Security and Operations Manager, START

Employer: Democracy International

Location: South Sudan
Closing date: 31 Oct 2014
Background
On behalf of USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI), Democracy International is providing long-term technical assistance and programmatic support to the Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) Program in South Sudan. The VISTAS program aims to serve as a catalyst for stability in South Sudan by encouraging community engagement with government at all levels and increasing government capacity to deliver services based upon community input and need. DI works with OTI and the VISTAS implementing partner to strengthen VISTAS program management, provide programmatic guidance and political analysis, and monitor program activities to ensure effective implementation of all project activities within the fluid operating environment in South Sudan.

Democracy International seeks a Security and Operations Manager to oversee security and operations and provide support to DI project personnel in South Sudan. Responsibilities include managing security policies and procedures for DI South Sudan, reporting to the field representative, and coordinating with DI senior home office staff. The anticipated duration of the position is 12-months with a possible extension. The position will be based in Juba with travel throughout South Sudan as required and security permitting.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Security and Operations Manager will report directly to the START Senior Transition Advisor and coordinate closely with DI home office senior management. Primary responsibilities of the position will include:

• Manage and provide support for all aspects of physical and information security and in-country operations for START project personnel;
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Transition Advisor and home office senior management to synchronize operational and security plans with program needs;
• Ensure compliance with USAID regulations and DI systems and procedures, including the security plan, communication protocols, and crisis response plan. Recommend updates to strengthen systems as needed;
• Monitor and report on the in-country security environment and liaise with relevant security agencies and local organizations in South Sudan;
• Coordinate closely with security and operations personnel from the VISTAS implementing partner to ensure streamlined and effective program implementation;
• Prepare and distribute daily security information briefs advising the Senior Transition Advisor and home office senior management on relevant security information and updates at the local, regional, and national levels;
• Maintain awareness of the evolving conflict dynamics in South Sudan. Identify emerging threats in the context of DI’s program activities and report to senior management;
• Manage all physical document and IT security measures, and implement systems to protect all project assets from theft and damage;
• Remain on-call 24/7 to address potential emergency and/or medical scenarios;
• Coordinate with DI’s Country Office security personnel to maintain up-to-date emergency and crisis management plans;
• Manage all aspects of regional travel outside of Juba for the Senior Transportation Advisor and other project personnel, including planning, budgeting, and tracking;
• Manage the procurement of goods and services for the project in close coordination with the DI home office program management unit;
• Manage and maintain the inventory of project assets;
• Manage project communications and ensure that all personnel have the necessary emergency communication and tracking equipment during local and regional travel;
• Supervise, mentor, and train two national staff operations team members
• Maintain flexibility and work collaboratively as part of a team to support program needs as they arise.

Qualifications:

• The Security and Operations Manager should possess the following minimum qualifications:
• 5+ years of relevant security field management experience. East Africa and/or South Sudan experience highly preferred;
• Bachelor degree in issues related to organizational security management, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent years of relevant experience required;
• Prior experience working on USAID or donor-funded international development programs as a security manager highly preferred;
• Demonstrated experience managing and implementing field logistics, operations, and security systems. Experience in conflict environments or countries in political transition required;
• Working knowledge of budget management and ability to prepare timely, complete, and accurate reports;
• Proven track record of building strong, trusted relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels;
• A sound working knowledge of security best practices and legislation affecting the security role in South Sudan. Knowledge of South Sudanese government regulations regarding security desirable;
• Professional written and spoken fluency in English required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Candidates selected may be screened through a US government security background check and must meet all eligibility requirements;

How to apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:  jobs.democracyinternational.com. We will only contact those candidates who best meet our needs. No phone calls or additional emails please.

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 70 countries. DI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.