Location: Iraq
We are seeking a security advisor to assist with the management of the diverse threat environments in the four neighbouring host countries. The focus areas in each country are as follows:
Lebanon: Beirut, North Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley
Jordan: Amman, Al-Mafraq, Zaatari and Azraq camps, potentially Rukban
Turkey: Southeastern Anatolia region including Gaziantep, Urfa, Kilis, and Hatay provinces. Syrian border areas (within 10km of border) including Bab al Hawa crossing.
Iraq: Iraqi Kurdistan, with a particular focus on Erbil, but also encompassing Duhok, Zakho and Rabia, with possible travel to disputed regions (Nineveh and Kirkuk).
The security advisor will work closely with Executive Director and the Syria programme team, providing relevant and up-to-date advice, to ensure that missions are prepared and conducted in such a way as to achieve the highest possible level of threat avoidance and mitigation. The successful candidate will combine the utmost professionalism, integrity and flexibility to support the mission team in safely identifying and connecting with Syrian survivors.
We are looking for a security advisor with extensive experience of providing security advice to international organizations and NGOs on field and mission security, as well as intimate knowledge of the local context and threat environments across the four mission countries. The security advisor will report to Syria Programme Manager. The role of security advisor may include travel within the region.
Reports to:
Syria Programme Manager
Duration: 12 Month Rolling Period, From October 2020 – 30 September 2021
Location:
Middle East, preference to those candidates based in Iraq
Hours: 30 days’ work over 12-month period - to be agreed with each assignment as required
Functions/ Key Deliverables:
The Security Advisor will have the following ad hoc activities to ensure mission preparedness and safe conduct of missions to Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq:
To provide an initial security briefing and a security de-brief to all visiting staff and consultants.
To be the first point of call for staff if they are in a crisis situation and to organise for the staff to be moved to safety;
To escalate matters to the Executive Director and Programme Manager Syria in cases of crisis or emergency;
To advise on the necessity of a security detail for staff on mission to the four target countries, given the mission objectives, mission schedule (including areas to be visited) and the overall security context in the target country at the relevant time.
When necessary, to accompany staff on mission the regions targeted by the programme, including transporting staff to and from meetings, and working closely with Programme Manager Syria to manage the threat environment in real time.
To advise on procurement related to mission security by recommending service providers and suppliers, particularly as regards local security escorts, secure accommodation, long range radios, armoured vehicles, body armour, etc.
Maintaining a good understanding of the regional threat environment and all risks relevant to business operations.
Liaising with all relevant security agencies to ensure situational awareness. These will include local security forces, diplomatic missions, private security companies and informal security networks.
Maintaining close communication with staff through face to face meetings, mobile, SMS and Skype communications.
Monitor evolving threats and generate and disseminate threat reports as quickly as possible.
Appropriate risk mitigation measures are recommended to counter emerging threats.
During ongoing major security incidents, ensure that staff on mission are kept updated on a regular basis.
To work closely with staff to ensure that risk and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) are implemented.
The handling of incidents and emergency response as per SOPs to ensure that staff are kept safe during times of crisis.
Skills and Qualifications Required:
Security expert with at least 10 years relevant experience demonstrated in hostile environments;
4 years’ experience in the Middle East with knowledge and experience of the culture and context and excellent knowledge of the focus areas outlined above, preferably gained through previous experience providing security advice to international organizations or NGO actors working on the Syria crisis;
Strong relationships with key security actors and stakeholders in the four mission countries, with a particular focus on the focus areas outlined above;
Experience in running security trainings and awareness within NGOs;
Excellent written and oral English, research and drafting skills, organizational and analytical skills;
Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work on own and take initiative;
Ability to be flexible and meet deadlines;
Ability to manage relationships at all levels, possess excellent negotiation and communication skills.
Desirable:
Excellent written and oral Arabic.
Previous experience assisting international organizations or NGOs working in active conflict environments.
How to apply
Please email a CV and statement of interest to: xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxx.com
Please email a CV and statement of interest to: xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxx.com
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