Mar 23, 2014

Security Coordinator - South Sudan

Employer: International Rescue Committee
Location: South Sudan
Applications Close: 17 May 2014

Location and Security:
Lodging in Juba is in a private bedroom, with en suite bathroom, in a shared IRC guesthouse. In field sites sleeping accommodations range from tent to traditional hut to permanent structures. Field compounds have latrines and showers. All IRC sites have electricity and internet at least several hours per day. Food is the individual’s responsibility.

Security level red. The situation in Juba is calm at the moment but remains tense and unpredictable; concerns include criminality, presence of armed troops, and looting. There is active conflict in many parts of the country and a possibility for further expansion of the conflict and violence into other areas and other states.

Role:
The IRC is currently seeking a Security Coordinator for its South Sudan program, based in Juba and with at least 75 % travel time to emergency program locations. The Safety and Security Coordinator will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of IRC Safety and Security Policy in South Sudan.The position will work with the country team to ensure that organizational security policies and procedures are adapted to the context, adequate and known to staff. The SSCwill conduct training on site for staff and others (external security providers) and facilitate development and implementation of appropriate security plans and Standard Operating Procedures. S/he will provide expert security advice to all levels of IRC staff in the country office including security updates, travel advisories, and incident management. The position reports to the Deputy Director of Operations.
Key areas of responsability:
Field Safety and Security Management Planning
  • Lead S/Sudan country program in developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in the areas of operational (administrative, procurement, vehicle management, house and office) and Financial (e.g. safe usage, bank withdrawals, cash handling) safety and security management.
  • Provide written feedback to field offices as they develop or revise their security plans and security risk assessments;
  • Request plan revisions when there is a significant change in the security environment.
  • Actively and effectively manage regional security issues and engage in crisis management as needed
  • Provide technical support to the senior team on all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity;
  • Work with the senior team and Program Coordinators to develop and consolidate programmatic contingency plans;
  • Provide technical input and advice in assessments to consider new IRC programs in new geographic areas;
  • Conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and se curity standards. Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for all IRC offices and residences in country and ensure that the practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved;
  • Visit IRC field offices and emergency sites on a regular basis. Conduct risk assessments of the safety and security at the offices according to the present and possible future safety and security situation in their area - ensure that minimum safety and security standards are being met;
  • Undertake continual assessments of equipment to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met, with particular attention to communication equipment, especially CODAN and VHF. Provide regular recommendations to senior management for any improvements needed. Provide a safety and security annual budget based on the required needs.
  • Conduct regular field visits and monitor security preparedness and field training. Provide a follow-up report with clear recommendations after each visit.
Reporting
  • Collect and review incident reports (IR) and ensure that recommendations are made and corrective actions taken. Maintain an IR tracking matrix and provide monthly reporting;
  • Coordinate the production of daily security reports (DSR) from the states and produce a DSR for Regional Management and IRC NY;
  • Generate monthly activity reports on security, including database analyses, new threats, responses and vulnerabilities and any relevant lessons learned from security and safety incidents.
  • Compile the Monthly Security Report (MSR) and submit to regional advisor for compilation;
Monitoring and Analysis
  • Monitor the prominent issues for the S/Sudan country program and update CD and Deputy Director Operations as necessary.
  • As required, support and advice the Country Director and Deputy Director Operations during a crisis.
  • Coordinat e closely with the Regional Safety and Security Advisor for Horn and East Africa Region on relevant issues pertaining to security management for South Sudan.
Communications
  • Maintain the network of IRC Security Focal Points at each IRC field office and conduct weekly update calls.
  • Identify, create and maintain a network and coordinate closely with INGO/UN and other security specialists suitable for the context of South Sudan. Work closely with the NGO Security forum in relevant information exchange and monitoring of trends and advisories.
  • Monitor all communications from the field related to security incidents and planning and provide timely feedback to questions raised from the field.
  • Maintain a regular dialogue with and regularly and formally evaluate the performance of services provided by the company, including the guards that are assigned to IRC offices, warehouses and residences.
  • Supervise the radio operators, and monitor the radio room.
  • Maintain the communications contingency plan up to date and test regularly (phone tree, house focal points, thuraya contact list, and additional tasks as requested)
Security Training and Orientation
  • Provide regular trainings for IRC staff on security preparedness, prevention and response. Training(s) may include Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs); Contingency Plans (CPs); Security Management; Incident Reporting; Prevention and Response Mechanisms; Communications (Equipment -VHF/HF radios; protocols);
  • Together with Deputy Director of Operation, review and update the Security Information package for new staff.
  • Ensure that each new employee, international and national, receive appropriate security orientation within 48 hours of arrival into the country program. Provide a framework for field security orientations and ensure that IRC Connect (IRC’s staff orientation system) se curity information is up-to-date and utilized.
  • As requested, provide security briefings, or meetings to update staff on the changing situation;
Specific Responsibilities
  • Create, along with Deputy Director Operations, a security training program that reaches a maximum number of national and international staff. Keep useful records on staff training and report.
  • Assist field offices in arranging ad hoc security training workshops in consultation with the Deputy Director Operations and Country Director.
Qualifications and Experience:
  • Minimum of five year’s practical experience in security management for international organization/s.
  • Prior experience working in South Sudan and/ or other Horn Africa countries a distinct advantage
  • Demonstrable work experience in the areas of security planning, organizing and executing security operations in the field
  • Practitioner’s experience on b roader humanitarian principles, codes of conduct and specifically around security management, rules of engagement etc.
  • Experience in organizing training for staff and partners
  • University degree and advanced training on security management
  • Ability to work in a multicultural setting
  • Ability to work under pressure and with remote field teams
  • Excellent communication skills- coherent, timely and strategic
  • Friendly, approachable and flexible
  • Able to cope with remote field visit
How to apply:
Please visit this link to apply and follow the instructions provided