Employer: Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Location: Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR)
Background Information
The Security Coordinator provides leadership and oversight on all matters relating to security and staff safety in CAR and ensures staff compliance with CRS security and safety policies and procedures. Key working relationships involve country program, security and staff safety to ensure that Juba-based staff are fully apprised of, prepared for and responsive to potential emergency and security threats. The security coordinator is also responsible for preparing documented security updates to be sent on a regular basis to the country program staff, the region and HQ. An important part of the security coordinator’s job portfolio is mainstreaming and planning security and staff safety
management into country program activities and strengthening technical and management capacity of CRS staff.
Specific Responsibilities
Security Risk Assessment
Supervisory: None
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Operations, program team, logistics team
External: Contracted security service providers, security officers of other international and national NGOs and organizations operating in CAR.
Physical Requirements/Environment
Difficult work and living conditions requiring frequent travel (up to 50% of the time) to provincial towns and remote villages, as required.
Qualifications
Please visit the CRS Vacancy page and create an online profile to apply
Location: Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR)
Background Information
The Security Coordinator provides leadership and oversight on all matters relating to security and staff safety in CAR and ensures staff compliance with CRS security and safety policies and procedures. Key working relationships involve country program, security and staff safety to ensure that Juba-based staff are fully apprised of, prepared for and responsive to potential emergency and security threats. The security coordinator is also responsible for preparing documented security updates to be sent on a regular basis to the country program staff, the region and HQ. An important part of the security coordinator’s job portfolio is mainstreaming and planning security and staff safety
management into country program activities and strengthening technical and management capacity of CRS staff.
Specific Responsibilities
Security Risk Assessment
- Determine and assess the specific threats to CRS staff, premises, and programs.
- Identify and make recommendations for systems, procedures and resources to mitigate risk to manageable levels. Develop and monitor an implementation plan of recommended measures.
- Assess capacity of professional security guards at residences and office related to their security training needs.
- Advise the Country Representative, Project Director/Program Managers and other key personnel how to mainstream security in project planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
- Review the impact of security factors on CRS program designs and delivery, as well as the potential impact that program might have on stability and security (both positive and negative), and make appropriate recommendations.
- Act as an integral member of the CRS CAR Crisis Management Team.
- Ensure that staff members are provided with and are proficient in the use of safety equipment, including communications equipment, vehicle emergency equipment and personal security safeguards required for work in the field.
- Ensure CRS CAR compliance with agency staff safety and security policies and protocols, including: development and updating country-level field security plans at least annually; staff/visitors receive appropriate orientation and training for assigned posts; all staff utilize the Employee Locator when leaving their post of assignment; and all safety and security incidents are reported to CARO and HQ within 24 hours of incident, including after-action reviews, as appropriate.
- Remain continuously informed of the security situation in CAR. Develop a security action plan for reinforcement of security measures at the office and the residences of CRS international staff. Coordinate closely with security colleagues – UN/INGO, CCO/INSO, MISCA, Sangaris.
- Document the dates and types of security training staff members have received and make recommendations on training needs. Facilitate training, as needed.
- Provide advice on selection and procurement of appropriate equipment for security (vehicles, telecommunications equipment, etc.).
- Ensure appropriate professional liaison with local authorities responsible for security, law and order, counterparts in diplomatic missions and municipal/civic/religious and traditional leaders.
- Develop medical support and evacuation procedures as part of the security plan.
- Provide comprehensive security analysis based on knowledge, observation, key informant information and discussions with other security coordinators.
- Provide timely and accurate security advice to CRS’s senior management, Project Director/Program Managers and other key staff.
- Immediately report all security-related incidents and potential threats affecting CRS staff and programs to the Country Representative.
- Ensure that staff members are provided with situation reports and other appropriate security related information generated both within CRS and from external sources.
- Encourage an exchange of information relative to risk management for program implementation.
- Participate in inter-agency security coordination efforts and represent CRS at security meetings.
- Conduct appropriate security assessments of CRS CAR premises and equipment and advise on shortfalls in security preparedness with recommended improvements and solutions.
- Establish and implement access control mechanisms (visitor/vehicle screening) as necessary for regional and project offices.
- Ensure that there are mechanisms in place so that security costs are included in all project proposals.
- Due to the inter-relatedness of Logistics and Security in this operating environment, he/she may be required to advise and assist in logistics matters.
Supervisory: None
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Operations, program team, logistics team
External: Contracted security service providers, security officers of other international and national NGOs and organizations operating in CAR.
Physical Requirements/Environment
Difficult work and living conditions requiring frequent travel (up to 50% of the time) to provincial towns and remote villages, as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor degree in Arts, Social Sciences, or any related field. However, a diploma backed by strong relevant technical experience will also be considered.
- At least 6-7 years professional experience in safety & security with NGOs, INGOS. Previous work experience in emergency context, particularly in a hardship country.
- In-depth knowledge of NGO security management and risk management.
- Experience working in delicate situations with local partners.
- Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training.
- Solid familiarity with communications equipment (satellite phones, handheld radio, internet and emails, etc.).
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiating skills.
- Experience working for or in collaboration with UN agencies is an advantage.
- A willingness to work in high risk environments.
- Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
- Strong analytical as well as administrative skills.
- Professional fluency in French; Sango a plus.
Please visit the CRS Vacancy page and create an online profile to apply