Employer: Mercy Corps
Location: Sana'a, Yemen
General Position Summary
The County Safety and Security Manager (CSSM) will manage all aspects of the Country Safety and Security Risk Management (SSRM) system. The CSSM, in consultation with local safety staff and program managers, is expected to pursue the following objectives in his/her daily work:
Manage the Security Safety Risk Management (SSRM) process
Develop and supervise the implementation of area safety management policies, protocols and procedures
Perform Security Safety Risk Assessments (SSRAs) and supervise the implementation of mitigation/ prevention measures
Oversee the information management, analysis and reporting process for all area of operations.
Maintain relevant safety documentation, data and records for the areas of concern.
Facilitate and deliver safety-related training to local and international staff
Mentor and provide technical supervision to Security Officers.
Develop the capacity of the Security Management Team in Yemen.
Act as the focal point for contractual and procurement issues related to security & safety risk management.
Supports in creating an environment where all Mercy Corps programs, team members and business are conducted with professionalism, impartiality, accountability required as a humanitarian agency.
Provide advice and guidance to the Country Director and Senior Management Team
Liaise with local authorities to ensure safe operations.
Coordinate with Mercy Corps regional and global safety and security leadership to adherence to up to date policies and procedures, as well as effective incident response.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
SECURITY MANAGEMENT & PLANNING
Perform area-specific SSRAs and conduct Security Safety Level assessments.
Advise Program and Heads of Offices on available Security Safety Management Strategies, including the transfer, avoidance, acceptance and/or control of risks.
Develop and supervise the implementation of Security Management Plan (SMP), including Local Security Plan; Security briefing Board (SBB), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); Contingency Plans (CPs); mitigation action plans; and Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS).
Develop, update and supervise the implementation of security/ safety improvement action plans for each filed location.
Develop area-specific Contingency Planning. Is aware of Crisis Management guidelines and will serve on the crisis management team.
Assist in the management and resolution of safety incidents and provide timely and accurate incident reports
Develop and update all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity in Yemen.
Develop ongoing relationships with local authorities, civil leaders and other critical institutions within Yemen.
Work to ensure that Mercy Corps, its mission and work in the areas of operations is known and accepted.
Work to encourage stakeholders to work with Mercy Corps in ensuring that staff and programs are safe and allowed to continue humanitarian activities in Yemen.
Maintain a high level of preparedness in regard to contextual changes.
Evaluate, review and update the security management plans on a regular basis. Reference and ensure compliance to Mercy Corps Security Management Framework within the SMP and all annexes.
Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for Mercy Corps offices and residences in Yemen and ensure that practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved;
Conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.
Undertake continual assessments of equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met.
Ensure safety and security protocol, reporting mechanism, and capacity building initiative account for gender-specific risks, staff profiles and background, and are sensitive to local contexts.
Conduct training and briefings to all staff through routine meetings and written reports.
INCIDENT REPORTING AND RESPONSE
The CSSM is the primary person responsible for all flash reporting and incident management in consultation and collaboration with the CD, Ops and support functions.
Is responsible for the documentation and analysis of all incidents.
The CSSM (+ the safety team) contributes and maintains current tracking, mapping and automated reporting systems of security incidents and updates for a comprehensive view on events & trends in the region.
SECURITY & CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION ANALYSIS
Provision of regular analysis, statistics and reporting on key developments within the area of operations.
Tailored analysis and assessments, including SSRAs, on specific areas, themes, issues or scenarios
Is primarily responsible for humanitarian access strategies and developing these with colleagues in the context of program operations.
Establish and maintain a list of contacts throughout the area of interest
Maintain and update the incident tracking database in the area of operation, and provide trend/pattern analysis
Provide advice on program development and implementation, including program assessments
Identify potential scenarios, indicators of change and key decision points
Oversee the implementation of field travel SOPs and planning
REPRESENTATION & INFLUENCE
Focal point for safety co-ordination between relevant authorities and actors within the area of operations
Attend INSO, OCHA, UNDSS and other relevant external fora
Establish a network of contacts and represent MC at security meetings
Participate in the SMT in the event of a critical incident or crisis
Assist with the facilitation of permits from local authorities for Mercy Corps program operations. Work closely with Senior Government Liaison Officer, Heads of Office and Program Managers to facilitate permissions.
STAFF MANAGEMENT, TRAINING & LEARNING
Provide operational safety briefings and orientation to all new and visiting staff
Brief new international and non-local staff on specific cultural norms and behaviors
Train local safety staff in the delivery of establish safety training modules
Organize and coordinate the delivery of Personal Security Safety Training (PSST) on a quarterly basis
Brief SMT members on their responsibilities and ensure alternate members are available and briefed
Quality assurance of safety-related policies, protocols, procedures and regulations
Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews
STAFF SAFETY & SECURITY
Assist logisticians and administrators with the procurement, delivery and control of security/ safety equipment
Act as the security focal point for telecommunications systems, including radios, tracking devices and satellite phones
Coordinate and directly supervise international staff field travel between field offices; ensure local SSOs supervise and support international and national staff movement in their areas of responsibility.
Supervise all travel authorizations for permanent and visiting international staff. Brief all incoming staff and visitors.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Reports Directly To: Country Director
Works Directly With: Head of Offices, Operations Managers, Directors and Program Managers. Regional Security Advisor; Senior Government Liaison Officer
Supervisory Responsibility: Supervises the safety and security officer(s)/focal points
Knowledge and Experience
BA/BS degree in a relevant field, masters preferred
4-8 years’ experience as a Head of Office, Security Manager or Operation Manager in a high risk country with humanitarian organization.
Security management experience with a proven ability to develop and implement effective and contextualized protocols and systems.
Experience with critical incident management
Experience with delivering security-related training
Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Stable and robust character, team-player
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Required fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic.
Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies.
Excellent knowledge of Yemen.
Apply Now
Location: Sana'a, Yemen
General Position Summary
The County Safety and Security Manager (CSSM) will manage all aspects of the Country Safety and Security Risk Management (SSRM) system. The CSSM, in consultation with local safety staff and program managers, is expected to pursue the following objectives in his/her daily work:
Manage the Security Safety Risk Management (SSRM) process
Develop and supervise the implementation of area safety management policies, protocols and procedures
Perform Security Safety Risk Assessments (SSRAs) and supervise the implementation of mitigation/ prevention measures
Oversee the information management, analysis and reporting process for all area of operations.
Maintain relevant safety documentation, data and records for the areas of concern.
Facilitate and deliver safety-related training to local and international staff
Mentor and provide technical supervision to Security Officers.
Develop the capacity of the Security Management Team in Yemen.
Act as the focal point for contractual and procurement issues related to security & safety risk management.
Supports in creating an environment where all Mercy Corps programs, team members and business are conducted with professionalism, impartiality, accountability required as a humanitarian agency.
Provide advice and guidance to the Country Director and Senior Management Team
Liaise with local authorities to ensure safe operations.
Coordinate with Mercy Corps regional and global safety and security leadership to adherence to up to date policies and procedures, as well as effective incident response.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
SECURITY MANAGEMENT & PLANNING
Perform area-specific SSRAs and conduct Security Safety Level assessments.
Advise Program and Heads of Offices on available Security Safety Management Strategies, including the transfer, avoidance, acceptance and/or control of risks.
Develop and supervise the implementation of Security Management Plan (SMP), including Local Security Plan; Security briefing Board (SBB), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); Contingency Plans (CPs); mitigation action plans; and Minimum Operating Safety Standards (MOSS).
Develop, update and supervise the implementation of security/ safety improvement action plans for each filed location.
Develop area-specific Contingency Planning. Is aware of Crisis Management guidelines and will serve on the crisis management team.
Assist in the management and resolution of safety incidents and provide timely and accurate incident reports
Develop and update all policies, procedures, guidelines and planning for staff safety, operational security and program continuity in Yemen.
Develop ongoing relationships with local authorities, civil leaders and other critical institutions within Yemen.
Work to ensure that Mercy Corps, its mission and work in the areas of operations is known and accepted.
Work to encourage stakeholders to work with Mercy Corps in ensuring that staff and programs are safe and allowed to continue humanitarian activities in Yemen.
Maintain a high level of preparedness in regard to contextual changes.
Evaluate, review and update the security management plans on a regular basis. Reference and ensure compliance to Mercy Corps Security Management Framework within the SMP and all annexes.
Evaluate, review and update the hibernation and evacuation plans for Mercy Corps offices and residences in Yemen and ensure that practical preparations are in place and known to all staff involved;
Conduct risk assessments of contracted and prospective offices and residences. Follow up on actions to be taken to ensure compliance with safety and security standards.
Undertake continual assessments of equipment, and the protocols by which that equipment is used, to ensure that minimal conditions for security are being met.
Ensure safety and security protocol, reporting mechanism, and capacity building initiative account for gender-specific risks, staff profiles and background, and are sensitive to local contexts.
Conduct training and briefings to all staff through routine meetings and written reports.
INCIDENT REPORTING AND RESPONSE
The CSSM is the primary person responsible for all flash reporting and incident management in consultation and collaboration with the CD, Ops and support functions.
Is responsible for the documentation and analysis of all incidents.
The CSSM (+ the safety team) contributes and maintains current tracking, mapping and automated reporting systems of security incidents and updates for a comprehensive view on events & trends in the region.
SECURITY & CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION ANALYSIS
Provision of regular analysis, statistics and reporting on key developments within the area of operations.
Tailored analysis and assessments, including SSRAs, on specific areas, themes, issues or scenarios
Is primarily responsible for humanitarian access strategies and developing these with colleagues in the context of program operations.
Establish and maintain a list of contacts throughout the area of interest
Maintain and update the incident tracking database in the area of operation, and provide trend/pattern analysis
Provide advice on program development and implementation, including program assessments
Identify potential scenarios, indicators of change and key decision points
Oversee the implementation of field travel SOPs and planning
REPRESENTATION & INFLUENCE
Focal point for safety co-ordination between relevant authorities and actors within the area of operations
Attend INSO, OCHA, UNDSS and other relevant external fora
Establish a network of contacts and represent MC at security meetings
Participate in the SMT in the event of a critical incident or crisis
Assist with the facilitation of permits from local authorities for Mercy Corps program operations. Work closely with Senior Government Liaison Officer, Heads of Office and Program Managers to facilitate permissions.
STAFF MANAGEMENT, TRAINING & LEARNING
Provide operational safety briefings and orientation to all new and visiting staff
Brief new international and non-local staff on specific cultural norms and behaviors
Train local safety staff in the delivery of establish safety training modules
Organize and coordinate the delivery of Personal Security Safety Training (PSST) on a quarterly basis
Brief SMT members on their responsibilities and ensure alternate members are available and briefed
Quality assurance of safety-related policies, protocols, procedures and regulations
Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews
STAFF SAFETY & SECURITY
Assist logisticians and administrators with the procurement, delivery and control of security/ safety equipment
Act as the security focal point for telecommunications systems, including radios, tracking devices and satellite phones
Coordinate and directly supervise international staff field travel between field offices; ensure local SSOs supervise and support international and national staff movement in their areas of responsibility.
Supervise all travel authorizations for permanent and visiting international staff. Brief all incoming staff and visitors.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING
As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.
ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Reports Directly To: Country Director
Works Directly With: Head of Offices, Operations Managers, Directors and Program Managers. Regional Security Advisor; Senior Government Liaison Officer
Supervisory Responsibility: Supervises the safety and security officer(s)/focal points
Knowledge and Experience
BA/BS degree in a relevant field, masters preferred
4-8 years’ experience as a Head of Office, Security Manager or Operation Manager in a high risk country with humanitarian organization.
Security management experience with a proven ability to develop and implement effective and contextualized protocols and systems.
Experience with critical incident management
Experience with delivering security-related training
Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Stable and robust character, team-player
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Required fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic.
Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies.
Excellent knowledge of Yemen.
Qualifications
Behaviors
Required
Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Motivations
Required
Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
Job Security: Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe
Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
Financial: Inspired to perform well by monetary reimbursement
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business
Work-Life Balance: Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work
Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Experience
Required
• BA/BS degree in a relevant field, masters preferred • 4-8 years’ experience as a Head of Office, Security Manager or Operation Manager in a high risk country with humanitarian organization. • Security management experience with a proven ability to develop and implement effective and contextualized protocols and systems • Experience with critical incident management • Experience with delivering security-related training
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines • Stable and robust character, team-player • Excellent communication and negotiation skills • Required fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic. • Demonstrated understanding of complex emergencies, related security concerns, and appropriate responses to such emergencies. • Excellent knowledge of Yemen.