travel to project sites, whenever possible. When in country they will stay in either Mercy Corps accommodation or assessed hotels. Living conditions in the staff house are clean and secure, but basic. Mercy Corps' offices experience variable levels of insecurity, with the situation closely monitored. The team member must follow all security protocols at all times. The security situation inside Yemen has deteriorated significantly as the conflict continues. Currently no international staff are based in country, but the SSM would be expected to travel in country when the security situation allows.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and Mercy Corps' policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

How To Apply:
Please follow this link to apply: https://goo.gl/FMijT8