The QED Group is currently recruiting qualified candidates to fill a 6 month Partner Security Liaison Advisor consultancy in Baghdad, Iraq.
The basic function of the PSLA is to advise on practices that promote a high level of safety, security, and operational support to all USAID offices and personnel, and to its Implementing Partners (IPs). Visits to project implementation sites and other travel throughout Iraq for USG staff is tightly regulated and monitored by the Embassy’s Regional Security Office (RSO). In accordance with Embassy policy concerning movements and safety of Mission staff, it is imperative that all precautions and measures are taken to ascertain -- and minimize -- threats to safety and security. This PSLA position will be based in Baghdad. The PSLA will be required to reside in the Baghdad community outside of the US Embassy Compound.
B. Duties
The PSLA is responsible for monitoring critical security information and performing a full range of safety, security and operational activities, including but not limited to:
Safety and Security:
Advising USAID on security and risk factors affecting USAID operations throughout Iraq, and advising USAID on responding to the safety and security needs of the IPs.
Developing and managing an “information cascade” (e.g. phone tree) system to ensure that all IPs can account for their employees during emergency situations.
Continually monitoring USAID and Embassy safety and security policies and practices, and relevant Government of Iraq (GOI) laws and established rules, procedures and guidelines, especially as they apply to or affect USAID’s IPs.
Monitoring how USAID employees operate in the field (outside the Embassy Compound) and advising on ways to improve their safety and security when operating in the field.
Advising on evacuation plans for USAID personnel, and reviewing similar plans of the IPs to ensure they stay up-to-date. The PSLA will maintain file copies of all IP security and evacuation plans.
Drafting and distributing weekly, and as needed, security communiqués to USAID staff, USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, DC (SEC/W), and IPs.
Travelling to core program implementation sites throughout Iraq to assess USAID staff safety and security requirements for USAID employees and their partners.
Advising USAID management on the quality of security and risk management plans provided by USAID’s IPs.
Meeting with GoI officials as necessary to achieve the above duties and responsibilities.
Operations:
The PSLA advises USAID on the communications and transportation security requirements for all USAID programs and will assist the EXO as the USAID point-of-contact for the RSO.
Training: Assess needs and develop training programs for field operations in a high risk insecure environment for USAID staff and the staff of USAID-funded IPs and contactors as directed. Research, organize and provide references and guidelines for effective standard operating procedures for USAID employees operating throughout Iraq. Draft a Safety and Security Plan summarizing how IPs will support field operations for all mission programs as required.
Personnel and Organization: Evaluate security requirements, both current and projected, and develop personnel and organizational strategy options, with recommendations, to support the Iraq mission. Develop a systemic plan that minimizes personnel shortfalls in implementing the USAID Safety and Security Plan. Assess and recommend changes to current plans and protocols to include, but not limited to, Emergency Medical Response, and Shelter-in-Place scenarios in accordance with RSO, Embassy Health Unit, and First Responder guidelines.
Technical Expertise: Provide technical expertise and skills for the implementation of USAID operations in high-risk environments in coordination with the RSO. Integrate elements of risk assessment and low-visibility presence into program operations in high-risk or potentially hostile areas in Iraq.
Strategy: Develop security strategies to enhance off-site operations for USAID projects in Iraq, while still maintaining acceptable risk levels. Participates in regular U.S. Embassy security and risk-related meetings at the request of USAID and RSO.
Special Requirements (language, etc.):
Education and Experience: Master’s degree with minimum five years of experience in a related field (or Bachelor’s degree with minimum seven years of experience in a related field) and practical training in relevant field of study (e.g. administration, transportation logistics; security operations; crisis management; law enforcement, counterintelligence, homeland security, terrorism or counterterrorism studies, etc.) If no relevant academic degree, must have 10 years of experience. The PSLA must have some Iraq experience.
Technical: Training as an Emergency Medical Responder or First Responder, or the equivalent. Knowledge of US Embassy regional security office operating policies and procedures. Knowledge of and/or management of logistics contracts for ground transportation. Subject Matter Expert on physical and operational security, vehicle anti-terrorism, and security driving. Familiarity or experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) would be desired but is not essential.
Language: Fluency in English and proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Proven ability to communicate. effectively in cross-cultural settings. Basic Arabic proficiency (2/1 or higher equivalent) is required.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit your CV for this position by following the application instructions provided after clicking the "Apply Now" icon.
Applications submitted by other means will not be considered.
No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted with information on current and upcoming projects.
The QED Group, LLC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to workplace diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
The basic function of the PSLA is to advise on practices that promote a high level of safety, security, and operational support to all USAID offices and personnel, and to its Implementing Partners (IPs). Visits to project implementation sites and other travel throughout Iraq for USG staff is tightly regulated and monitored by the Embassy’s Regional Security Office (RSO). In accordance with Embassy policy concerning movements and safety of Mission staff, it is imperative that all precautions and measures are taken to ascertain -- and minimize -- threats to safety and security. This PSLA position will be based in Baghdad. The PSLA will be required to reside in the Baghdad community outside of the US Embassy Compound.
B. Duties
The PSLA is responsible for monitoring critical security information and performing a full range of safety, security and operational activities, including but not limited to:
Safety and Security:
Advising USAID on security and risk factors affecting USAID operations throughout Iraq, and advising USAID on responding to the safety and security needs of the IPs.
Developing and managing an “information cascade” (e.g. phone tree) system to ensure that all IPs can account for their employees during emergency situations.
Continually monitoring USAID and Embassy safety and security policies and practices, and relevant Government of Iraq (GOI) laws and established rules, procedures and guidelines, especially as they apply to or affect USAID’s IPs.
Monitoring how USAID employees operate in the field (outside the Embassy Compound) and advising on ways to improve their safety and security when operating in the field.
Advising on evacuation plans for USAID personnel, and reviewing similar plans of the IPs to ensure they stay up-to-date. The PSLA will maintain file copies of all IP security and evacuation plans.
Drafting and distributing weekly, and as needed, security communiqués to USAID staff, USAID’s Office of Security in Washington, DC (SEC/W), and IPs.
Travelling to core program implementation sites throughout Iraq to assess USAID staff safety and security requirements for USAID employees and their partners.
Advising USAID management on the quality of security and risk management plans provided by USAID’s IPs.
Meeting with GoI officials as necessary to achieve the above duties and responsibilities.
Operations:
The PSLA advises USAID on the communications and transportation security requirements for all USAID programs and will assist the EXO as the USAID point-of-contact for the RSO.
Training: Assess needs and develop training programs for field operations in a high risk insecure environment for USAID staff and the staff of USAID-funded IPs and contactors as directed. Research, organize and provide references and guidelines for effective standard operating procedures for USAID employees operating throughout Iraq. Draft a Safety and Security Plan summarizing how IPs will support field operations for all mission programs as required.
Personnel and Organization: Evaluate security requirements, both current and projected, and develop personnel and organizational strategy options, with recommendations, to support the Iraq mission. Develop a systemic plan that minimizes personnel shortfalls in implementing the USAID Safety and Security Plan. Assess and recommend changes to current plans and protocols to include, but not limited to, Emergency Medical Response, and Shelter-in-Place scenarios in accordance with RSO, Embassy Health Unit, and First Responder guidelines.
Technical Expertise: Provide technical expertise and skills for the implementation of USAID operations in high-risk environments in coordination with the RSO. Integrate elements of risk assessment and low-visibility presence into program operations in high-risk or potentially hostile areas in Iraq.
Strategy: Develop security strategies to enhance off-site operations for USAID projects in Iraq, while still maintaining acceptable risk levels. Participates in regular U.S. Embassy security and risk-related meetings at the request of USAID and RSO.
Special Requirements (language, etc.):
Education and Experience: Master’s degree with minimum five years of experience in a related field (or Bachelor’s degree with minimum seven years of experience in a related field) and practical training in relevant field of study (e.g. administration, transportation logistics; security operations; crisis management; law enforcement, counterintelligence, homeland security, terrorism or counterterrorism studies, etc.) If no relevant academic degree, must have 10 years of experience. The PSLA must have some Iraq experience.
Technical: Training as an Emergency Medical Responder or First Responder, or the equivalent. Knowledge of US Embassy regional security office operating policies and procedures. Knowledge of and/or management of logistics contracts for ground transportation. Subject Matter Expert on physical and operational security, vehicle anti-terrorism, and security driving. Familiarity or experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) would be desired but is not essential.
Language: Fluency in English and proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Proven ability to communicate. effectively in cross-cultural settings. Basic Arabic proficiency (2/1 or higher equivalent) is required.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit your CV for this position by following the application instructions provided after clicking the "Apply Now" icon.
Applications submitted by other means will not be considered.
No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted with information on current and upcoming projects.
The QED Group, LLC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to workplace diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.